Bucket Lists

Track 8.6

Bucket Lists
Have you ever wanted to see the Great Wall of China, win an Oscar, or swim with dolphins? If so, you’re not alone.

We all have things we want to do in our lifetimes. Write those things down, and you have your very own bucket list. A bucket list is a list of things someone wants to experience before dying. It’s essentially a set of goals that people create to remind themselves to live life to the fullest.

Many people have fun or exciting activities on their bucket lists, like hot-air ballooning or scuba diving. Others include places or things they want to see, like the Taj Mahal or the northern lights. Some people list things they want to achieve, like learning a new language or completing a marathon. And others list things that are worthwhile and that make a positive difference in the world.

Laura Lawson is only 23, but she has already done half of the 333 items on her bucket list. She’s eaten an insect, visited Las Vegas, and gone skydiving. Her advice is simple: “Try not watching TV for a week. You’ll see how much time you have to suddenly try new things.”

Jack Reynolds shows that age is not a limit when it comes to bucket lists. At 104, he flew in a biplane. And at 105, he became the world’s oldest roller coaster passenger. For his 106th birthday, Jack wanted to ride in a Formula 1 car, but couldn't. So he went zip-lining instead!

Bucket lists are very personal. And the items on them don’t have to be expensive to be worth doing. The best bucket lists balance experiencing the world, trying new things, and finding yourself. So think about what you enjoy, and ask yourself:

What’s on your bucket list?