An odd term that has become popular in recent years, and
definitively requires that we list all of the things we want to witness in our
lifetimes.
How do we think about it all? The exotic trip, winning the
lottery, the perfect job, skydiving? I don’t know. There are as many lists as
there are people, and many more goals than that.
I have to admit that the bucket list I started 40 years ago
is very different that the one I have today. I crossed a lot of things off the
original list, but at the same time I didn’t limit myself to that list. I
crossed off accomplishments, erased items that I had lost interest in, and
added items that have become far more important to me through lessons learned
along the way.
Which brings me to the point of this post. Is the legacy you
want to pass on, on your bucket list? What is the legacy that you want to pass?
Is it intolerance and a fixed mindset to enable you to pass prejudice to the
next generation? Is it puritan views impossible to live up to that create anger
and insecurity? In the majority of cases I doubt that any of the former are true…but what is your legacy? Is your legacy part of your bucket list? I
understand that the “bucket list” contains items to accomplish while you are alive,
but don’t we create what is left behind from our living actions?
Oh…I don’t want to get all preachy here…I just want you to
think about your bucket list…and your legacy. Mine…well I can scratch making
people think about themselves and what they will leave behind off my bucket
list…and make it part of my legacy.
There is a huge difference between teaching someone to be kind and have faith...than teaching them to distrust what they don't understand.
There is a huge difference between teaching someone to be kind and have faith...than teaching them to distrust what they don't understand.
I promise to work hard to leave something good behind. Be
well.
I’m just saying
28 comments:
Great post, Ron. I'd also like to take that vow. :)
Thank you for sharing your heart and your thoughts with the world.
Take care,
Casey
Now that my first novel will be seeing publication soon, I can scratch that from my bucket list. :) I do hope that my writing will be my legacy, and that the life I lead each day be a testament to God's love.
Wonderful post, Ron!
Blessings!
Casey - I know you will live up to your vow and I wish you well along the journey. Thank you for reading.
Martha - It is always an honor to have you hear. I hope that you will be able to cope with the incredible travel schedule for book signings (my wish for you). :) I am sure that your are a good person and will pass that wisdom on as part of your bucket list. Thank you for visiting ;)
I am averse to ''bucket lists'' because they generally imply stuff you want to do before you die... and I don't think about that.
Besides, my bucket got rusty and stuff falls out the bottom.
Jim - I know you are a good person who works very hard every day for good causes and the greater good of humankind, so I know you will know that the point of the post was for people to actively be more like you :).
Be well,
Ron
Gotcha, and more and more people are becoming aware.
Bucket List.. never have thought of it.. What I feel at that moment, is what I would like to accomplish.
I have no right or wrong way in what and why I am doing.. I just do.. anyway life is unpredictable so flow where the waves take you!
I never bothered with a bucket list for the same reason yours evolved. My legacy - well, lets just say I hope to leave something behind, be it something physical or memorable.
i've also never really given a list a thought. of course in today's almost permanent cyber universe, sadly all of my silly blogging nonsense might be mine .. :)
Savira - I overheard a conversation about bucket lists and it made me think of this. I admire your adventurous spirit, and what you live every day is a lot of what is on others lists. You touch many people every day as well.
Anna - Literature is already an important part of your legacy ;)
Tbaoo - You blogs are important too.;) Even simple things like creating communities for writers to gather and share are pretty important too.
Hi Ron,
Thank you for sharing. What a great post! What a super blog. Look forward to reading more and learning more.
Linda Della Donna
BookOrBust
"There is a huge difference between teaching someone to be kind and have faith...than teaching them to distrust what they don't understand."
Wise words indeed Ron. This was a great post. Yeah, my goals have changed considerably as well. I no longer dream of going off to distant lands..I seek to create a little heaven on earth right where my family resides. I don't aim too high...I just want to cultivate a nurturing atmosphere and raise my children to love, have compassion and be passionate about something they care about.
I could really appreciate this post. :)
Linda - Thank you for stopping by. I'm glad you like the blog and hope you will come back often ;)
Jessica - Thank you! I agree that looking inward and creating happiness at home is a great thing. Stuff comes and goes, family and life lessons are forever. Be well!
Hi, Ron! ~
I don't really believe in the concept of a 'bucket list' because I don't believe in saving up a list of things to accomplish. However, I do have goals I'm working toward and I think about my 'legacy' every day -- just the way I'm made, I guess...
The legacy I want to leave behind is that some people (hopefully, many) will be stronger, happier and more empowered as the result of my work in the world. They may not even realize or remember the impact I've had on their lives, but everything I do and say is working in that direction.
I use all my 'tricks' on myself, as well, so the result is that I receive the benefits in terms of a personally joyful and fulfilling life -- Win/Win!
Thank you for this post and for the opportunity it creates for me to refresh these ideas within myself and share them in the context of authentic community! XOXOXO
Linda - Your response is exactly what I was hoping for ;). I love it. The idea that we have impacted positive growth in others, even if they don't remember who or what inspired it is selfless dedication...and will make a positive influence.
You inspire me...I will remember you...you are a mentor!
Be well,
Ron
I remember once joining in a group of bloggers who talked about the things on their bucket list. I felt almost ashamed that I didn't have one, and hurried up and jotted down a few things.
After reading the list, I thought to myself wow what's the point of doing all these things for myself. (sky dive, tattoo, another tattoo, visit Paris etc.) My list looked much like the other bloggers, all filled with materialistic things or places to travel too.
Then I started thinking (much like yourself)How will me sky diving, and having 2 more tattoos help those I love after I am gone?
That's when I decided to change my list to not things I want to do before I pass, but to things I'd like to leave behind for the ones I love.
Some included, my written journals of 20+ years, my book of recipes, the little trinkets I saved etc. I think those are a part of my legacy and they will surly be remembered. (I hope) I also hoped that the little lesson I taught them, the traditions I shared with them are also things I leave behind.
Thanks for a very thought provoking read.
You be well too Ron.
I used to have "leaving a legacy" on my bucket list as I think most people do. Being the one that saves mankind, or starts a church much like the Fillmores of Unity did, or Ernest Homes of Science of Mind, or many other such examples. I found that can also be a trap that we can get caught up in at times. Thinking that we need to do something grand to leave a legacy, instead of just being who we are and being of service to others. And maybe, just maybe, making a bucket list of experiences that take us to new places in thinking has an impact on someone else life who we greet with a smile.
As for me and my legacy, I was able to stop a familial cycle of abuse. I shared it with the world, bringing honesty to those who's lives I touch is I think my greatest desire at this point in my life.
Debbie - Thank you for stopping by. I agree with you about looking inward and towards loved ones when thinking about a legacy. "Lessons taught"...Something we will live every day to do. Thank you for you wonderful thoughts.
Jim - I understand what you are saying about lofty intentions becoming a trap, and I do agree that thinking of our own legacies as being of service to others is a wonderful thing. I think in terms of what my father left, which was an existence of genuine kindness. Thank you for stopping by.
Jan - That is a powerful legacy indeed. Ending a cycle of violence, sharing and teaching new lessons for change is quite admirable. Thank you very much for sharing that ;)
One of the magical things we can do for ourselves is to find our legacy maybe by visualising our funeral hearing our epitaph, but then working our way back to the now and determining how we get their. Thius is a hugely powerful technique that will always get great results.
But we should all create that bucket list that will motivate us to take action every day. We then our giving our best to this world.
Larry - Profound and true! Thank you for stopping by ;)
I've done so many interesting things as a child that now that I'm older I just don't find a lot of things people would normally put on a to-do list of that sort fascinating. I'm way too jaded and cynical in that way.
The one thing I really want to do before I die? Live. I'm not particular as to how that gets done, but I definitely want to have been HERE.
JR Nova - Thank you for stopping by. Living is a good goal ;). I do understand. Sorting the white noise of growing up and finding ourselves is a challenging journey indeed. We each find our own way, in our own time...the good news is, there really are no rules.
I wish for you, for the rest of your life, to be in each moment, remember them and use them to make the next moment happier.
Be well,
Ron
I agree! I want to leave something good behind - a legacy of love. :)
Rachel - Good for you. I am sure you will do a fine job of it. Be well, and thank you for stopping by ;)
A significant point to ponder about Ron! And I am on it as I type! Not to mention I am going to have to send this to as many people as I possibly can.
As always love your post and your thoughts..makes me ponder
Kriti - Thank you for reading and thank you for the bump as well ;). I just felt if we all pondered it a bit more (including me)we can change the world and ourselves a little at a time.
Pryashmita - Thank you very much! You are a good person, and I know your legacy will be a fine one.
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