Before You Kick the Bucket....

So recently I've thinking and rethinking about all of the things I'd like to see, do, eat, and experience before I kick the bucket. Now I know the thought of meeting your maker, whoever that might be, is a scary one for most people. And why shouldn't it be? I'm pretty convinced the world is way cooler with me in it, and I hate the idea of one day depriving humanity of my awesomeness;) Nevertheless, we will all be forced to walk towards the light someday. Will you be content with what you experienced throughout your life? Or will there be things you will regret having never seen or done? Personally, I don't want to miss out on all of the amazing things this beautiful, chaotic planet has to teach me, so I'm am creating a bucket list of everything I want to accomplish before I croak. In doing so I hope to encourage other folks to do the same. Hell, if we only get one shot at this whole life thing, I want to live it to its fullest, including the good, the bad, and the horridly painful parts. So here it goes:

1. See 100 countries (24 down, 76 to go)
2. Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
3. Write a book
4. Learn Arabic
5. Float up the Amazon and meet the indigenous people of Brazil
6. Bike and camp along the Great Wall of China
7. Take a train from China across Russia
8. Party at Carnival in Rio
9. Learn to play the Guitar and the piano
10. Get my Ph.D in History
11. Volunteer with the Peace Corps
12. Start my own non-profit
13. Skydive (done)
14. Serve in the military
15. Start a family
16. Hike to Base Camp
17. Shave my head
18. See all 7 continents
19. Write a love song
20. Learn to surf in Australia
21. Adopt a child
22. Find (and keep) my one great love, which is easier said than done
23. Backpack Europe (done)
24. Celebrate New Years Eve in NYC
25. Raft down the Colorado River
26. Live in a foreign country
27. Participate in a peaceful protest
28. Finish an Iron Man
29. Run marathon (done)
30. Change someones life for the better

I'm sure the list will change multiple time over the years, but we all have to start somewhere. Everyones list will be completely different, as they should be, but imagine how rewarding it will be when you can cross off each accomplishment on your own list as you do them. I know it will be virtually impossible to experience everything on the list, especially since it is a continuous work in progress. But if creating a list motivates you to do the things you've always wanted to do, isn't it worth writing? You're never too old to start living, and what better time than now to just go for it? Sometimes everyday life can make it seem impossible to focus on anything other than bills, school, work, PTA meetings, divorce, or whatever. But making time to do something out of the ordinary, something that is just for you, can help make all of the mundane daily ritual B.S. seem more manageable. The list is definitely a commitment worth making, and I refuse to look back and regret not doing the things that will undoubtedly help shape the woman I am meant to be.

Cheers,
Danni

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