I’m not really a fan of the bucket list craze that seems to be sweeping the world (and travellers in particular!). I don’t mind a spot of travel daydreaming, but the idea of making a really long list of things I must do before I die is a bit overwhelming (especially since I have no idea how long I have until then – ten years or fifty?), and I was grateful to read a post from my friend Nora of The Professional Hobo saying that she thought the same way. Instead, she thought a more useful step would be to write a reverse bucket list and I decided that was such a great idea I would do exactly that.
A reverse bucket list, Nora decided, is a list of things you have already achieved in life that are the kind of things worthy of being on a bucket list. What a great way to reflect on and celebrate all the great things you’ve already done? I’ve had a good think about what this list might include for me and since quite a number of them are related to travel and culture, I decided to share my reverse bucket list here.
Amanda’s Reverse Bucket List
- Riding the Trans-Siberian train across Russia. A real “lifetime achievement” for me, I was so happy to make a trip I’d been daydreaming about for many years.
- Living in a foreign country. (Check; three times! For the uninitiated: Japan, Slovakia and Germany, teaching English as I went.)
- Visiting 40 countries. That’s more than the average Joe.
- Becoming fluent in another language. My German is still not, and won’t ever be, perfect, but when I joined a German playgroup here in Perth last year, a couple of members assumed I was German, just with a slight accent from being in Australia for a while. For me, that’s as good as being fluent!!
- Having a family – the young traveller is the best thing of all on my reverse bucket list.
- Being paid to work as a writer. I’d still love to (and am determined to) publish a novel, but in the meantime getting paid to write has certainly fulfilled one of my childhood ambitions.
- Getting my Masters degree. It’s in education and helps me plenty with the blogging and social media training I do.
I’m not a big fan of the bucket list craze either. I LOVE your idea.
Thanks Dina – and thanks Nora Dunn for the excellent idea.
I quite like both–buckets and reverse buckets…And now I wonder if there might be something in-between?
Ha ha I like your way of thinking Kyle – like a current bucket?! Hmm will have to think about that one …
I like this idea so much more too! hmmmm … now to wonder what I have actually achieved…..
The comment from those at your German playgroup is a MASSIVE compliment! well done you!
Thanks Rach, I thought so too! Of course it made me totally self-conscious and my grammar was terrible for the rest of the morning but at least I fooled them for a little while 🙂
Living abroad (Spain) for a summer! Definitely worth of any bucket list, and one of the best experiences of my life.
PS: I’m totally late in mentioning this, but I love the header image with all the iconic landmarks!
I don’t think I knew you spent a summer in Spain, Kristan, good on you! Obviously I’m going to agree with you and say that pretty much any experience living abroad is an excellent one 🙂
And thanks re the header – glad you like it! I must get around to getting the makeover completed soon!!
Love this idea! I’ll definitely be writing my own reverse bucket list. Very impressed by number 4.
Thanks Maddi – yes, do write your own! Number 4 was a big goal for me for a long time. I still have to work on it even more though!
Very nice idea. It’s like being grateful for all experiences so far. Great.
Yes you’re quite right, it’s like a gratitude list, well described.
I like the reverse bucket list and then again I don’t shows how quiet my life is x
Haha that sounds just like you Rae! You’d have a long reverse bucket list I reckon 😉 x