There’s a condition that my family calls “Go-itis”. It means running from task to task, event to event, packing the schedule with little space for consciously experiencing the day. Sound familiar? Even if we enjoy the energy associated with productivity, we miss so much in between because our minds are focused on the outcome versus the process. This is similar to my feeling about creating a Bucket List. Let me explain.
Yes, it’s important to make a list, envision where we want to go and what we want to do because things don’t just happen. Yet the idea of a “Bucket List” can trip us up, no pun intended. Merriam Webster defines Bucket List as “a list of things that one has not done before but wants to do before dying”. It means “later in life”, waiting for some magical time to check off the items. It assumes that until we check-off what’s on the Bucket List, all other time is wasted! Not true! We’re living our lives now. Although planning and financial resources might impact the “when” and “how”, with intention we can begin to manifest whatever we desire in our lives today, including travel. Bucket List is about identifying what has meaning to our lives and making it happen as soon as we have the opportunity. Creating a travel list of experiences that align with what we value is worthwhile. Perhaps it’s planning for a 10th Anniversary excursion with a spouse or a big birthday journey with lifetime friends. Once we’ve identified how and where we want to go, it’s helpful to share with others. We’ll garner feedback and direction for actualizing the goal.The universe will even conspire to support us and we’ll start seeing how to make our dreams a reality.
Yes, being aware of what matters most to us and creating and verbalizing what’s on the list is very important. One friend of mine has a huge spreadsheet that he visits every year to determine what from the list can be accomplished in the New Year. So yes, a list matters and we can start now to understand our motivations.
Sometimes we hold too tightly to how a dream must look consequently narrowing possibilities. Stay flexible around the
specific outcome. Maybe you’ll travel in a small group, for example, when initially you thought you’d be going solo.The trip might look different than initially imagined and that’s ok.
specific outcome. Maybe you’ll travel in a small group, for example, when initially you thought you’d be going solo.The trip might look different than initially imagined and that’s ok.Be aware that we sometimes set goals based on past experiences and what our mind already knows. This feels safe. Let yourself think outside of the box even if you don’t know how you might accomplish it. I want to travel around the world with my spouse and friends. Admittedly, I’m unsure exactly how this trip might look. It’s time to begin envisioning, learning and sharing.
What do you value when you travel? Where and with whom do you want to travel? What calls to you? Our needs and desires are indeed unique. To inspire imagination, enjoy conversation with other travel enthusiasts at The World Within Reach: A Travel Workshop, January 24th. Register HERE .
Can’t attend? Download The World Within Reach Matrix instead.
The magical time is NOW.
