This blog post discusses why, even amidst life’s trials, we can discover ourselves and move toward our dreams through a bucket list.
Everyone faces trials in life. Whatever form they take, they are likely a significant source of worry for each individual. Some suffer due to health issues, while others struggle with relationships or career problems. I too had experiences that are now fond memories I can laugh about easily, but at the time, they were incredibly difficult and painful. When nothing went as planned, anxiety and worry about the future seemed endless. This led me to gradually lose sight of myself, wandering aimlessly, unsure of what to do.
Then I discovered the concept of a bucket list. It involves writing down things you want to do before you die. While it can include grand plans and goals, you can also list simple things you really want to try, like learning yoga. At first, I was skeptical about its meaning, but as I gradually compiled the list, positive changes began to occur in my wandering self.
Creating a bucket list significantly influenced me, helping me understand what I wanted to do and what areas interested me, when my life lacked direction. Through this, I began to understand myself more deeply. It became a time to ponder what I truly wanted and why those things mattered to me. My bucket list included many activities like traveling to many places around the world, meeting diverse people, engaging in cultural activities, and undertaking interesting projects. In the process, I realized that things I assumed others would naturally prefer and find interesting simply because I liked them and was interested in them were actually unique to me.
I thought enjoying traveling abroad, experiencing local cultures, and making local friends was a trait shared by most people. But I came to understand that some people don’t necessarily travel overseas, and others feel uncomfortable meeting foreigners. I dislike feeling awkward in new environments, so I actively seek out common interests to connect with people quickly. This ability to adapt anywhere wasn’t just a personality trait; it was a way of life I valued deeply. Approaching people with an open mind, regardless of nationality or age, and considering others’ perspectives. I realized this passion for human connection and this longing for exchange became a major driving force in my life.
Furthermore, I gained a unique sense of accomplishment through the process of learning new things, pondering them, and working towards solutions. The future I envisioned was no longer a vague concept but had become a concrete goal I wanted to achieve. In that process, I realized I had previously thought of my dreams as too grandiose. However, as I achieved the small goals listed on my bucket list one by one, I began to understand myself better, and what I truly wanted became clearer.
Achieving these small goals one by one brought significant change to me. It clarified what I truly wanted and the direction I needed to take to realize that dream. Simply writing down what I wanted to do without constraints, regardless of my current situation, made me realize that the real obstacle wasn’t external circumstances, but myself. Dreaming and setting goals wasn’t just about success or achievement; it was a journey of self-discovery and growth along the way.
When people talk about dreams, they often worry about the resources needed to achieve them. I was no different. I frequently thought I couldn’t achieve what I wanted due to lack of financial means or time. But as I wrote down smaller goals, those thoughts gradually faded. I realized that dreams have no wealth gap; only the desire and will to realize them matter. Though I am financially limited now, I became certain that I possess infinite potential to move toward my dreams.
Our brains are evolutionarily designed to recognize danger and fear first. Past pain, present hardships, and future anxieties instill fear in us, triggering instinctive reactions to avoid them. While these responses greatly aided our ancestors’ survival, in modern society they often hinder us from challenging ourselves or attempting change. Yet, by creating a bucket list, I began dreaming of a positive future beyond fear and anxiety.
Through my bucket list, I realized that life isn’t just filled with grand goals; the process of realizing small dreams itself holds meaning. Just as small things accumulate to create big changes, I began to feel a sense of accomplishment, knowing I’m moving forward little by little each day. Life is ultimately just a short time given to us to realize what we want to do. Therefore, I came to believe that the small challenges of each day accumulate and lead to the big goals I dream of.
