"Running Commentary"
Unfinished Business
If you knew you were going to die soon, what would you regret not having done? What would you like to do before you die? Everyone has something that fits under the umbrella of unfinished business. I certainly do.
So many plans, schemes and dreams. So little time.
Why not make a list? Things you would like to do before you die. The list could be as long as the length, depth and breadth of your imagination. Perhaps visiting a friend or family member you would want to see and spend time with – to tell them how much you appreciate and love them.
There are people who harbor guilt and regret over something that happened many years ago, and they never apologized and said they were sorry. Old wounds and sorrows can weigh us down -- what a relief it would be, knowing you won’t carry that with you to your grave. Add it to your list!
A 2007 movie with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman popularized the term “bucket list.” Since the movie debuted, scores of books have been written on the subject of goals and accomplishments one might wish to achieve before “kicking the bucket.” Hence, the term bucket list.
One of the things on both those characters’ lists was skydiving out of an airplane – they jumped together. That’s something I’ve wanted to do since just about forever.
Years before the term bucket list was popularized, I made a “wish list” of goals I hoped to accomplish – all within one year! My list was all over the proverbial map. It included traveling to exotic destinations such as Machu Picchu in Peru. There was no way I could do everything, but I figured it’s better to aim high than aim low.
Many goals were unrealistic– at the time, I still had a day job, practicing law in Philadelphia. Yet my list served as a useful reference point throughout the year. It made me think creatively and motivated me to do things I had always wanted to do but never made time for.
What were some goals I crossed off my list? For starters, I co-piloted a glider high above the clouds (and landed without crashing) … I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge (and back) on a warm summer day – something I had always wanted to do. I ran a five mile race in 29:20, beating my goal of 30:00 … and I finally attended an opera at The Metropolitan Opera in New York City (Puccini’s “Tosca”). A modest seat toward the rear of the opera house – but I was there! I did it!
In Paris, I sipped champagne atop the Eiffel Tower … in Philadelphia, I volunteered to assist victims of domestic violence, joining the board of directors of an agency dedicated to the cause. I bought a “very cool” skateboard and got pretty good riding it … and I had my fortune read by an exotic Gypsy (“Dis card sez you vill have a loooong life.”). She also said I’d win the lottery. Oh, vell.
Without my list, I wouldn’t have done half the things I did that year. I kept it in a conspicuous place and felt a sense of accomplishment as I checked things off. It was truly gratifying.
Under the umbrella of unfinished business? I never climbed the pyramids in Egypt … I wanted to spend one day on a tugboat. And, emulating Woody Guthrie, I hoped to ride in an empty boxcar to a faraway destination (very likely illegal) … and I never bungee jumped off a high bridge.
Romantic notions? You betcha! Better than NO notions.
What about YOU? Have I inspired you to create your very own wish list? DO IT! Make a list of things you’ve wanted to do before you kick the proverbial bucket. Think how good you’ll feel as you begin to check things off your list.
New Year’s resolutions are often broken before the end of January. Instead, put some effort into planning a bucket list. Include long-range goals as well as some very doable short-range goals. Keep it open-ended, without a deadline. Be creative! Aim high! Post the list where you can see it each day.
Join a book club at the library … Surprise a loved one you haven’t seen in years … Go skiing in Colorado with friends … Take ballroom dancing lessons … Give an anonymou$$ gift to someone in need … Volunteer to help at the local Senior Center … Visit Smoky Hill Museum … Run one mile without stopping! Go fly a kite with your grandchildren!
Give thought to your own unfinished business. Don’t live on old memories – create new memories. You can do it! I’m currently revising my own list, and you can bet jumping out of an airplane will be on it. I’ve found a skydiving club in Manhattan that offers training for novices. YIPPEEE!
No need to be elaborate or exotic – even a few written goals are better than none. Send me your list! I’d love to see it. One word of caution. If you plan on jumping out of an airplane at 5,000 ft., high in the sky?
Don’t forget your parachute.
Note: I’ve discovered a hidden treasure in town – Taco Grande, out on East Sixth St. Hard to find unless you’re looking for it. I had two deluxe tacos and a meaty queso cheese sauce TO DIE FOR! Off the beaten path, but well worth your patronage. Rmykl@yahoo.com