More than a bucket list
A colleague threw the question randomly to another and was surprised when she received the answer, “I really haven’t thought about it.” For starters, how should one define it? Once you are done with your own interpretation, the next question is, ”Do you—or should you—have one?
Toward the end of the year, cleaning up the clutter that has accumulated, both physical and mental, is an activity that has become a personal ritual. Between the two, oftentimes, the former takes longer. Mine goes through interrupted phases, mostly because of old photographs and books. Books that have remained unread, left to lounge on the shelf because of varied reasons: decreased visibility (piled on top of others), in the back seat of priorities (unrelated to medicine), or simply neglected, even if once a favorite, just because life always seems to take over.
In the process of attempting to organize, I unearthed one by Toni Birdsong. The title of her book, ”More than a Bucket List,” is the principal reference for this week’s column.
In order to preserve the beauty of her thoughts and her gift for words, I have directly quoted lines from her book, which are highlighted, and followed through with reflections of my own. Not necessarily original, for no one has an exclusive right to words, unique, or perhaps even one you can readily identify with. The main objective is that you will experience the same positive vibes generated. As of this writing, “Project Clean-Up” remains on hold.
Pursue laughter. What comes to mind when one sees the word pursue? Often, it would equate to working toward fulfilling a dream or reaching for a goal. But laughter? When has it ever become a daily priority in the list of things to be done?
It should be.
How many of us have experienced the simple joy of laughing so hard to the point of choking, or worse, having accidental leaks from half-filled bladders? Its instant after-effects on overall well-being are priceless. Laughter is the best medicine.
Become a more positive person. Who you are and how you choose to be, especially in very trying situations, affects the people around you. Have you ever been with individuals who constantly complain about every single thing, criticize endlessly, and are impossible to please? Not only is it tiring, but it is also burdensome. If one isn’t too careful, one can become one of them. Remember that it is only you who has the power to analyze yourself. Step on the brakes if you are beginning to slip into negativity. Seek the company of people who choose to be positive so that you can be rescued from falling into that deep, dark pit of regrets.
Live with compassion. Who doesn’t need some form of affirmation? Be genuinely and deliberately generous to those who are unintentionally overlooked. When was the last time you said thank you to the people who keep our public restrooms clean, collect the garbage, gas up our cars, or even direct traffic? There are thousands out there who may not be as fortunate or as comfortable as you. Find small ways to let them know they matter.
Write your kids a letter. Tell them all the things that they are doing right.
For that matter, write your parents a letter. Tell them how much you love and appreciate them, and let them know all the things that they are doing right. Skip the computer and the printer; gift them with a handwritten one.
Learn to look at missteps as opportunities to enjoy what otherwise may seem ordinary. A few days ago, we decided to leave the family reunion early so that my 93-year-old mother wouldn’t have to sit through traffic. I inadvertently took the wrong exit, and we eventually ended up in Manila instead of Quezon City. Thankfully, my mother is not the type to make a fuss. What else is there to do but make the best out of the situation? Driving through the endless stretch of NLEx, we agreed that it felt like being transported to another place. A bonus was not only that we had a longer time to bond but that we also caught the beautiful sunset through clear windows.
Live with strength. Do what you can to change you. Leave the other people to God.
Become an expert in conflict resolution.
Be okay with a nothing day.
There are still so many things to serve as reminders of how we can constantly refashion ourselves to better appreciate the life that God has lent us. The number one thing on that bucket list should be to constantly learn the lesson of making each day count.
Episode two is coming up. In the meantime, try making one of yours.
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