My Bucket (boo-kay) List

January 5, 2008 by Karen 

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.
- Oprah Winfrey (1954 – )

A brand new year! Clean slate. An opportunity to recommit to what is truly important.

I have heard about this new film called “The Bucket List.” In it, two old guys (The uncompromising Jack Nicholson and the illuminating Morgan Freeman) create a list of all the things they must do before they “kick the bucket” (not my favorite way to visualize it, but, hey, whatever works!) and then DO THEM! I haven’t seen it, but I think I grasp the concept.

Because of my new ability to live truly in the moment, it can be difficult for me to look into the future and think about what I want, because I already have so much! But I think this is important. Because this life is a gift, and we only really have this very moment. So I have been meditating on what my “Bucket List” might look like. Sharing your dreams makes them so, don’t you agree? Oh, and I prefer the pseudo-French pronounciation, like Bouquet…

I challenge you to create your own Bucket List and then actually DO THE STUFF ON THE LIST!

Other than world travel (Hawaii, Mexico, Greece, India, Italy, South of France, South America, Costa Rica, Ireland- pretty much in that order…), and RVing around this beautiful country with my beloved daughter for a few months, there is so little that I need to do that I have not already done. Sure, I would love to act again. I would love to see more good theatre and film. I would like to spend more intimate, one-on-one time with family and friends. I would like to hang out on a boat for a day. Read a really great novel. Eat a fantastic meal. Live in a house with a yard…Things I have done a thousand times before and want to experience again.

That is a pretty darn good life lead, doncha’ think?

And there are a few legacies I would like to leave behind, which I have included in my Bucket/ Bouquet List, along with some fun frivolities and how in intend to manifest them:

- I will act again, even if it is only organizing a play reading in my living room.
- I am working on getting comp tickets to see whatever shows I can find locally: professional, amateur, adult, drama, comedy, musical, childrens’, you name it! (If you can help with this, please let me know!!) Amazing to me that theatre once pumped through my very veins and is now a luxury beyond my financial reach…
- I joined Netflix again and am working through my ever increasing list of films… I am always open for suggestions!
- I am trying to connect with each person who is able to travel to me- dear family and friends. One on One time is what I crave. (Although parties can be fun, too!)
- I know the boat thing will happen as soon as a nice day coincides with scheduling and health. (NOTE: We were invited and had a LOVELY day on the boat of dear friends out on gorgeous Lake Travis a week after this posting! thx K&S!)
- I am currently reading a fantastic novel: Eat Pray Love. (If you haven’t read it, do yourself a favor and pick this beautiful book up! It is an easy, enjoyable read.) And in fact have started an Inspirational Book Club with a friend, and once again, creating community- a gift I have always enjoyed! When that is done, I have a stack on my desk. I may also re-read some of my favorites: Forever Amber, Sister Carrie, If Tomorrow Comes, Ya Ya Sisterhood, Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, The Little House series, Anything by George Bernard Shaw… (Boy, I need to throw in a few more comedies…)
- Our lease is up in July. That gives us roughly six months to manifest a house- even a rental- with a yard where Zaiden can have a swing and a sandbox, and I can have a hammock- something I have always desired and never had my own.
- I am putting together scrapbooks of my life for my precious daughter to treasure.
- I will create a video journal of favorite stories from my life and “mom to daughter” life lessons. (Started on Jan 19th)
- I will at least begin the process of creating a foundation: Reach for the Joy, Inc.
- I shall continue writing and put it all together in some way to share with the world that can perhaps bring some income into our home- A book is currently downloading into my consciousness and I can hardly wait to share it here!! And I am open to any support with regard to this project.

I am eating for JOY (which is still vegetarian and filled with whole, living foods. I am just not saying no when I crave something extraordinary!). I am practicing unconditional love, and I am setting clear boundaries and putting my foot down when necessary. I am seeking a Spiritual teacher or Guru and plan to attend Yoga class whenever possible. I intend to go on a women’s retreat either through my yoga studio or my church in April. And Rick and I are looking into a way to celebrate my 40th (April 14) in a way that will fulfill my dreams. Hawaii has always been my ultimate fantasy- to turn 40 on the beach on the island where I was born. Somewhere quiet and sunny will certainly suffice- maybe the gulf coast of Texas??? But, hey, I am open and expecting miracles, so Hawaii is not completely out of the question, right?!?

I am also planning for my “Last Great Party.” Why not? Why should I leave it up to others to guess “what I would have wanted?” Why not have a say in my final farewell? So don’t be surprised when you read in the not so distant future of my well planned good-bye party. Please don’t think I am throwing in the towel. It is just one more way of dealing with the cards I was dealt and processing it all. And I think it is all wonderfully positive.

I believe we are made up of Body, Mind and Spirit. And I have realized that my Heart and Spirit are finally aligned, truly happy, ultimately healthy. And my Body, well, not so much. But given the choice, I would prefer it this way, over a healthy body and a dis-eased Heart or Spirit.

So I will say again what I have said before in so many ways: Be JOYful! Create the life you wish. Be PRESENT! And don’t worry- about me, about you, about anything. Worry is praying for more of what you don’t want. When you think of me, please think happy thoughts. Only fairy dust and happy thoughts can truly make you FLY!

I love you.
Kalena

Peter Pan: All it takes is faith and trust. Oh! And something I forgot. Dust!
Wendy, John: Dust?
Michael: Dust?
Peter Pan: Yep, just a little bit of pixie dust. Now, think of the happiest things. It’s the same as having wings.

Filed under: Living Journal

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