I’m writing my way through an interactive journal meant to free my creativity, and I recently came across a prompt that read “Money is no object! Create your bucket list right here, right now.” There was a drawing of a bucket and a blank list numbered from 1 to 10, awaiting my hoped-for adventures. I wrote in the first one without pause: Full Anne of Green Gables experience in Canada. And after that, I thought for a bit. I added a trip to Phillips, in Baltimore, with my Dad, because we love good seafood and I have rosy memories of visiting there as a child. I added more travel - “all of my dream stops in Europe + Haiti” and upon further consideration, I added, “and around the world”. It felt like cheating - like asking a genie for infinite wishes, but I suppose the primary theme of my bucket list would involve travel experiences. Having neatly tied all those up within 3 bullet points, I was at a loss for what to add next. What an overwhelming little prompt this was proving to be. Sure my list should include things I want to do, but what?
I thought about what other people might add. Climb the tallest mountain? Pass - although I might settle for a small one under the right circumstances. Sky diving? Could be amazing, but could also end in death, and did I really want to be the girl who died, because she felt the need to fall out of a plane just for funsies? Swim with dolphins? Disney princess vibes for sure, but I don’t know how to swim, and I don’t know if I can trust the dolphin. Am I being too close-minded? Omg - is this like my (non-existent) dating life - am I missing out because I’m too critical and fearful?
I thought for some time about what a bucket list really is, and I’ve decided that it is whatever I want it to be, so I added “buy a home and build my little mug wall finally” (if you know, you know) and few more wishes of that nature.
But I want more than standard milestones and beautiful things. I want adventures that are more than metaphorical — outside-of-my-ordinary experiences. And what I came away with after my best attempt at this list, was that the best way to add adventure was to invite others into it. I thought of every time I did anything remotely adventurous and the common thread was that I had not sought those experiences out on my own - kayaking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, white water rafting - none of these were my idea. And every single one of them was a growing experience that ended in a good story. So I’ve asked my friends to add to my bucket list, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store.
P.S. You can be a part of my adventures too…