On the last episode we watched, Val, a neighboring ranch owner, had been dealing with a serious illness. At times, Val has difficulty getting along with her daughter and she is always tough in business. After she receives an all clear on her health; she tries to change. She makes a “Happy List” and starts working through the list.
I like the idea of a “Happy List” compared to the often mentioned “Bucket List” because it just seems more positive. In my mind, a “Bucket List” would consist of things you dream of; but that might not ever happen. For example, going hot air ballooning or skydiving. A “Bucket List” might be all the crazy things you want to do because your time on Earth is limited.
On the other hand, a “Happy List” might consist of little things like getting a hummingbird feeder so you can watch hummingbirds flying around or eating lunch at school with your grandson. A “Happy List” should be full of things you enjoy doing and a reminder to make sure that you do them often.
Now, this is just my interpretation of the two lists and many might argue that there is no difference. Either way, I’m going to start a “Happy List” and work on doing the things that end up on the list as often as possible.
I don’t have my “Happy List” finished by a long shot. In fact, I just have a few things on it right now; but I plan to add to it over the next few weeks. The great thing about these lists is that you can add to them any time you choose.
Hug and kiss my hubby more often.
Say I love you to my loved ones.
Spend more quality time with my grandsons.
Plan family time with my daughter and my son.
Contact old friends that I haven’t talked to in a long time.
Take photos of something different.
Learn to paint with acrylics.
Put old photos into albums.
Travel to a state I haven’t been to before.
I think this is a great start and I plan to keep adding.
That’s not to say I haven’t had my own “Bucket List” – at least in my mind. There are a few crazy things I’d love to do.
Travel to Australia and Ireland.
Attend a race at every NASCAR track.
Go sailing on a sail boat that is staffed.
Visit Maine and New Hampshire.
Learn to make stain glass.
Some of these are possible and some are much more difficult. I haven’t decided if I should add these to my “Happy List” or keep them on a special “Bucket List”.
Do you have a “Bucket List” or a “Happy List”? Do you think they are the same?
I’d love it if you’d share something from your list in the comments below. Maybe we can encourage each other to work on a few items on our lists.
Tim McGraw’s song “Live Like You’re Dying” reminds us not to wait until it’s too late to work on our lists and that it’s never too late to be a better person.
Here’s the YouTube version and I’ve included the lyrics below.
Tags: Bucket List, Happy List, Heartland, life, Live Like You're Dying by Tim McGraw, Make a list, this is my life. Bookmark the permalink.
Thanks for the lists, especially the Happy List, which coincides with mine almost 100%!