This Is Already the Good Life: A Bucket List in Reverse

I love bucket lists of all kinds. My friend Jess and I had a Michigan State-themed bucket list of things to do before we left East Lansing. I also shared my travel bucket list with you a few weeks back. I think pursuing bucket list items can help us live with intention and not let the special seasons of life pass us by.

I do think, however, that we can make bucket lists into idols and pursue them in unhealthy ways. When chasing after the next thing causes us to lose sight of the blessings we currently have and the amazing experiences we’ve already walked through, it’s time to take a break and recalibrate.

I’m loving this new trend I’ve seen around the blogosphere called a reverse bucket list, in which people take stock of all the fun, exciting, and downright amazing things they’ve already done in their lives. Here are some great examples from Alexandria of A Modern Girl’s Travels and Andrea of Each Lovely Thing.

These are just a few of the adventures I’ve already had and that I still cherish.

I’ve lived and worked in five states and made friends all over the country.

I worked as a teacher and instructional coach for five years in some of the most under-resourced neighborhoods in Chicago.

I traveled overseas to Istanbul, Turkey and even learned enough of the language to get by while I was there. (But sadly, I don’t remember anything except “please,” “thank you,” and “very beautiful.”)

I went snorkeling in a sinkhole (cenote), a cave, and an ocean lagoon, and I ziplined into the cenote.

I went hiking for the first time in Malibu and for the second time a few days later in Yosemite, and this was the beginning of a great love affair with nature.

I went whale watching off the northern coast of Washington and saw a humpback whale splashing and playing in the water.

I got a tattoo with my best friend (not matching, just to be clear).

I traveled to Denver, Seattle, LA, and Blacksburg (Virginia) to visit dear friends.

I lived in Chicago for four years with four of the loveliest roommates a girl could have (at different times, of course).

I ran 2 half marathons (one in under 2 hours!) and 1 full marathon.

I battled and recovered from an eating disorder, and I’m now healthier than I’ve ever been.

I followed my dreams and changed careers from education to editing and writing.

I created this blog and so far have published 52 posts.

I went on a service trip to the Dominican Republic, where my team laid concrete floors and rehabbed homes with a partner church. I also got engaged to my then-boyfriend, now-husband on this trip!

I met and married the man of my dreams.

We became (cozy) minimalists and bought our first house.

We’re in the midst of starting our family—we’re having a baby in November and are hoping to adopt a dog any day now!

I’ve lived a rich life, and I don’t take it lightly. I’m so grateful for each moment, large and small, on this list and not. Putting together this list was such a lovely reminder that I’m already living the good life, even in the hard times.

We're already living the good life. Take stock with a reverse bucket list. Click To Tweet