Creating My Anti-Bucket List: The Things I Will Avoid
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Chapter 1: The Concept of an Anti-Bucket List
Recently, I was inspired by author D. Denise Dianaty to compile an anti-bucket list—essentially, a collection of experiences I prefer to skip or not repeat. While typical bucket lists don't resonate with me, crafting this alternative was surprisingly enjoyable. The goal was to reach 20 items, but I managed to narrow it down to 14. Here’s what I came up with:
- Parting with my Jeep. Technically, it's our Jeep, but my husband avoids driving it, so it feels like mine. We purchased it while living in Wyoming, and it has traversed countless off-road trails in Wyoming and Colorado, as well as both U.S. coasts. I want to explore more local backroads with it.
- Living without a cell phone. I was an early adopter for work and even used a bulky model affectionately called a 'brick.' After facing health issues, I began using one personally and now find it indispensable for internet access and quick research.
- Engaging in mountain climbing. I loved my basic rock climbing course in college, but arthritis has made me reconsider dangling from cliffs.
- Watching reality shows like the Kardashians. I steer clear of television, making it easy to avoid such programming.
- Participating in Black Friday shopping. I detest the shopping experience; I prefer to enter a store, grab what I need, and leave—browsing is not for me. The chaos of competing for items is a nightmare scenario.
- Ceasing to enjoy music. As my hearing declines—especially in my left ear due to a teenage accident—I still treasure music through headphones and am discovering new artists even in my later years.
- Eating chocolate-covered grasshoppers. While I might have tried them in my youth, I’ll gladly pass now.
- Experiencing another hurricane. After 16 years in Florida, I've weathered enough storms to last a lifetime. I once drove my Jeep to Florida during a tropical storm to assist my daughter after her ankle injury, but I don’t want to repeat such chaos.
- Being involved in a car accident. I've been in several minor collisions without injury, but I prefer to avoid tempting fate again.
- Residing in a large city. I’ve experienced both small towns and large cities, from populations of 900 to 500,000. I cherish the peace of my current rural home, where I can enjoy morning bird songs without the background noise of traffic.
- Enduring another cyst in my knee. After experiencing the intense pain from a cyst last year, I’d rather not go through that ordeal again. It took four months and physical therapy to regain full use of my leg.
- Moving again. I've relocated around a dozen times since marriage and would like to stay put for a while.
- Stopping my writing. Although it may happen someday, I aspire to write for as long as I can. Running out of words is simply not an option.
- Holding my sick child. I’ve had this experience with my daughter, who faced a sudden medical condition at just 9 years old. Thankfully, she recovered, but I wouldn't wish that experience on anyone.
That sums up my list. What about yours?
Chapter 2: Exploring Anti-Bucket Lists
In the first video, titled "Unbucketed: My 'Anti' Bucket List," the creator discusses their approach to defining what they never want to experience again. The insights offered may inspire you to reflect on your own life choices.
The second video, "What is on Your 'Anti-Bucket List?'," invites viewers to consider the things they’d rather avoid, prompting a thoughtful exploration of personal desires and boundaries.
Conclusion
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- Denise Dianaty, the editor and graphic designer for the WE PAW Bloggers E-Zine, is also an accomplished self-published author, poet, and graphic designer with over 25 years of experience.