Frosty-weather friends, going to keep this short. Just want to extend this winter bucket list invite. I will be sharing my winter bucket or activity or fun list on Monday, 12.21.2020. Not sure how that list is going to look as life in El Paso is still pretty well locked down. But I am afraid if I don’t make a list, we will wind up spending the winter twiddling our thumbs in hibernation.
As I have shared before, these seasonal bucket lists motivate me to try new activities and to hold myself accountable for getting tasks done. In this uncertain time of Covid, it can be easy to just give up on living your best life. In some ways, it feels like we have kind of lost a whole year to this virus. Having my bucket list activities has given me direction, and a gentle push toward doing something more intentional than sitting on my ever-broadening fanny!!
Lessons from Winter Bucket Lists Past
Fresh out of ideas for things to put on your list? Maybe my past lists can provide a little inspiration.
One lesson I learned as I put together my 2018 winter bucket list was that I can get more caught up in making sure an activity happens rather than actually enjoying myself when it does.
Need to remember that the point of these exercises is to live life more consciously. And to pack some new experiences in with the everyday routines. Not to rush through something just so that I can earn that coveted green check mark ✔️of completion.
Another tip I have picked up along the way…keeping my lists rather broad. At least keeping some of the activities open-ended. Sometimes it is better to say ‘try a new recipe’ rather than ‘prepare a new breakfast dish’. Emphasis on experimenting with a new recipe rather than restricting it to something just for breakfast.
Or ‘enjoy a holiday craft’ instead of ‘make new Christmas stockings for the family’. By keeping the activities less narrow and specific, they are often more manageable and doable. Read more. Take a new course.
Have found that I am more successful when my lists are well-rounded. When they include:
- opportunities for spiritual growth – something that makes me feel good from the inside out. Or picking a name from an angel tree, donating to a food pantry.
- a few physical activities like hiking, walking, eating better. Adding free weights to my work out. Getting in 10k steps a day.
- creative outlets like putting together new outfits incorporating pieces from the winter capsule wardrobe or winter work wear capsule wardrobe. Making gingerbread houses with the family. Trying a new recipe.
- items that stimulate my mind. Putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Registering (and taking!) a course. Practicing a new language. Joining a book club…mine?? Come Read With Me. Learn more here.
Your Invite to Join Me
So, are you in or what? All you need to do is:
- grab the graphic below. Or create your own.
- make your list. Check it twice.
- put together a quick blog post and publish it on or around 12.21.2020.
- and then come back on 01.21.2021 and 02.21.2021 to give updates on your progress.
I will have a link up on my 12.21.2020 post. Be sure to link up with me then. Can’t wait to see what your plans include.
Your Turn
You know you are going to decorate, and bake, and wrap, and eat, right? Why not kick those activities up a notch and dream bigger this winter. Set some goals, inspire others with what you plan to do. Plan some intentional fun. And share in a blog post. You know you want to!! Stay inspired all season long to make your dreams come true. Won’t you accept your winter bucket list invite?
Hugs and kisses,
I need to start a bucket list for this winter I think. Otherwise I don’t get out at all. Perhaps after the holidays! Have a good week Leslie!
I admire how thoughtful and intentional you are about paying attention to every area of your life. You are very inspirational my friend!
xo,
Kellyann
Kellyann, I hope you know that your comments mean so much. Thank you, sweet friend.
I definitely find keeping my list a little broader helps me accomplish more!
Can’t wait to see what you kids are up to on your winter bucket list!!
I too can get caught up in the “I have to get this done” rather than enjoying the experience. And I totally agree, open ended is such a good idea. Good luck with your list!
Thank you, Danielle. Need to start putting my list together.
I will think about making a list as I haven’t done one in a long time!
Oh, Dara, hope you will join in with a winter bucket list!! Have missed you.
I’m in. Thanks for the invite. Sounds fun!
Yay, hope you will join me, Karen!!
Hi, Leslie! I’ve enjoyed doing the bucket lists in the past, but I didn’t do a winter one last year, and then COVID hit. Maybe doing a bucket list is the inspiration I need right now. I’m not ready to say I commit to it, but I will put some thought into it and let you know. Thank you!
Oh, Gale…wish you would create even the tiniest of lists for winter and join in with me!!
You know you are going to bake a little, wrap presents, maybe look at lights, enjoy the grandbabies,
Facetime with your son and DIL!! Put those on your list and check them off!!
Hi Leslie – I’m not a bucket list person, but I do enjoy reading the challenges others set for themselves. I also really like the lessons you’ve learned along the way – especially about keeping the goals open ended and remembering to enjoy the experiences and not just getting them ticked off. I’ll look forward to seeing all that you’ve achieved.
Thank you, Leanne. Glad to know you will be cheering me on.
Hmmm…thanks for the invitation to create a bucket list and the good suggestions. I will have to put my thinking cap on and see if I can come up with a coherent list! 🙂
Oh, Laurie, would love to have you join me. Any and all lists welcome, coherent and otherwise!!
It’s so nice that you think about all the different aspects of life to focus on with your bucket lists! I’m hoping to read more, too. This virtual learning thing just saps up so much time and makes it really hard to get errands done!
Thank you, Laura. Come do a winter bucket list with me!!
I am sure the virtual schooling for the girls has been exhausting. We are hopeful that schools will return to
face-to-face learning here in El Paso in January. Just pray that we don’t have a huge increase in cases after
the holidays that will prohibit that.
I think this winter it is more important than ever to have a bucket list of activities to check off! I will try to join you!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Oh, Jill, would LOVE to have you join me. No pressure on posting on the 21st…but whenever it fits your blog schedule. The bucket
list really help me focus and remember to have fun, to plan fun, to do little bits of good, when I might otherwise forget. YAY!!
So excited that you might join!
I didn’t do so well on my fall one so I am going to try the winter one…lol. maybe transfer some over.
Yes, Kirstin, transfer some of the fall activities to winter…then your bucket list is almost written!! I do that
often. Especially with things I really wanted to try. So glad you are joining me again!
So many great goals to accomplish! Best of luck to you.