Is It Time to Chuck the Bucket List?

 

Resolutions 

Many people make "Resolutions" around New Year's. Decisions to do, or not do, something for the coming year.  They are often health related (lose weight, exercise more, drink less).  Although I am very goal-oriented and make a lot of to-do lists throughout the year, I’m not in the habit of making New Year’s resolutions. 

 

Bucket List 

I do have sort of have a bucket list, though. A list of things I hope to do before I die ("kick-the-bucket"). Mostly small stuff, like join a card club or take a class, with some more ambitious things thrown in.  However, now that I am older, I have come to the realization that there are some things on my list that I am either no longer capable of, or wouldn't enjoy at this stage in my life anyway. That is why an article by Valerie Tiberius about a chuck-it list (euphemism for something else) caught my attention. (Why you should swap your bucket list with a chuck-it list)  Maybe it is time to let some of the things on my bucket list go.  

 

Chuck-It List 

A chuck-it list, as the name implies, is a list of things you want to REMOVE from your life. Crossing something off a chuck-it list might not give you the momentary adrenaline rush that achieving something on your bucket list does, but it might do more to contribute to your overall satisfaction and well-being.   

 

Also, a chuck-it list can involve removing from your life, people, places, habits, behaviors, or personal items, that are no longer giving you satisfaction, and may even be causing you harm.  In other words, hanging on to what matters and letting go of what drags you down. (Why every bucket lister should have a chuck-it list too.) 

 

Let Go of Old Habits 

Speaking of letting go of old habits. A few years ago, during COVID, I decided, like a lot of women, to stop dyeing my hair.  It was a spur of the moment decision.  I was working from home and knew no one outside of my family would see me for months while I transitioned.  I was aware of the conventional stereotypes that gray hair would make me look old and it might affect my career, but I was curious.  What was my natural hair color these days?  I had been coloring for so long I had no clue.  

 

Transitioning was a fascinating process and I may do a blog article on it someday, but the short version is – I love my gray hair!  It now matches my skin tone and looks much more natural.  And I love not coloring it every month.  The hassle, the expense, the itchy scalp.  Ditching the dye was one of the best decisions I ever made, but it was a personal choice I was ready for, and it’s not necessarily right for everyone. 

 

Review Your Bucket List 

If you have a bucket list (written or mental) try reviewing it.  Ask yourself why the individual goals are still included?  Is it something you really want to do, or do you just feel obligated to do it?  Does thinking about doing it bring joy or anxiety?   

 

Some of your bucket list items may just need to be modified. Others you may be relieved to let go, knowing you will never get to them.  After all, priorities change.  There was a time when I really wanted to go parachuting.  Now all I can think about is breaking my leg, or worse.  I'm letting that one go.  (Stressing about your bucket list? Maybe it's time to start a 'chuck-it list) 

 

Review Your Life 

Try expanding this analysis to other aspects of your life.  Are there toxic people in your life that you would be better off without?  What obligations and restrictions have you accumulated over the years that could be relinquished?  Are there things cluttering your life you could sell, give away, or even discard?   

 

Are there activities in your life, like housework or yard work, that drag you down or cause stress?  Activities you could maybe hire someone else to do, so you could spend more time doing what you enjoy?  Perhaps it's time to get rid of those high heels that cause more pain than pleasure.  Forget about those fad diets that never seem to work, and just be healthy. Or, quit worrying about what others think, and let resentments go. 

 

Let Go of Regret 

While chucking some items from your bucket list, and/or your life, might cause you to feel regret, disappointment or frustration, it can also be liberating.  It frees you up to concentrate on what you really want out of life, what makes you happy.  It can also help open you up to new opportunities and life's unexpected surprises. And really, isn't that better than feeling regret over some random goals on a list?  

 

What are some of your bucket list items?  Are any getting moved to a chuck-it list?