Setting new resolutions and goals is a big part of a new year for many people. I’ve never had an official bucket list, but after watching my parents move on from this world, I couldn’t help but wonder if they had any unfulfilled wishes. That in turn, made me think about my own “bucket list.”
But an article I read recently in Aging Today has me rethinking the whole bucket list concept. I discuss this in a post I wrote for The Caregiver Space. The gist of the article is that we may be better off aging with purpose and participating in activities that offer deep engagement versus waiting until we are retired for that dream vacation or grand adventure. The doctor who wrote the article doesn’t think bucket lists are necessarily bad, but encourages a broader perspective so that we can live more fully in the here and now.
I like this approach. While I hope to enjoy a grand tour of Europe some day in the not-so-distant future, I also want to find joy and meaning in the present. Learning and trying new things, writing more and hopefully getting published more, and helping other caregivers, those are more immediate goals that offer true fulfillment.
What do you think? Are you a fan of bucket lists?
![Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00069]](https://memoriesproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/reluctant-caregiver-cover.jpg)
The Memories Project 
I’ve never been a fan of bucket lists, but maybe it’s because I don’t have any grand adventures I hope to have like everyone else. Since I moved back home, I feel like I reached my biggest goal, aside from writing and selling more books. 🙂
Plus, we can create the achievement of lifetime goals right at home; with technology and a great meal, it might feel like a real trip to Paris or Bulgaria.This can feel just as exciting if one plans a bit. Thanks Joy.