Have you ever written a bucket list? It's a list of things you want to accomplish or experience before you die (kick the bucket). Flashback to a Monty Python movie scene. I've written so many of those lists, and sadly, never kept any of them. I'd like to be able to look back at what my 14 year old self thought was important and compare it to my 28 year old self's priorities.
I remember a few of my items - get a tattoo, sky dive, make over $20/hr, have a family, get published, live in every province of Canada and at least one foreign country (changed to visit instead of live), be in a movie...I've done all but one of those.
I'm full of dreams. Always have been. My mind really doesn't shut off much, and I am constantly planning.
I wonder, though. I understand that these are MY things. Not everyone wants to travel. Not everyone cares if they skydive. But shouldn't everyone want *something*? Shouldn't dreaming be part of everybody's life?
My biggest fear is that I will become one of those people who are predictable. One of those people who get up, have cereal and toast, go to work, come home, have supper, watch TV, go to bed and start all over again in the morning. Okay, the TV shows might change from day to day. Supper is a rotation of the same 6-7 meals. When people come to visit, they find them sitting in the same chair as every other time they've visited. The conversations and stories are all the same as last time.
I couldn't imagine my life being that small.
I wonder why people live like that...fear? Apathy? Lack of energy? No money?
I don't buy it.
I love my life to be fresh. I want to be amazed. I want to learn new things. I want to see all that this world has to offer.
It doesn't have to cost a lot of money, or use up lots of energy. It's as simple as putting all your change into a pickle jar and, once full, counting it out and using it's entirety to play tourist in your own province. It's as simple as paying $2 for a city bus ticket and riding the bus it's entire route, just to see what's at the end of the line (don't worry, you can't get lost since they always make a loop). It's buying paint and a canvas at the dollar store, blasting your stereo and painting what you hear coming from the speakers. It's keeping the kids up 'til dusk to catch lightening bugs. It's walking down the ethnic food aisle and buying a packet of Indian food spice mix and following the instructions. It's driving a different route home, just to discover a new neighbourhood. It's speaking to the person in front of you in line at the grocery store. It's going for a dip in the river in your underwear because no one is around and the kids will always remember that 10 minutes.
It's about getting over yourself. It's about discovering yourself. It's about discovering your world, and making it big again.
7 comments:
"I wonder why people live like that...fear? Apathy? Lack of energy? No money? "
fear. :)
Also, those people don't make good homeschoolers. :D Every successful homeschooling family I have ever met has had the same attitude as above. Get emssy! get creative!
LOL, good point, Andrea! Homeschooling does get awfully messy, doesn't it?
I know a few people who are like that: predictable, simple. I don't think it has anything to do with lack of money, fear etc. I can't speak for everyone who is like that but the people I know, it's simply because they're happy. They don't need alot. They don't need to do things out of the ordinary because they are simply happy. Happiness is something that most people chase, because it doesn't come easy. My grandfather was like that. He was happy and he lived the most boring, simple life ever. I envy that.
-Nat
I've been thinking a lot about this lately (this might develop into a whole series of posts!). Another post I'd like to write is about being content. Some people, like your grandfather, ARE really happy. That's what I'd like to reach someday. If you find something that makes you happy, then it makes so much sense to stick with it.
What I was thinking about is more along the lines of people who won't try new things, even little things, simply because they're in a rut, or scared, or didn't stop to think about it. For example: I was explaining my casserole recipe to a lady I know. Her response was (even though I think she liked it): "Well, I've never made casserole and I'm not about to start!" or, a friend I have will not go to a restaurant or movie she's desperate to see because she doesn't have a date for the evening. Or, those who order the same exact thing at every restaurant because it's consistently good...but have never tried anything else (and then how would you know if maybe you like something better?).
The post was about the people who have that empty spot, but just can't seem to motivate themselves to explore it, and fill it. It's really awesome, though, when those empty spots have been filled...I wonder if that comes with age?
Thanks for the wake-up call. I don't necessarily think I'm stagnant, but at the same time, I rely too heavily on others to make me try new things. I need to start a bucket list. I'm not going to fill it up all at once, but as quality things come to mind, they'll be added. The first item to hit the list? Drive across the country. That's at least a few years away, but it WILL happen.
Thanks again, Emilie! :)
Oh, yes, driving across Canada is on my list, too! With 4 little ones, though, it might be a while. All in time, though, right?
As long as we have the rest of our lives to get these things done, it should be do-able!
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