by Cathy Mcclellan

Created on: January 09, 2009   Last Updated: January 15, 2009

What if you wake up one day and realize you have ran out of the time needed to achieve all the things you wanted to do with your life? What happens then? It is human nature to tell yourself "I have plenty of time to....". But the reality is you never know what is going to happen or when. We only live once and in order to live life to the fullest extent, we should create and follow through with a Life List or Bucket List of our dreams and goals.

My husband and I were so busy raising our children we never took the time to achieve all the things we wanted to try. Then one day after the kids were grown, we get the terrible new of his terminal illness. We ran out of time! Never in our wildest imagination did we think this could happen to us. Suddenly, we had to face the terrible truth that life had thrown us a curve. Now, we cherish each day that God gives us together. Sure, there are going to be things we will never get to do, but the memories we are creating will last a lifetime and help us feel our lives were worth living.

Never think you have the time. Something just might happen. Put your goals and dreams on a list with the most important ones first. It doesn't have to be very long or very expensive unless that's what you choose. The point is to keep your life full and interesting so you can look back and know you've led a good happy life and you are leaving lasting memories for those you have left behind. Keep the list in a prominent place and check it often. Mark off the things you have done and add more as you think of them. Stay motivated in order to achieve what you want to do. As you accomplish your first goals, this will keep you motivated to continue.

Your list can consist of many things and it doesn't matter what age you are or what health condition you are in. You can find many things you have always wanted to do when you really think about it. Maybe you always wanted to go rock climbing or hang gliding. What about riverboat rides, going to Renaissance Fairs or State Capitols or even Art Galleries. Catching a show on Broadway or a local theatre. Maybe you want to do simpler things like reading a book by a particular author or learning photography. The point is that whatever you choose, do it. Take the time to enjoy life because after all, your life is important.

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