Bucket List Blueprint: Your Dream, Your Way

By Traci McBride

I’m intrigued by conversations sparked by the simple question, “Do you have a bucket list?”  The question was triggered last summer when I helped my husband achieve one of his bucket list items.  

After retiring, my husband Bob, 71, wanted to bike the Ohio to Erie Trail from Cleveland to Cincinnati. I was his S.A.G. (support and gear). After blocking out five days, Bob completed his bucket dream, exhilarated and happy. He savored the freedom of getting on his bicycle each morning, with no deadline, just the physical and emotional challenge of changing topography and weather that came each day.

This experience motivated us to rewatch “The Bucket List” with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. While these characters were dealing with serious health issues that inspired them to create a bucket list, most of us do not have such a short, forced deadline. But I like the idea of crossing items off my list with a friend, just like they did in the movie.  

Consider your bucket list a roadmap to stay on track to self-fulfillment and to try new things throughout your life. Some may be purely for entertainment or pleasure; others for professional goals.

Regardless of what you call your list and where you keep it — in your head, in a notebook, or on the side of your refrigerator — I hope the stories of accomplishment and fulfillment below will inspire you to dream. What are you waiting for? They did it; so can you.

Ready, Set, Done!
Melony Butler, Cleveland. Melony was determined to create the perfect vacation that was the most satisfying of her life. After careful planning, she and her husband drove to Florida,  carving out the perfect balance of relaxation and stops along the way. They enjoyed time with their extended family without becoming consumed by their agendas. It left her refreshed, not drained.

Doyle Perry, Akron. A few years ago, Doyle realized his once-in-a-lifetime dream of touring the Akron Airdock, a massive hangar originally constructed to build and store airships, including Goodyear blimps. When it opened in 1927, the building was the largest in the world without interior support. Doyle, in his 80s and using a cane for balance, made his way up the intimidating metal stairs to the soaring rooftop. The experience was awe-inspiring and Doyle appreciates his son-in-law for helping to make it happen.  

Lynne Poulton, Akron. A Certified Professional Organizer, Lynne wanted to create something tangible and original. After years of planning, she brought an organizational tool and game to market. Declutter Go! inspires players to tackle clutter by rolling dice and following prompts on a gameboard. Available online and distributed throughout the world, Declutter Go! has far exceeded Lynne’s dream.

JJ DiGeronimo, Brecksville. JJ accomplished her goal to write and publish her third book before she turned 50. “Seeking: 74 Key Findings to Raise Your Energy, Sidestep Your Self-Doubts, and Align with Your Life’s Work” came out last year. She derived immense joy from working on it and feels deep satisfaction in the accomplishment. Knowing how it has impacted her readers has made the experience even sweeter.

Linda Ford, North Olmsted. After renting a camper for a long trip, Linda bought an RV. Her enthusiasm and fun with the original RV led to several upgrades, thousands of miles, and many new friends along the way. Linda is proud that she has mastered driving, parking and backing up a 37-foot RV all over the country.  

Brad King, Parma. A monkey was on Brad’s bucket list. So he got one, and kept a pet monkey for 10 years, enjoying its many crazy, unpredictable and silly antics. He said it was a great experience and he would do it all over again if he could.

No Monkey? No Problem
A monkey may not be bucket list material for you, but what about a kitten? Or chickens? Bucket list items come in all shapes and sizes. It’s not a one-size-fits-all bucket. If you’re stuck, here’s help to get yours:

• Start with common bucket list items: get a tattoo, go sky diving, run a marathon, get tickets to a concert, learn a new skill or dive into an “I’ve-always-wanted-to-do-that” hobby.
• What did you dream about doing as a kid? Meet your idol or crush? Camp? Visit amusement parks and ride roller coasters?
• Ask your friends and family; they might have something on their list that you never considered but want to add to your list. I did this and found out my friend always wanted to be in Time Square for the New Year’s Eve ball drop. For her, it would be exciting; for me, it would be a nightmare. Nonetheless, it was cool to learn that about her because we love being around each other, despite having vastly different ideas of fun.

Here’s what’s on the still-to-do bucket lists that others shared with me:

• Go to all 50 states before turning 50
• Visit Spain and Portugal
• Build a house  
• Take the grandchildren on a vacation  
• Spend a month in Europe
• Take a cruise
• Spend Christmas in New York City and see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Send us an email at [email protected] and let us know what’s on your bucket list. We’ll publish your responses in our next issue.