After failing to attend the Cornish Pirates rugby match at the weekend, due to gaining the opportunity to dog sit, it became clear to me that this whole bucket list business might be harder to complete than I had initially thought.
In October, with little of the year remaining, Baggy and I created a simple and ‘achievable’ bucket list, with a mere 3 tasks to complete before the end of 2014. In the true spirit of Bee Outdoors, we challenged one another to try the things that each of us personally enjoy doing. And that’s the problem right there.
It seems I’m not very good at trying things at the expense of what I’ve already tried and tested, and know to enjoy. For example, I was more than happy to plan an outing to watch the Cornish Pirates, not adverse to the obvious attractions, however I soon lost interest in this when Lady Daisy, my shih tzu cross Scottie neighbour, became available to play for the day.
In other words, I’d much rather be completing Baggy’s bucket list than my own.
I spent the day lazing, playing and strolling on the beach with my furry friend; a day well spent in my book. However, this got me to thinking if I really do make the most of everything, a topic recently explored by Baggy himself.
I wonder if the years we spend doing the same old, repetitive, though enjoyable, things fail to be memorable because nothing unusual or ‘ventured’ stands out. We created this bucket list to gain new experiences, and the philosophical side of me is starting to realise its symbolic importance.
Until now I always thought that a bucket list should include all the weird and wonderful things that we’d hope to experience, in light of our character and interests. I thought it should be idealistic and flowery with all the lovely adventures you’d hope to pop in your journal; tick off the list. I’ve changed my mind. I now think a bucket list should push you in new directions, with challenges that you might not actually embrace whole heartedly. Why? Because you might actually enjoy it.
Dog walking a different path
And there it is. We must try and test new things to know if they actually suit us at all – nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say. And so I’m going to continue doing all the things I love, but with a twist. Dog walks, but a different route. Running, but a different distance. Gin, but a different blend. And I’m also going to do some things that might not appeal at first sight. Rugby, go-karting, and whatever else JB throws my way. But not white-water rafting. Or dogging (two things I know he enjoys)
Unless the latter more commonly refers to a walking Lady Daisy in a remote part of the Cornish coast.
My ultimate list, begins with ‘once again, owning a dog’.
It’s completely unachievable at the moment, so for now I’ll steal other people’s at any opportunity.
Compromise. It might be that you can’t tick that line on the wish list, but you can do something close to it.
