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Andrea Mabey's avatar

I’m a believer in writing down what we hope to accomplish. Your list is good but not specific enough. When you fall in love (for instance) what is he like, how does he look, how does he make you feel? When will you find the window with the tree? Is it in the city or the country? Is the house yours or rented. If rented, why aren’t you living there now? I read a book called the Jackrabbit factor about imagining the future feeling of your goal in advance. It’s available for free on YouTube as an audio book. Maybe reading it would help you see what I mean by making your bucket list specific and choosing a date by which each thing is to happen.

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Anna Ray's avatar

I actually am working on a more detailed version, but I’m keeping that one just for my personal diary—for now. It’s filled with little specifics: the window, the tree, the way the room feels in the morning. I hadn’t heard of The Jackrabbit Factor, but I’m definitely going to check out the audiobook. The idea of tuning into the feeling of a future goal is something I’m slowly learning to do more intentionally.

Thanks again for the gentle push.

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Andrea Mabey's avatar

Yes, gentle. It’s best written in a journal.

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Poet and the Bench's avatar

My friend co-wrote one of the original 100 things travel books. Here’s an article about him, you might enjoy finding his book: 100 Things to Do Before You Die

https://www.latimes.com/travel/la-trw-freeman26-2008aug26-story.html

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Anna Ray's avatar

I just read the article you linked. The concept behind 100 Things to Do Before You Die sounds so cool. I’m really excited to check out the book. Do you know if it’s still in publication or available anywhere?

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Poet and the Bench's avatar

Dave was a trip himself… I’m so glad this post brought him into memory. Here’s a link for those who asked: https://a.co/d/dBEXAKk

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Srav's avatar

Loved this, has inspired me to create my own lil list that speaks to my soul <3

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Anna Ray's avatar

Omg that makes me so happy!! Love that you’re making your own list — hope it’s full of stuff that lights you up <3

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Brenda's avatar

Have you seen ‘Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo’? I think you might enjoy it.

Another goal: be flexible with our lists. As we grow our priorities may shift. The fun part is finding the common denominator amongst the items, focusing on this.

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Anna Ray's avatar

Yesss I’ve heard of it but haven’t watched yet — now I’m bumping it up the list, thanks! And totally agree on the flexibility part — our lists should grow with us, not box us in 💛

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dethgrospe's avatar

Numbers 9 and 10 are sooo beautiful 😍

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Anna Ray's avatar

I’m so glad you loved them. Your comment just made me smile!

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Kaia's avatar

So cute!!!

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Anna Ray's avatar

Thank you! So glad you liked it :)

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Bushra's avatar

This is so lovely!

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Anna Ray's avatar

Thank you! So glad you liked it :)

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kalista's avatar

You're definitely not the only one who overthinks things to watch.. Sometimes the best things i consumed (be it books, tv shows, movies, etc) are the one where I didn't think too much of it! Love your writing <3

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Anna Ray's avatar

That’s so true, the low-expectation gems always surprise me the most. Thank you for reading and for the kind words—it really encourages me to keep writing <3

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Neera Mahajan's avatar

What a life changing movie and a post. I got to watch this movie. I am so glad you too action immediately after watching the movie and made your life list. I hope others of your generation read your post and feel inspired to create their life list. The only suggestion I have is — make every item in your more specific. For example how much money will make you comfortable? What to do to not feel lonely.

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Anna Ray's avatar

Thank you so much for this kind and generous comment. The movie truly shook something awake in me. And I really appreciate your suggestion—you're right, specificity brings clarity. I’ll definitely revisit the list with that in mind. Grateful you took the time to share this 🙏

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rewsnatcerroc's avatar

oh this is lovely. the list you put is heartwarming and serve as a reminder to myself that my dreams are worth pursuing despite life's hustle & bustle. thankyou for this piece!

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Anna Ray's avatar

thanks, means a lot coming from you <3

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melanie ann martin's avatar

Id love a podcast

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Anna Ray's avatar

Ahhh, this means so much <3 I would love to do a podcast too! I have toyed with the idea...Maybe one day, when I have enough subscribers...<3

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