When someone says “bucket list,” most of us probably picture skydiving, climbing mountains, or traveling to places we’ve only ever seen in pictures. And sure, those are all amazing things, but I think a bucket list is really just a collection of dreams. They’re the things we hope to experience, accomplish, or simply enjoy before our time here is over. Some dreams are huge, some are surprisingly small, and I don’t think either one is more important than the other.

Over the years, I’ve realized my own bucket list has changed. When I was younger, I probably would have focused more on places I wanted to see or adventures I wanted to have. Those things are still there, don’t get me wrong. I’d love to travel more one day, maybe head out to the west coast and see a part of Canada I’ve never experienced. And yes… believe it or not, skydiving is still on my bucket list! My health might have other ideas at the moment, but I’m leaving it there anyway because life has a funny way of surprising us. You never know what tomorrow might bring.

These days though, some of my biggest dreams look a little different. I dream about owning a cozy home that truly feels like mine. Not a mansion or anything fancy, just a place where Sir Kit Kat and I can settle in, where the kitchen is big enough to cook up new recipes, where family and friends always feel welcome, and where every room feels peaceful. Funny enough, as I’ve been decorating my apartment over the past few months, I’ve realized I’m already creating little pieces of that dream right where I am.

Thinking about bucket lists also made me realize something else. Sometimes we’re so focused on what’s still ahead that we forget to celebrate what we’ve already accomplished. Traveling to Cuba back in 2012 was something I always wanted to do, and I did it. But some of the biggest things I’ve crossed off my list were never written down. Learning to set boundaries. Protecting my peace. Choosing myself without feeling guilty. Those are victories I never would have appreciated years ago, and now I see just how life-changing they really are.

If money and health weren’t obstacles for just one day, I don’t think my first stop would be a store for myself. I’d want to gather the people who’ve stood beside me through some of the hardest seasons of my life and take them on the biggest shopping spree they’ve ever had. Not because anyone needs more “stuff,” but because I would love the chance to spoil the people who have loved, supported, and believed in me when I needed it most. Seeing their smiles would probably make me happier than buying anything for myself.

There are still plenty of things I’d love to try. I’d like to paint again. I’d love to camp more. I’d happily take a class just for the fun of learning something new. I’m even having fun trying different foods lately… although peeling a rutabaga might have deserved its own medal! 😂 I don’t ever want to reach the point where I stop being curious. I think there’s something exciting about always having another dream, another hobby, another place to visit, or another recipe to try.

When I think about the legacy I hope to leave behind, it really isn’t about the house I owned or the places I visited. I hope people remember that I cared deeply. That I was kind. That I made people laugh. That if someone was having a rough day, maybe one of my silly stories, a Coffee Chat, or even a picture of Sir Kit Kat brightened it just a little. To me, that’s a life well lived.

Maybe that’s the funny thing about bucket lists. They aren’t really about counting the things we do before we die. They’re about reminding ourselves to keep living while we’re here. Some dreams take years. Some happen when we least expect them. And some, we realize, we’ve already accomplished without even noticing.

So today, I’m curious…

What’s on your bucket list? 💜

Is there one dream you’ve already crossed off… or one you’re still hoping to experience someday? I’d love to hear about it.

Until next time, remember this…

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass… it’s about learning to dance in the rain.

Stay kind.
Stay grateful.
And always remember… YOU Matter!

With love,

Shelly 💜