Life and a Bucket List

First of all, let me explain.  For those of you who do not know what a bucket list is, in a nutshell, it is a list of things you want to do before you die.

Yesterday, I turned 51, 1 year over the half century mark.  When the hell did that happen?  It does not seem like it was so long ago that I thought 51 was ancient, someone who already had 1 foot in the grave.  Now that I am 51 I realize I still have many active years ahead of me, but not as many as I had 30 years ago.  Hence, the discussion of a bucket list.  What have I done and what do I still want to do.

First things first, have I actually done anything yet that could be called a bucket list item even though at the time it was just called having fun or being adventurous.  Absolutely!!!  I was adventurous and a bit nuts in my younger years.  The adventurous gradually  toned down as the arthritis started setting in, but I am still, and always will be, a bit nuts.  I have not climbed Mt. Everest.  I have not dined with the president. I have not run a marathon or made a scientific discovery.  What have I done? I submit the following list not as a means to brag, but to demonstrate that we can all find things in our past that we can look back on with pleasure and/or pride.

Things I have done (In no particular order):

• Went skydiving
• Skiied the Swiss Alps 
• Traveled to Japan (OK, only Okinawa, but it counts)
• Traveled the USA
• Served my country (USAF)
• Lettered in sports
• Spent Christmas in Paris
• Flew in a Lear Jet
• Sat at the base of the Washington Monument and watched fireworks on the 4th of July
• Climbed the Eiffel Tower
• Touched the Rosetta Stone
• and so much more.....

OK, I say this not to brag but to encourage you to look back on your life and recognize the things that you have done rather than dwell on the things that you have not done.  If you are young, take advantage of your youth.  See the world, climb a mountain, catch a fish.  The years sneak up far to quickly.  For those that are older, it is not too late.  The only person stopping you from your adventures is you.  Make a choice to live every single day.  Do something that is for you and you alone.  The most painful thing that you will ever live with is regret.

One of the big things I gave up in my life was skiing.  I quit skiing for 2 reasons.  First, when I married my husband did not ski so I thought that meant I couldn't ski either.  Stupid.  By the time I divorced, it was too late to start skiing again.  The arthritis had set into my knees.  How stupid to think I had to give up a part of me, something that made me happy, for someone else.  It is something that I have missed for almost 30 years. Now that I am 51 is it too late?  Hell no.  I made a decision that I wanted to enjoy life again.  I want to hike, I want to ski, I want to play sports.  Damn knee!  So, last month I had my knee replaced.  I want a better quality of life.  I want to do something for me and only me.  Not for my boss, not for my kids, not because society thinks I need to, but because I WANT to ski again.

This has been an amazing experience for me.  Frustrating, painful, discouraging and hopeful.  I have kept my eye on the goal, not the obstacles.  My Dr. is certain that I will be hiking in a couple of months and skiing by winter.  I have pushed myself and my only concern is make this experience count.  It is not about the age as much as the attitude.  In this particular endeavor, attitude was 99% of the process.

My Bucket List now evolves everyday, as it should.  Make what you do count.  Make a difference in the world.  Above all do something for you every day.  Be a little selfish.  Take a bubble bath (yes, guys too), put away your work and take a walk, listen to the birds, get a pedicure.  Enjoy yourself!!!