I’ve always loved the 2007 movie The Bucket List with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. In it, a billionaire and car mechanic–both facing terminal cancer–set off to complete a shared list of dreams before they die. Some of the items are grand adventures, like visiting the Pyramids in Egypt and reaching the summit of Mt. Everest. Others are simple joys like laughing until they cry and kissing the prettiest girl in the world, which ends up being a granddaughter he never knew. Along the way, the two become unlikely friends with an indelible impact on each other’s lives in their final days.
More recently, I watched the Netflix movie Life List, a light-hearted romantic comedy with a different take on the idea. In this story, the main character must complete a life list before receiving her inheritance. Unlike the bucket list in the earlier film, this list was created when she was a teenager. The items on the list focus on smaller, heartfelt experiences: trying stand-up comedy, helping people make a difference, getting a tattoo, and falling in love. After a year of working to complete the list, she finds herself and receives more than an inheritance.
More than in the movies
Recently, I was asked during an icebreaker to share something on my own bucket list. Travel came to mind right away–I always have places I’d love to visit. But when I thought beyond travel, it got harder. What simple joys or personal adventures would I include on a life list? As others shared, I noticed a pattern: many admitted that they didn’t have a bucket list. Life’s busyness seemed to push those big dreams aside. While others of us could name grand destinations, we struggled to identify the simpler pleasures.
The moment offered a gentle nudge: maybe it’s time to consider the experiences I want to collect in life. I don’t need to be a billionaire to seize some amazing opportunities. What I do need is time–time to slow down, reflect, and recognize what truly matters. Looking forward to something has always given my life a sense of purpose. And since I’m already a fan of lists, why not create one that brings laughter, sweet friendships, and memories that can never be replaced? A list that propels me forward to experiencing life to its fullest.
A great life list balances meaningful experiences, personal growth, fun challenges, and connection with others. The key is to discover what makes you feel alive and overflowing with gratitude.
Roxanne,
I too have a simple joys list. These are things that bring me great joy with little monetary cost. 🙂 Here is the beginning of my list.
– Sunsets
– A clean car
– The smell of a horse’s muzzle
– A long walk
– A conversation with my kids
– An long-time friend