Bucket List

I am on flight from Seattle to Fort Lauderdale. I can’t get the smile off of my face because I just came from one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I am a huge fan of live music and one of my favorite bands to see live is The Dave Matthews Band. Last night they played in a place that has been on my bucket list since I heard of its existence five years ago. It’s called the Gorge. It’s 2.5 hours east of Seattle with scenery words cannot even begin to describe. It’s a natural amphitheater with astounding acoustics.

Having an experience like this allows me to reflect on how amazing life can be. To simply be in the moment while acknowledging that there is nothing in the world I’d rather be doing, fills me with gratitude.

I believe we are on this planet to experience what life has to offer. None of us knows when our journey will end. Why not seize the moment? If you’re in good health and have the resources to fulfill your passions, why in the world wouldn’t you?

What experiences do you want to have while you are here? Have you created a list of them? Are you pursuing them? If not, what is stopping you: lack of clarity, planning, or motivation? Has the daily grind of life taken over? If so, let this be your wake up call.

1. Create or revise your bucket list. Where do you want to go? What would you like to do? Write them down.
2. Make immediate plans to do at least one item on your list. If you don’t make the plans it won’t happen. You’ll eventually reach a point in life where you’ll regret not having fulfilled your passions. Don’t become that person!
3. Be present in the moment while you are doing it. So often when we’re doing what we love, we get caught up in our head thinking about the past or the future. Once the experience is over you realize that it was not as gratifying as it could have been because you weren’t fully present. When you are having the experience, be fully present. You’ll have plenty of other time to contemplate past or future.
4. Always be working toward the next item on your list. I’ve said this many times; the only reason my father (who has been in poor health since his 30’s) is still here at 81 is because he is always planning his next adventure. He always has something for which to look forward. In his mind, he has to be there for the experience so it continually drives his will to live.
5. Leave the planet with no regrets. None of us knows when our last day will be. Seize the moment.

Please send along your stories!
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