Many of us have a Bucket List but are we actually living it or just looking at the list and dreaming about it. My guest this week in the Ageing Well, Living Well series, is Emily Jones, who works for a Swiss Adventure Travel company, Alpenwild . Emily discusses her N-O-W theory and why NOW is the perfect time to live your bucket list.
Now is the Perfect Time to Live your Bucket List
My friend called me up and asked if I wanted to do a marathon. I squirmed as she finished her question. I knew I wanted to – running a marathon has been on my bucket list – but oh the idea of running such a distance! The most I had run up to that point was 14 miles, running 10.2 more sounded intimidating. I inhaled and said, “Yes, now or never!”
I like to say, N-O-W is the best time to live your bucket list!
Consider this before you consider reading, what is on your life bucket list? Are there any time sensitive items on the list? What is the item that is calling to you most now?
N-O-W stands for
- No excuses
- Overcome
- What are you waiting for?
No Excuses
What made me squirm when the chance to live my bucket list? Two things: fear and stepping (more like running) outside of my comfort zone. However, I realized these two things lead to excuses that if I failed to address, would keep me from living my bucket list.
Fear
I feared failure. I wasn’t in shape, I subconsciously imagined my present self in a future time. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to finish the race or “run fast enough”. I had to go back to my original goal: to run a marathon. My vague goal to run a marathon was a good idea; had I put “Qualify for the Boston Marathon” on the list, I would’ve been a little more intimidated. (That one will move up on the list.)
I was able to identify the false notion of my fear – puting my out-of-shape self in the middle of a long race I’d never trained for – and replace it with a vision of my disciplined, trained self at the end of the finish line, celebrating the sweat, tears and blisters with my friend.
What fears do you have about an item on your bucket list, if any? Are there any false subconscious assumptions that you can eliminate to help you accomplish your goal?
Running Outside of my Comfort Zone
Training for a marathon entails significant life changes in order to keep up with the body’s demands, including going to bed early, getting up early, making time to run, stretch and recover, making healthy meals, staying hydrated and more. Ultimately, discipline is helping me overcome my fears.
Overcome
According to Webster’s, overcome is a transitive verb that means “to get the better of”. I love that it is a transitive verb – implying a state of promised change with a promised word. It sings an ode to “There is no growth in the comfort zone.” I think that “overcome” means to win one little battle at a time. All of the little battles won – leaving the warm bed, running despite the below-freezing temperatures, taking a hilly route rather than the coaxing route lined with flat, even pavement – add up to help win the big victory, accomplishing a marathon in my case.
What are you waiting for?
“The joy is in the journey, not the destination” they say.
I would have to agree. Full disclosure, I am still training for my marathon. I am set to run it in May of 2020. Despite the early-to-beds and early-to-rises, I’ve already seen the joy in living my bucket list item. I feel the energy I’ve gained in eating healthy. I’ve embraced the joy of reaching the double digits again – all the sudden running miles in the single digits feels like a breeze. Had I not signed up for the marathon, I wouldn’t be experiencing the joys in the journey.
What items are on your bucket list?
They could include places to travel, skills to learn, races to run and more. I want to hear about them in the comments below. I had a goal to travel to Switzerland and found a roundabout way of going through my job. I am so excited to get to go again this year.
52 Comments
Hi, Sue and Emily – I totally agree. NOW is the best time to live our Bucket Lists. Two years ago, I met a young woman on the Camino trail who was walking the 700 km for her mother. She said that her mother always wanted to walk the Camino but she was repeatedly too busy, and then too old and then too ill. How often have we heard about that kind of lost opportunity before? Thank you for this inspiring post.
Hi Donna, my Dad retired at 65 in the hope of spending more time with my Mother who was battling breast cancer. Within 6 months he had died from bowel cancer. It was such a shame that he didn’t get to enjoy his time with Mum. We have to do things NOW and not keep putting them off because ‘one day’ may never happen. xx
Hi Donna, Thank you for sharing. Yes, all too often we say we’ll “do things later” and miss opportunities. A few months ago, I had the thought to contact a friend. I was out of town and busy for work so I didn’t think much about it. Recently, I subsequently learned that she was going through a divorce. She and I have since caught up, gone to lunch and spent time together. It just reminded my that we can’t shouldn’t take now/NOW for granted. I will say though, when we do miss out on something, we must also take advantage of NOW by forgiving ourselves and making the most present.
I’m not sure I’m a NOW kind of girl, but I do like the idea of not delaying and procratinating if you really want something. Life is short and we need to grab the opportunities that come our way so for those with a bucket list, NOW might be the perfect way to tick off a few items.
Hi Leanne, yes I sometimes feel that responsibilities of life can rob us of the NOW feeling. For me, it is a balance of being there for my family and Mike’s Mum yet still enjoying the things we want to do. That might mean a shorter holiday rather than travelling for several months at a time but at the moment I’m happy with slowly ticking things off my bucket list each year. x
Hi Leanne, That is jut fine that you do not feel like a NOW kind of girl. Everyone is different. Take a moment each day to reflect on and enjoy your current happiness. You’ll be ready to snatch NOW moments when they come! 🙂 Sue, I like how you mentioned that life requires a balance – I agree.
Hi Ladies – just back for #MLSTL and Emily I really liked the idea of taking a moment to reflect each day on how happy I am – I was doing just that this morning and it’s a really good feeling!
Shared on my SM Sue x
Learning a second language was on my bucket list until I learnt basic Italian last year. Also ticked going to Europe and Japan. My main items still to go are Britain and Canada, and relearning the piano. Thanks for this thought-provoking article. And good luck with the marathon
Hi Christina, I’ve been very fortunate to tick off many places I wanted to visit and last year we ticked off Canada. You will love it! A country full of stunning natural beauty. Good for you learning a second language. My husband is Italian so I can speak a little which helps when we visit his cousins in Italy. Have a lovely week. x
Wow Christina! I am very impressed. I hope you’ve met some friends that you can practice you’re new language skills with. Productivity is a wonderful thing. I hope you continue to enjoy all of those activities. Thank you for your well wishes with the marathon – I certainly look forward to it!
Money has always been an issue for me. Otherwise I would be on the beach right NOW! But I completely believe in the importance of having bucket lists…lists plural because I make seasonal lists. My seasonal lists don’t have activities like traveling abroad, or buying an RV, or having a face lift! But I do use it to prompt me to find new, affordable experiences right here in my own backyard. I just wrote a post last night about the reasons for implementing bucket lists. Great minds!!
Hi Leslie, I must read your post and always enjoy your seasonal bucket lists. I think that is a great way to have short term goals that you can tick off at the end of 3 months – very doable! Yes, we are thinking along the same lines this week aren’t we? xx
Hi Leslie, You’ve brought up a whole other aspect of NOW. Like you mentioned, sometimes our current situations don’t let us do what we would really like to. (I wish I was at the beach, too!) However, NOW principles can still help us make the most of the present. One of my favorite quotes is “Creativity loves constraint.” I can’t make it to the beach but quiet time in the tub with bath fizzies and a strawberry smoothie would bring me a similar joy, not to mention it is also something I’d have time to do despite work responsibilities. Be creative, use NOW and the limitations to make the most of now. 🙂
That last comment in your post is a great mantra, ‘Live Your Bucket List!”
I love that too, Michele. We all have bucket lists but unfortunately not many of us are ‘living them’, including me! Have a beautiful day and thanks for stopping by. x
Thank you! I hope you are able to cheer “Hooray!” as you do the next thing on your bucket list!
Hi Sue and Emily, I love the acronym NOW and think it can be applied to lots of things we do. I can sometimes let procrastination take over so the ‘no excuses’ bit becomes an issue. What are you waiting for is a great way to live! Nice to read this post and a great reminder to us to overcome some of those obstacles we put in our way.
Hi Sue,
Bucket lists must be “in the air” as I just read Leslie’s post on this topic and, if I can get my act together, will try to put together a seasonal one to post for her.
Dan and I are currently planning a HUGE bucket list item; beginning in October we will embark on a 10 month rv tour of the US, to include as many iconic sights and National Parks as we can, Just the planning is so exciting!
How exciting Nancy, I can’t wait to read about your plans and then of course see your photos as you travel around. What a wonderful adventure. x
Hi Nancy, Yes, it does seem that bucket lists are in the air. I think it is that 2020 vision going around. Your trips sound very exciting! My mother gifted me a National Parks stamp collection book – I’ve seen the little blue books in many National Park gift shops – if you don’t have one already, getting one may be a fun way to get souvenir stamps along the way. Enjoy your travels!
Wow I take my hat of to you. Running any kind of running – unless its run to the bathroom isn’t on my list. However I so glad you are crossing of your list. My list is to travel a bit more, have fun with great friends. #mlstl
Thank you, Bree! Ahh you have a good sense of humor. Keep that up because it’ll be a light in the lives of those around you.
Wonderful post. All too often we make excuses for why we can’t do something but it’s really fear that holds us back. Thanks for this powerful reminder Emily that if we want to do something we have to do it NOW. And thanks Sue for featuring this inspiring woman. Loved this. ?
Thank you, Miriam. Yes, don’t let fear hold you back. Best wishes, Emily
I loved reading this guest post Emily. I think we tend to get a bit caught up with life sometimes and forget about our goals and fun things we’d like to do. I’ve decided recently to work less hours so I can start doing more of the fun stuff. Loved this pist Sue #MLSTL
Thank you, Jennifer. I’m glad you enjoyed it. What a blessing you can work less hours. I hope you are able to fill those new open hours with things that bring you joy.
Hi Emily: Yes, NOW is the best time to live our bucket lists. Although I don’t have a bucket list, I make sure I do what brings me joy on an ongoing basis, including travel. As Sue knows, I travel frequently and had the pleasure to meet her and her husband with other blogger friends last year. Thank you Sue for featuring Emily here. #MLSTL
Hi Natalie, that is wonderful that you make time to do what brings you joy on a regular basis. I am so happy for you! Keep it up!
Hi Sue and Emily, I love the acronym NOW and think it can be applied to lots of things we do. I can sometimes let procrastination take over so the ‘no excuses’ bit becomes an issue. What are you waiting for is a great way to live! Nice to read this post and a great reminder to us to overcome some of those obstacles we put in our way. Sharing for #mlstl
Hi Debbie, yes! Procrastination can rob us of happiness. Other times we’ve just got to prioritize and choose what matters most to us. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Hi Ladies!
Wow! That is one bucket list item I am in awe of! Way-to-go?
One bucket list item for me was to ‘Walk the Great Wall’ in China. We were all booked to go in September but unfortunately ‘life’ has got in the way.
Life is unpredictable. It’s still ‘on hold’, and I’ll get there one day ?. Patience & hope! ?
Hello Shelly,
Thank you. We each have wonderful things on our own lists. I love yours. Yes, things have got quite crazy lately. Just stay safe and hope on. I’ll pray you get to go in the future.
Hi Sue and Emily
I am a NOW sort of woman. Perhaps I tend to jump in without much thought and much more enthusiasm, such as paying for my 11th half marathon, which is in May this year. After signing up, I thought, I am now in my sixties, and I did my last one about six years ago. Anyway, all fun and games trying to get my speed up. All the best for your marathon run in May. I love the NOW concept.
Hi Suzanne,
W-O-W you’ve signed up for your 11th marathon! Congratulations! I am so happy for you. What a way to celebrate a happy, healthy body. Happy running!
I totally agree with the idea of doing your bucket list now. My bucket list involves a lot of travel. I was supposed to go to Italy in a couple of weeks and Alaska in May. Coronavirus may have derailed though strips though I am still hopeful that the Alaska cruise might be possible. We were going to Scotland in the fall, but I am not booking yet. If it is safe, we will go.
Hi Michelle,
Yes, safety is the top priority. At times, acting N-O-W includes making the most of current, unplanned situations. You have a good outlook. Keep it strong.
My current commitments (grandchildren) keep me from doing a few of the things I really want to do, and I’m fine with that because being with grandchildren is such a gift. I’ve never really bothered with “bucket lists” but when something with vitality comes along, I either try to find a way to make it happen or tell a few important friends about it so they ask from time when it is going to happen… accountability works in many different areas of life!
Hi Agnes,
I am so proud of you. Your love and sacrifice to be a good grandmother may not show results now but is critical to your grandchildren. That is what matters most. I wrote this article to motivate those who are in a position to make positive changes – we all are at some point or another. Continue to be happy with where you’re at and make the most of the opportunities that come.
I like this post. We humans seem to have a reason to not do stuff all too on the ready. I started the Torshlusspanik list because I saw this trait in myself. I also made myself say yes to things for awhile when I noticed NO was the automatic response to most things…#MLSTL
Lydia, Y-E-S! Everyone is different and you’re mastering yourself knowing how to make the good, better! Congratulations!
Although I don’t literally have a bucket list, I can totally relate to the idea of doing it now, reaching for the goal, learning the skill…whatever it is. I know that today is what I have, and I want to make the most of it, even if that means stepping outside of my comfort zone. Thanks for a great guest post, Sue and Emily!
Thank you, Candi. Keep up the great work!
It is the small steps that lead to the bigger steps of any goal. I love taking things from my bucket list and trying them out. Sometimes it’s something smaller like swimming with manatees, but other times it’s bigger like moving to another state without a job or a place to live. (Sometimes, you just have to jump in order to get out of a rut!)
You’re right Jennifer. Enjoy the journey!
Hi Sue and Emily,
You have nicely discussed the issues that we face when we get down to fulfilling the items listed in the bucket list.
I am looking at learning new skills and thinking of doing something different from what I have been doing for many years. Your post has given the much-needed fillip to go out and explore the new options.
#MLSTL
Thanks.
Take care.
Pradeep
Thanks Pradeep the secret to life is never stop learning! Have a great weekend.
Well done Sue on taking on the big challenge, I’m not sure what I’d like to do but being more creative is definitely involved.
#MLSTL
Thanks Lorraine, although this was a guest post. I am however, training for a half marathon or two this year. I actually never thought I was creative but many people have told me that having a blog and writing is creativity. After over 1,000 posts I must be creative LOL:) Have a lovely week, Lorraine. x
Whilst I do not have a bucket list, I do know that when I overcome fear I do well. I have had to face that ‘demon’ a lot in the past 5 years and am learning, that being human is to feel fear. However, to be human is to go through fear no matter. I have had many experiences since my cancer diagnosis of overcoming fear. I wish you well in your next venture Sue….
Denyse #mlstl
Thank you, Denyse. Fear can be paralysing can’t it? I know that self-doubt is always with me but as you say being human is to feel fear! You certainly have shown your courage throughout your life and especially over the last 5 years. Have a beautiful weekend. xx
You are so inspiring, Sue. The acronym NOW is such a powerful one. I’ve just written it down in my bullet journal as a reminder to myself.
Thank you Corinne, I’m glad you liked the acronym although I didn’t think of it myself. It is a powerful one though I agree. x