Every January I faithfully create a “Bucket List” of challenges I hope to live out within the year to come. Years past have included, “get a dog,” “become engrossed in a television series,” “mail a card/letter every week,” “market a book,” and plenty of other hopes, dreams or accomplishments I found important at that time.
When 2012 rang in, I was working full-time, focusing on learning to save and invest money, beginning to look in graduate school programs and basically trying to figure out and plan for my adult life. Tucked away in my Bible are 26 “2012 Bucket List” items to prove it. When I ran across the list tonight, (it’s honestly been months since I read over or even thought about it) I couldn’t help laughing at some of the items having been completely neglected, while others are, although in an unorthodox manner, coming to fruition!
For instance:
#5 Take An Overseas Trip
I was thinking a couple weeks, some sightseeing, nice hotels, plenty of luggage allotted, a good friend or two along…
I got 11 months, NO PRIVACY, traveling with total strangers, a bill that I couldn’t remotely afford, a week’s worth of clothing to last the entire time, and the promise of a life changed.
# 6 Find a Church in Campbellsville, and attend faithfully.
My plan was to “shop” around and find what felt most like home, where I could slip in unnoticed until I got the hang of things and slowly toe-test the waters.
Somehow I am cannon-balling full-speed into the realization that God’s Church is everywhere, and He’s not fussed over my comfort zone. In fact, I’m much more useful to Him when I’m outside it, on the front lines, living in His awesome power!
#14 Create an adventure every weekend.
The intention was to stir up my usual activity list and start incorporating off-the-wall, spontaneous life experiences… in baby-step, couple days at a time fashion.
Did I mention that whole 11 month thing? J The World Race is the epitome of spontaneity (so I’ve been warned) and will teach flexibility, resourcefulness and appreciation for life unlike any other event I could have asked for!
#15 Buy a tent and go camping at least five times this summer.
My most beloved place to camp is Red River Gorge (KY) with some of my favorite buddies, off the radar, without a care, occasionally rock-climbing and munching on the ONLY egg-related dish that I EVER actually CRAVE… I didn’t go once.
But I DID buy a fantastic tent, and the 5# was knocked out during the week of Training Camp, alone. I’m looking forward to testing it out in Ireland, and Tanzania, and Cambodia, and so on…
#16 Be a size 10.
Sick of a bad self-image, I committed to hitting the gym HARD, eating healthier and developing the physical appearance I believed would satisfy myself, and others. While I saw definite results, I also found unsatisfactory aspects of myself that are far more important that physicality.
I believe in being healthy, but I’ve learned “Everything in Moderation.” Because of obsession with workouts, and becoming competitive and driven by weight loss, I neglected relationships that I should have been pouring into and I overlooked other parts of me that need routine maintenance. I’ve been given the opportunity to blend ALL aspects of a healthy lifestyle in a supportive, love-driven environment. I'm pretty pumped about this!!!
Things I Didn’t Do:
#7 Schedule time to work on new novels.
What can I say? I been busy blogging!
#23 Stop cursing.
I’m not there yet, but I will be.
#13 Get a pedicure every week.
Priorities and perspective…
Last week, as my 6-year-old friend, Lexie, painted my finger nails (and a good portion of my hand, as well) I teased, “WHAT KIND OF MANICURIST ARE YOU!” Without hesitation, she assured me, “A cheap one.” 🙂
Basically, plans clearly get changed! Not much of what I anticipated for this year has come to pass, but I certainly think all that HAS happened tops my measly 26# “Bucket List!”
Will I make one for 2013 (when, if schedule is still on track, I’ll be somewhere in Southeast Asia)? LIKELY! It’s a tradition, and there are still things I hope to accomplish, like:
#3 Lay development ground work for Blue Goose Inn, etc.
#17 Find something positive in everyday. Write it down.
#26 Re-learn piano and learn harmonica.
Whatever makes the 2013 Bucket List, I want one thing to be certain: I want to be open and flexible to God’s direction. This includes what I will do once I return from The World Race. I definitely have MY ideas, but if 2012 has been any indication, I really have NO idea, at all. And I’m perfectly OKAY with that! 🙂
Be Blessed,
Ashlee
