If you’re anything like me, you might find yourself dreaming about all the things you want to do. You know those random sparks of inspiration that hit you out of the blue? Like when you stumble upon a cute little coffee shop you never noticed before, or hear about someone else’s amazing travels. These ideas are kind of like clouds drifting by. Most of them never really get a chance to stick because, let’s be honest, life just has a way of getting in the way, doesn’t it?
I used to think bucket lists were all about epic adventures and the kind of things you do on big milestone birthdays. You know, stuff for “someday” when you have the time or money, or maybe when you’re 80 and feeling that existential itch. But then it hit me—why wait for a magical someday when today is bursting with possibilities?
Don’t get me wrong, those grand experiences are important. They’re what make life grand. But there’s something truly magical about finding beauty in the everyday—a touch of elegance in turning an ordinary Wednesday into something special. That’s when I thought: why not create a bucket list for everyday life?
Why an Everyday Bucket List?
I hear you, why bother with an everyday bucket list when life is already jam-packed with to-dos and must-dos? It makes total sense; life can feel like a hectic ride. We’re constantly hustling: the alarm goes off, coffee brews, we juggle a bunch of tasks, and if we’re lucky, we might snag a second to breathe. Add in errands and meetings, and a bucket list might sound like just another task. But hold up, this isn’t just another to-do list—no way! It’s your golden ticket to grab a piece of joy, even on the busiest day.
The magic of an everyday bucket list is that it helps you stay present. It encourages you to pay attention and turn the ordinary into something extraordinary. Instead of saving up those amazing moments for the distant future, you get to celebrate right here and now. And trust me, there’s something incredibly uplifting about ticking those boxes—it’s like a little burst of happiness!
Start with What Matters
So how do you make one, you ask? Start with a simple question: what really matters to you? For me, this involved a bit of soul-searching because figuring out what I truly want versus what the world tells me I should can feel like unraveling a spaghetti mess. So, give yourself a moment. I like to do this with a warm cup of tea, gazing out of the window watching the world drift by.
Ask yourself things like: what gets me excited? What’s that one thing I’ve always wanted to do but haven’t? What makes me feel truly alive? Let your mind wander and jot down anything that comes up, no matter how small or silly it seems. Remember, this list is for you. No judgments allowed.
You might want to think about including different parts of your life. Think of areas like personal growth, hobbies, relationships, health, and simply savoring life’s pleasures. Personal growth might mean picking up a new language or diving into more books. If relationships are your jam, maybe plan fun date nights or catch up with an old friend regularly.
Pick Your Priorities
Once you’ve got your brainstorm going, it’s time to sort through it. Trust me, if your list gets too long, it can feel like climbing a mountain. I’ve learned that the hard way! Aim for a few tangible goals that stretch over weeks or months instead of cramming them all into one weekend. This is crucial because if your list starts feeling like a burden, it loses its magic.
You want to choose the items that light up a smile just thinking about them. Those are the priorities. Maybe there’s a tiny, hidden bookshop you’ve been yearning to visit. Picture yourself breathing in that old-book smell and maybe stumbling into a conversation with a fellow book lover. Or, it could be as simple as baking your grandmother’s cake recipe, feeling her presence in every sprinkle of flour and sugar.
Make It Attainable
Dream big, but for this list, keep things doable and, importantly, flexible. It’s not a race; there’s no finish line. You’re soaking in life’s goodness, and that’s an ongoing journey. So, make it bite-sized.
For instance, if “learn to play the guitar” is on your list, start with something small. Maybe work towards playing a single tune or book a handful of lessons. Remember, any progress is good progress, and even the tiniest steps are better than none at all. Be kind to yourself; this isn’t about being perfect.
Create a Visual Reminder
Writing down goals is great, but adding a visual reminder gives them life. Keep your list somewhere you’ll see it every day. Scribble it on a chalkboard wall, pepper sticky notes around your living space, or set it as your phone screen’s wallpaper.
For me, making a vision board—like those messy childhood art projects—really helps! Cut out pictures from magazines, random photos, and add words that breathe life into your daily goals. Let it be as chaotic or organized as you like—whatever sparks joy whenever you glimpse it.
Include checkboxes to tick off your progress as you go. It’s ridiculously satisfying to check those off, regardless of size. It’s proof of your little victories and keeps you going to the next adventure.
Embrace Flexibility
And now for an important bit—flexibility. Life can be uncooperative with even the best plans. Kids catch colds, work gets intense, or maybe you’re just off-kilter. It happens, and that’s perfectly okay.
Let yourself adjust, reshuffle, or even switch up your list. It’s not about sticking to some rigid plan. It’s about rolling with life’s waves while holding onto your intentions.
Sometimes, unexpected moments create richer experiences than what you had planned. So if a museum trip gets swapped for a spontaneous day at the park with friends, embrace it and let go of that pressure to “check things off.”
Share and Involve
While some of your list might be solo adventures, sharing experiences with loved ones can amplify their joy. When you open up your celebration of everyday life to others, something beautiful happens.
If one goal is to explore new cafés, invite friends. Make it a fun tradition to try a new spot every month. Or if ballroom dancing intrigues you, find someone with the same itch to join you. Sharing spins these moments into deeper bonds and uplifting experiences that linger in your connections.
Capture these moments through photos, keepsakes, or journaling. Looking back at them reminds you of life’s richness, especially during those slow, dragging days.
Reflect and Celebrate
As you move through your everyday bucket list, allow yourself time to pause and reflect. This isn’t a race focused solely on the finish line. The journey is what really matters. Reflect on your achievements, how they’ve changed you, and how they’ve surprised you. What have you discovered about yourself? How has it influenced your mood or outlook?
Whether you’ve ticked off ten things or just one, celebrate it! Acknowledge your growth, adaptability, and the joy you’ve opened up in your life. These aren’t small triumphs; they’re part of shaping the life you choose to lead.
Keep checking in and refreshing your list. Just like the seasons, dreams and desires change. Be open to that change, welcome it, and let your list grow along with you.
In the end, an everyday bucket list isn’t really about the list itself. It’s about seeing life through a new lens. It’s about finding magic in the mundane, creating small pockets of joy, and weaving vibrant colors into the fabric of ordinary days.
I hope this nudges you to craft your own everyday bucket list. And perhaps tomorrow won’t feel so ordinary after all. Cheers to that little extra sparkle in the everyday!