Earlier this semester, I received some words of wisdom unexpectedly from a stranger.
I was washing my hands and viewing myself in the mirror of a J.C. Penny department store on a cold Monday morning. A petite woman in her eighties with short curly grey hair stood at the sink beside me.
She smiled and said, “If I knew how pretty I was when I was younger I would have enjoyed life and not wasted so much time fixing my appearance. You can’t go back when you get to my age. You’re old when you finally realize what matters most.”
“That was a really deep thought for an early morning bathroom conversation…”
Thinking that was a really deep thought for an early morning bathroom conversation, I smiled and told her I agreed there are much more important things than one’s appearance.
As she was leaving she said, “Take my advice, write those things that are important to you down and start doing them today.”
I called after her to have a nice day, and smiled at how blunt some people can be.
I grabbed a pen and paper and started writing out a list of things important for me to do.
Later that day, I found myself thinking of the words a stranger had given me that morning. Next thing I knew, I grabbed a pen and paper and started writing out a list of things important for me to do.
Sitting back and rereading the list, I realized I had in my hands a “Bucket List”.
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“Like most college students, I always assumed there was plenty of time ahead.”
The spunky senior in the JC Penny’s restroom had inspired me. Like most college students, I always assumed there was plenty of time ahead and I would do this or that eventually. As I sat back in my chair, I realized I was fooling myself.
I want to leave my footprints in the sand and make every day count.
After all, a life can be simply lived by going through the motions or a life can be an inspirational journey others will strive for. I want to leave my footprints in the sand and make every day count.
To get to college we did well in high school, and to get the job we desire we must do well in college. Life is a checklist of goals and we want to captain the driver’s seat so we must check off the steps to move us forward. I challenge you to not wait for old age to create your bucket list. Start it today.
“I challenge you to not wait for old age to create your bucket list.”
As your life goes on and you check things you have done off the list, it’s time to add more to the list.
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As children, the anticipation of things like holidays excited us and gave us joy as we looked forward to the event. We have the power to make every day an anticipated event, and bring us closer to the goals we set. The Bucket list challenge can inspire and fuel your will to achieve all your dreams.
I will not waste one day of my life longing for the past.
Our lives lay before us with unexpected ups and downs. Signs are everywhere with the Universe offering hints to smoother travels, if only we pay attention.
"We have the power to make every day an anticipated event."
I heard the universe loud and clear in the words of a stranger. I will not waste one day of my life longing for the past, but keep my focus set on achieving all I can in the future. No one can stop you from reaching your ambitions but yourself.
Write those ambitions down today and let life guide you.