Bucket List 2021
People sometimes refer to death as “kicking the bucket.” The idiom originates from the practice of hanging someone, either as a method of execution or suicide. Convicted criminals awaiting execution stood on buckets, which the executioner kicked out from under them. From that phrase comes the associated practice of creating a “Bucket List.” The expression gained popularity following the release of the film The Bucket List, which was released in December 2007. As funeral directors, we deal with death on a daily basis. Less often, we hear about people completing items on their bucket list prior to their demise. However, as we enter 2021, we encourage you to create a bucket list. Death comes for us all. So, make the most of the time you have before you kick the proverbial bucket yourself!
Popular Bucket List Items
According to USA Today, the following reflects the top 10 Bucket List Items for people who are single:
- Fall in love.
- Go on a wine tour through Napa.
- Change someone’s life for the better.
- Achieve my ideal weight.
- Go on a safari.
- Ride a hot air balloon.
- See the Northern Lights
- Go to the Super Bowl.
- Swim with dolphins.
- Travel through Europe.
Couple Bucket List Items
For their part, people who are part of a couple share the following top 10 wishes before they die:
- Enjoy a “tech-free” day.
- Plan the future.
- Get a “couples’ massage.”
- Go on a double date.
- Stargaze on a rooftop.
- Write each other a love letter.
- Play a sexy game of Twister.
- Visit each other’s hometowns.
- Binge-watch a TV series. (Is there anyone alive who hasn’t already done this?)
- Enjoy a picnic.
Family Bucket Lists
- Visit the Grand Canyon.
- Bake cookies. (Really? You can’t dream bigger than this?)
- Enjoy a family game night.
- Go camping.
- Host a lemonade stand. (This suggestion pre-dates COVID-19.)
- Go bowling.
- Go ice skating.
- Overcome a fear.
- Visit a farm.
- Tour a factory.
How to Create a Bucket List
If you don’t want to borrow from popular lists, create your own.
1. Start slow.
If you set goals you can meet, you’ll feel empowered to continue checking items off of your list. So, start with something you can do even if you don’t win the lottery.
2. Think about what you wanted to do when you were a child.
When you were young, you probably dared to dream. Try to think back to that state of mind and remember what you had hoped to achieve when you became an adult.
3. Add a few predictable items.
Do you know why everyone includes “visiting the Grand Canyon” on their Bucket List? Because it’s amazing! Don’t disregard popular items. They show up on most people’s list for a good reason.
4. Think outside the Bucket List box.
While riding a hot air balloon may be a popular bucket list item you would like to achieve, try to stretch yourself as you make your list. For example, maybe you have always wanted to learn to play the piano but didn’t have the means for lessons when you were a child. You don’t have to commit to becoming the next George Winston. But you could take a single lesson and see if you enjoy it.
5. Ask for suggestions.
Your own personal network could offer lots of great suggestions. In fact, you probably know people who have already fulfilled their own bucket list. Ask them what they enjoyed most. It’s okay to borrow ideas. After all, you only live once!
Happy New Year, from all of us at Foothill Funeral & Cremation Services!
About Foothill Funeral & Cremation in Glendora, California
If you know someone who has died, please allow us the honor to help you during this difficult time. Feel free to contact us now to pre-plan your own memorial or at your time of need (626) 335-0615. Our relationship with the United Methodist Church and Sacred Heart (which currently allows a maximum of 65 people) provides great places for mourners to host funerals and memorials. You’ll love the grandiose yet intimate settings in both locations.
