It’s common practice for action-taking people to keep a bucket list. By writing down all of the places to go and things to do in one’s lifetime, there is newfound motivation to make it all happen.
Sometimes a bucket list can feel overwhelming.
- Will I ever run that marathon?
- How will I ever save enough money to go to on an Alaskan cruise?
- Do I have the strength to reach out to my estranged relative to mend fences before time runs out?
In an effort to reduce the daunting (albiet exciting) challenge wrapped up in a bucket list, I like to keep a separate document as well: I call it my Drops in the Bucket list.
What the heck is a “drops in the bucket” list?
Simple. It’s a brainstorm of all the cool places I’ve already been. It includes accomplishments of which I’m proud. It represents loads of hard work– mental and physical– that has brought me to where I am today.
For example, my Drops in the Bucket list includes:
- Running the Boston Marathon with my dad
- Hiking to Machu Picchu with my husband
- Graduating from the University of Notre Dame and being hired as an art history professor (Yes, that was my first career!)
- Helping to start an archery program at my local elementary school— in just a few short years, this program went from infancy to producing state champions!
- Finding a way to create a business I love while I have flexibility to be with my three kids
- Supporting other women runners as they navigate pregnancy and its effects on the sport they love
- Spending quiet time each and every day reading
Creating a Drops in the Bucket list isn’t about bragging. It’s about claiming victories that you have earned. As women, we often don’t savor our accomplishments. And we certainly don’t share them often enough!
I believe that a huge part of women’s wellness is about recognizing that we each work hard to craft our lives. And if we can stop and take a deep breath and a kind reflection on our lives, that sets us up well for continued success.
To support your self-discovery of all that you’ve done well, I’ve made a printable for you to write your own Drops in the Bucket List on. Simply fill out the form below, and I’ll send the link right over. Spend a few minutes remembering how awesome you really are!
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I love this idea! It is fun to dream about the future, but it also so important to remember the awesome things we have already done!
Yes! My first career was as an academic historian, so I’m programmed to look back just as much as I look forward.
I love this idea! It can be easy to forget how far you’ve come and what you’ve already accomplished. <3
Hey there, Tami! Isn’t it funny how easily we forget all the hard work we’ve already put into this life!? Claim those victories!
What a great idea! I love this, I find it easy to be overwhelmed by all of the things I need to do and with this you can celebrate your achievements as well!
Hey there, Sarah. Thanks for stopping by. It just takes a quick glance backwards to really help move your forwards…and with confidence, too!
This is a great idea! I’ve got ideas for what could go on my bucket list, but hadn’t thought of making something like a Drops in the Bucket list!
It’s a great exercise, Colleen, especially for those of us who like to dream and plan and create exciting futures.
I love the idea of a Drops in the Bucket list. It’s great to be proud of accomplishments and to have achievable goals in life. Thanks for this great idea!
Hope you have fun with it, Jennifer!
What an awesome idea! We so often forget to stop and appreciate all that we’ve already done. I love this!