Happy 2025!
Like so many, last week I took some time to sit and reflect on the year that was (don't let the door kick you in the face, 2024) and what I hoped to call in for 2025. Years ago I stopped calling them "new year's resolutions," and switched to "intentions." It feels a lot more gentle to me and a lot more forgiving if I end up missing the mark...as I often do. As I was journaling, I thought about short-term goals versus long-term goals and how we discern which is which.
We've all heard the phrase "bucket list" – those dreams and aspirations we tuck away for "someday." But as an end-of-life doula, I've learned a profound truth: tomorrow isn't guaranteed, even for those in perfect health. Life's uncertainty isn't meant to frighten us; rather, it should inspire us to embrace our dreams with greater urgency and intention.
Think about it: How many times have you said, "I'll do that when I retire" or "Maybe next year"? We often treat our bucket lists like distant mirages, always visible but somehow just out of reach. Yet every day, I work with people who remind me of life's most valuable lesson – the present moment is our most precious gift. For years I worked in Hollywood developing movies, and I cringe when I think about some of the romanticized versions of terminal illness and death that I helped put on the screen. We've all seen the scenario where someone is diagnosed with cancer and decides to go on a road trip across the country with their best friend. Really? How's that going to work when you're exhausted from chemo? What's stopping you from doing that now, when you're healthy and can enjoy it?
Your Bucket List: A Living Document
I invite you to pause right now and engage in a meaningful exercise with me. Grab a piece of paper or open a new document on your phone. Let's create your bucket list together, but with a different approach – one that transforms these dreams from far-off fantasies into actionable plans.
First, write down five things you genuinely want to experience in your lifetime. Not what you think you should want, but what truly calls to your heart. Maybe it's standing atop Machu Picchu, learning to play the piano, starting your own business, or simply spending more quality time with your loved ones.
The Hard Questions
Now comes the interesting part. For each item on your list, ask yourself these essential questions:
1. Can I do this right now? Be honest with yourself. What's actually stopping you?
2. What are the real barriers? Often, we'll find our obstacles aren't as insurmountable as we imagine. Is it money? Time? Fear? Understanding our true barriers is the first step to overcoming them.
3. Am I willing to take action? This is perhaps the most crucial question. Are you willing to make changes, take risks, or step out of your comfort zone to achieve this dream?
4. What three concrete steps can I take today? Not tomorrow, not next week – today. These don't have to be giant leaps. Small steps forward are still progress.
From Dreams to Reality: Your Action Plan
Let's put this into perspective with an example. Say one of your bucket list items is to learn to play the guitar. Your three immediate actions might be:
- Research local guitar teachers or online courses today
- Set aside $50 from your next paycheck for lessons or a starter guitar
- Schedule 15 minutes each day for practice, starting tonight
The beauty of this approach is that it transforms vague wishes into concrete plans. Each small action builds momentum toward your larger goal.
The Ultimate Question: Why Wait?
As someone who regularly witnesses the delicate nature of life, I often see the regret in people's eyes when they speak of dreams they put off only to have run out of time. The truth is, we often have more control over our bucket list than we realize. While some goals truly require time and preparation, many are achievable much sooner than we think – if we're willing to prioritize them.
Your Challenge
Today, I challenge you to look at your bucket list differently. Don't think of it as a "someday" list. Think of it as a "now" list. For each item you've written down:
1. Identify one barrier you can start addressing today
2. Schedule three specific actions in your calendar for the next week
3. Share your commitment with someone who will support your journey
Remember, life doesn't always give us the luxury of perfect timing. The perfect moment to start working toward your dreams is now – not when everything aligns perfectly, not when you have more time or money, but right now.
Moving Forward
Your bucket list isn't just a collection of dreams; it's a roadmap to a life fully lived. By taking action today, you're not just planning for the future – you're actively creating it.
What's on your bucket list? And more importantly, what step will you take today to make it happen?
*Feel free to share your thoughts and commitments in the comments below. Sometimes, simply declaring our intentions publicly can be the first step toward making them reality.*
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