What Are Bucket Lists and Why Some People Decide Against Them?
Life is a journey filled with purposeful checkpoints, and for many, a bucket list serves as a map to mark these essential milestones. However, not everyone is convinced of the value of such a list.
My Journey Without a Bucket List
Uniquely, I never had a bucket list, and yet, I've accomplished all the goals I might have included. My life has taken a fulfilling path that includes teaching medical school, retiring, becoming a spiritual minister for soul healing, and writing books. I’ve traveled the world, published books, and am currently writing two more. I contribute to multiple columns and maintain an active blog. With my internationally recognized certifications in regression therapy and hypnotherapy, I manage a robust clientele and maintain a daily commitment to volunteer work. Although I am 83 years old, my aspirations are not waning. However, I hope to slow down in the coming years.
Focus on Career: A Path to Fulfillment
I believe in making a career a priority, rather than a bucket list. Following my retirement in 2014, I focused on my career and pursued spontaneous, fulfilling opportunities. Some of the places I’ve visited since then include Jerusalem, Heilongjiang, New Orleans, Trivandrum, and Istanbul. These travels were often last-minute decisions that enriched my life in ways a list often fails to predict.
No Destination, No Plan
Some may argue that without a destination or a plan, life lacks direction. However, I disagree. People like me, who have lived rather effortlessly without a bucket list, often thrive on the spontaneity and flexibility that such a lack provides. Realistically, many of the things I have done were spontaneous decisions, not premeditated actions based on a list. While a bucket list can be a useful tool for some, it isn't necessary for everyone.
Opinion on Bucket Lists
Bucket lists can be valuable for those who use them to set and achieve life goals, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Ultimately, what works for one person may not work for another. If a bucket list helps someone plan their life and pursue their dreams, then by all means, use it. However, if it doesn't, that’s perfectly fine too. Life is a journey, and the best way to travel it may not always lie in a list of destinations.
Personal spirituality plays a significant role in how we approach life’s goals. For many, bucket lists can be a source of inspiration and motivation. For others, like myself, spontaneity and the unpredictability of life provide a richer, more fulfilling experience. Both perspectives can be valid, and the key is to find what resonates with your own sense of purpose and happiness.
Ultimately, life is about embracing the journey and the experiences that come with it, whether they are planned or spontaneous. To those who question the existence of a bucket list, I say, ‘Keep exploring your passions, follow your heart, and let life take you where it will. The beauty lies in the experience, not just the destination.'
Do you have a bucket list or do you prefer a more spontaneous approach? Share your thoughts below.