A Bucket List Needs a Never Say Never Attitude

Many people have a bucket list. A mental list or a written down list, it does not matter. Having hopes and dreams is fuel for the future. I will never run out of things I want to do.

You can check off something from the list every week.  Maybe it’s playing in the leaves. Maybe it’s talking a walk at sunset or sunrise. Maybe it’s sweeping turkey poop.

What? That’s not on your list?

Well, it’s not on mine exactly, but I never thought I would enjoy having “pet” turkeys so much, even if they are prolific poopers.

The joy of turkeys strutting around outweighs the sweeping away of their daily doo doo. And believe me it’s a lot of doo doo.

There are many things that I love that I never thought I would enjoy. Some I never knew existed. Some I never entertained the possibility. In addition to the bucket list mentality, maintain a Never Say Attitude.

Ten years ago, I never thought I would be a published author. Several times over. Five years ago I had not even met my Prince Charming, let alone be aware that such a magnificent depth of love existed.

Never say never.

I never thought I would kick the Coke habit. I never thought I would devour pizza with spinach on it. I never thought I would love to go kayaking.

I knew that my babies would someday grow up and leave home, but I never thought I would be putting boys on planes to go to school. I never imagined that I could enjoy their young adulthood as much I enjoyed their toddlerhood.

I never anticipated becoming an instant nana and the joy that would bring. Who knows what the future holds for the rest of our combined children, and if the remaining three boys decide to never have kids, that’s their choice and fine with me. I’ve got my girl.

I never thought I would be traveling around the country speaking and sponsoring and masterminding and mentoring. Ten years ago I was scared to death to take the stage and speak, and now, there’s no shutting me up.

Never say never.

I never imagined having a cleaning lady, a bookkeeper, and a personal assistant coming to my home office. I never imagined wanting a recumbent bike. I never imagined how much peace it brings to sit and watch the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks play in their yard. (I’m told they are not playing.)

To keep learning keeps you young, so add that to your bucket list. Take a class for the pure novelty of if. Take Italian if it interests you, even if you have no trip on the horizon. Take an arty class, even if you feel you do not have a creative bone in your body. You may surprise yourself.

Many people discover new talents, interests, and joys later in life. Stay open and keep that never say never attitude, even if you are a bit skeptical.

I was contacted by a gal in her 80s wanting to write a book. She says she cannot do the illustrations any more since her hands are a bit shaky, but she has the stories written. So if you have a bucket list item and that voice in you is saying “You’re too old,” please shush that voice right now.

Keep little things on the list too. They are just as fun. And doable. Right now, I’m off for a piece of pie. I never used to like pie, I was purely a cake kind of gal. Never say never.

(Kelly Epperson Simmons is an author, speaker, and book coach. She helps people fulfill their dreams and she keeps adding to hers. To hire Kelly as a coach or to speak to your group, contact info@kellyepperson.com or call toll free 888-637-3563.)

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