Motivated Mondays: Creating a Bucket List.

I've had a bucket list for as long as I can remember. We're talking middle school here. Of course, my middle school bucket list had things like... 

{via}

{via}

...and other silly things of the sort, but the point is, I had a list. Over the years, I've added things to the list, taken things off of the list and crossed things off of the list. As I have grown and changed, so has my list. I've always been a list person. I make lists of potential future gifts for people, things I need to get at the grocery store, tasks to finish in the next week, books I want to read, blogs I want to write. I just love lists, and it all started with the creation of my bucket list. My bucket list is my favorite list, because I've had it for so long. Some people don't see the point in making a bucket list, which is cool and all, but the reason I love my bucket list is because it is a tangible thing that I can hold and look at and cross things off of when I finish them. It gives me a sense of purpose in life, like I can't die unless I do these things. The thing about my bucket list though is that I will never complete it. I'm constantly adding to it, which, in my eyes, is awesome, because if I just had a list, stuck to it, and crossed everything off, then what else am I supposed to do? Watch Netflix? I'll probably be doing that anyway.  I think everyone should have a bucket list. If you don't have a bucket list, you should go make one. Right now. And if you need some inspiration, you can look at sites like BucketList.org or even Pinterest inspiration boards! There's inspiration everywhere. I'm pro-bucket list because... 1. Bucket lists will give you motivation. There are a few things on my list that make me cringe at the thought of doing them, like skydiving, which I'm thinking will give me the world's largest headache. Even though I think that, I still want to do it. Just once. If I hate it, I never have to do it again, but it will be a good story, and hopefully a good experience.  2. Bucket lists hold you accountable. If I'm given the opportunity to do something on my bucket list, I'm going to feel obligated (in a good way) to take the plunge. A lot of things on my list are things that I don't get the opportunity to do just every day. They are unique instances, and if the opportunity to cross something off of my list is right in front of me, I'll have to hold myself accountable and make myself do it, even if I'm a little nervous. 3. Bucket lists give you an excuse to travel. A good portion of my list involves traveling. There are so many places in the world that I want to go, and my list serves as a guide to show where I want to travel to next. 

{via}

4. Bucket lists can help you think of things to do when you already have travel plans. If you already have a trip planned, and you haven't already come up with an itinerary or list of things to do on your trip, take a look at your bucket list and try to accomplish something on your list while you're traveling! Vacations are the perfect place to cross things off of your list. 5. Bucket lists get you excited about life. It's so easy to live your day-to-day life just going through the motions. Sometimes, just looking at your bucket list will get you excited about life again. Knowing that there are so many things out there that you want to do, and you will do, can help motivate (see #1) you to refocus and start living your life in a fun way again. 6. Bucket lists will make you legendary. Last week I talked about how others will tell your story after you're gone. Crossing things off of your bucket list can help make you legen-wait for it-dary, depending on what's on your list. People will talk about how you live(d) your life with so much spontaneity and fun, and this will inspire people to create a list and do fun things too. A few things on my list:

{via}

{via}

{via}

{via}
And I'll be doing this this summer! Can't wait!

We were meant to live life with purpose, and if you're still struggling to find your purpose, or if you just have a lot of cool things that you want to do before you kick the bucket, then right down your list, and try to accomplish something from time to time. Not everything has to be something huge like bungee jumping or swimming with sharks; it can be smaller stuff like have a spa day or cook a five-course meal. Everyone's bucket list is personal. Obviously. And your list should reflect the things that you want out of life. So start making your list nowwww.