I typically don’t make New Year resolutions because they stink. You know what I mean. Things like, I am going to lose 30 pounds by swim suit season. Or, I am going to save three months worth of expenses in an emergency fund. And perhaps my favorite, I will not yell at my kids. Or my husband. Or the dog.
Yes, New Year resolutions stink. In other words, they smell badly. To be fair, they don’t have an odor at first. No, initially they smell like hope and promise and good intentions. A bubbly, sweet glass of champagne at magical midnight. Give it a few months, though. And then guess what I’ve got? A stinky list of disappointment in myself. Sour grape juice in the accusing light of day. No, thanks.
something different
Therefore instead of a list of resolutions, I started something different two years ago. I now make a bucket list of new things I want to experience in the upcoming year. For instance, different restaurants or recipes to try. Or a new hobby I want to explore. Maybe a novel place to travel.
Want to see my own bucket list for 2020? Here is a peek!
take a beginning pottery class
Who wants to throw some clay onto a pottery wheel with me? I have been intrigued ever since I made a clay project in fourth-grade art class. I clearly remember the little river otter created by nine-year-old me. He was precious. Until he blew up in the classroom kiln and came back to me with a chunk of his wee otter belly missing. Must have had a gas bubble in there. Poor little guy.
Anyway, I am registering for a beginning pottery class in March. So look for updates on that little experiment (and pictures of lumpy clay creations) this Spring! No wee otters this time, but maybe a mug or a bowl. Hopefully it doesn’t look like fourth-grade-me crafted it. Ha! Honestly, as long as I stretch myself by trying something new and having fun doing it, then bucket list mission accomplished.
tour a local winery
I have done this in the past and always enjoyed it. Why don’t I do this more often? If you have any recommendations within a few hours drive of southwest Ohio, please send them my way! Seriously. Let me know in the comments below. I truly want to hear your suggestions.
spend time outside my comfort zone
Technically this one is already scheduled. I will spend ten days in South Africa in July 2020 with seventy other adults. The trip is a chance to work alongside a local church in that country as well as the organization, Build The Future. And what a unique opportunity to learn from the powerful story of racial reconciliation in South Africa! As a result, our team will be able to apply what we’ve experienced to our communities, our country and most importantly to our own call as reconcilers. Very much looking forward to this adventure! Not at all looking forward to the 18-hour flight to get there. I actually swore off air travel in June 2018.
make YOUR bucket list
What is on your bucket list for 2020? It doesn’t have to be anything big or fancy. In other words, just something personal and meaningful to YOU.
Need help getting started? Here is the printable New Year’s Bucket List I started using two years ago. Last time I checked, it is FREE to download.
The new year is ours. What are we going to do with it? Cheers to 2020 and new experiences, friends!
Image by S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay.
