I wrote my first bucket list when I was in my 20s. And it was really more of a wish list.
I wanted to visit all 50 states. All seven continents. All seven Wonders of the World.
I had my whole life ahead of me, and these were things that could basically be accomplished and checked off one by one. I didn’t have a big emotional attachment to them but they felt like places I should see. Plus, they would give me bragging rights.
I spent my 30s raising children and had no time to add to the bucket list. I was too busy actually using that bucket to clean my perpetually dirty house — and for the kids to throw up in.
By my 40s, I started to rethink the idea of the bucket list. I no longer cared about seeing every state or even every continent. I just wanted to travel anywhere with my family and show my kids there’s a great big world out there. I wanted them to learn about different cultures, meet new people and realize that, deep down, we all have the same needs and desires and that we have to take care of each other.
Once I turned 50, the bucket list took on a whole new meaning for me. The kids were grown, our beloved dogs were gone and my husband retired. Although we now had the luxury of time, it also felt like time was running out. We had to get moving on the items that were important to us.
We booked a trip to Africa, spending a fortune to go on daily game drives and interact with wildlife. I was so moved by everything I saw and experienced, I pretty much sobbed my way through the trip. It was worth every penny and taught me what a true bucket list trip should be.
So, when Buick offered to sponsor a bucket list trip for me now, at the age of 55, I put a great deal of thought into where I wanted to go, realizing what a gift this was and that, ultimately, it was much more about what I wanted to do. I’ve learned it’s the experience, not the location, that’s most valuable.
My husband and I decided to volunteer at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee – a place that had been popping up regularly in conversations over the years – and then spend a few days in Nashville, listening to music and eating our way through the city.
It was life-changing, and I will be writing about it in great detail next week.
After listening to the heartbreaking stories of the elephants’ histories, it was so rewarding to help paint, clean up and maintain the vast space they are lucky to call home – with an occasional elephant checking out our progress. As I’ve gotten older, I can assure you that nothing feels as good as giving back. I now feel personally invested in what happens to these magnificent creatures, and have become addicted to the Ele-cam.
I highly recommend this experience to everyone.
During the trip, we met people who would never have come into our lives otherwise. We had eye-opening discussions, ate dishes we don’t have in San Diego (hello, chicken and dumplings), drove through breathtaking scenery seemingly in the middle of nowhere and got to experience a Saturday night at the Grand Ole Opry and the wonder that is Opryland.
We saw the best (the warm, friendly people, y’all) and worst (the slave pit on the porch of Loretta Lynn’s ranch as a reminder of the past) of the South, and hopefully, like the elephants, will never forget either one.
As I approach 60, I’m no longer throwing around the words “bucket list” loosely. Although I will continue to travel as much as possible, I understand that not every trip is or has to be a bucket list trip. Those are the ones that are so special, they stir something deep inside. They’re the ones you really plan for, the ones you dream about. The ones that, when you actually get to go on them, change you in some profound way.
So, although I’ve only visited 30 states, four continents and, honestly, don’t even know what the seven Wonders of the World are, I am so grateful for the two bucket list trips that have enriched my life in more ways than I ever anticipated.
And, as I try to imagine what a third one would look like, all I can do is send it out into the universe and say, “Encore.”
This post is supported by Life Reimagined, your guide to rethinking what’s possible and seizing your “what’s next” in work, relationships, health, personal finance and more. All opinions are my own.
How inspiring is your journey! I have started a bucket list in my 30’s and can only imagine what it must feel like to just travel outside of nyc. What a blessing 🙂
I didn’t really have a bucket list until a few years ago. How impressive that you have visited 30 states.
I experienced the Opry also. Was fantastic. Loved it!
That is such an awesome experience! I’m so glad you were able to really do something special like that. I honestly don’t have a bucket list and haven’t even started thinking about what I’d like to do/accomplish in my life yet. But this has definitely inspired me to start thinking! I love giving back.
I don’t really have what you would call a bucket list, but I do have a few things in my mind that I want to do. I guess that would be considered a bucket list.
I totally agree with how our Bucket List changes with age. I have only 3 more states to visit and only one more national park that is on my list. I have added a cross country trip with my grandkids – I think that would be a fantastic road trip! Hopefully next summer we will be heading out – 6 – 11 – 14 and a Nana with a dream!
I love reading about your trips!
My husband has never been to Nashville so that is on our list for next Spring.
It truly is all about the journey. Just planning a trip instantly brightens my day.
Better travel before those grand babies come along. Harder to leave them than own kids. But I still manage to spend all their inheritances on travel around the world. It is the gypsy in me. Live your adventures Lois.
I love that you did your elephant visit. It really is a wonderful way to spend time .. and money. I am moved tremendously by these huge animals.
Your bucket list is different than mine. Mine is more “life-enhancing” (and does include that tattoo). Yours is life changing. I may have to up my game a bit : )
I love this post and I can actually hear your voice in my head when I read it. Fabulous.
You’re a huge inspiration, Lois! I love your stories and your thoughts on travel. And I so want to experience a trip that changes me in profound ways. In the meantime, I’ll live vicariously through you.
I love this post. it’s such an important reminder of what life is really about, and how time really does change our perspectives.
I love to hear about your travels — and even more, I love to travel with you! I also adore this photo of you and Michael.
What wonderful experiences. That’s what life is all about. Family and memorable moments. I never liked the term bucket list but love going on adventures and experiencing life. Great post!
I am just now learning this at a slightly younger age, that everyday is a new chance to do something you have always wanted to do. Thanks for reaffirming. it is nice to have the shove.
It’s always good to try and complete that bucket list as soon as you can.
What an inspiring article. You’ve inspired me to make a bucket list.
My bucket list is getting very very long!
Wow how inspiring. i find the older i get it is no longer about what I want to do but rather about living. I now look at each new adventure or opportunity as a chance to learn and if it’s something I haven’t done before it qualifies as a bucket list accomplishment.
It is good to have a bucket list, dreams, goals and things we aspire to do in our life. It keeps us young in our hearts and minds. Great list.
Sounds like a lot of travel. I am glad to hear you enjoyed all of them.
I love bucket lists! Especially if there are elephants involved. 🙂
Good for you! What a fantastic opportunity. Sounds like you truly are living a life reminagined. I love inspirational stories like this.
So funny how we change as we mature isn’t it!! I’ve never created a bucket list even though I’m a huge list maker and planner. But I did recently start a pin board called bucket list to put things on, especially really neat places I’d love to visit. 🙂
What A Amazing Bucket List I Would Love To Go Sky Diving Someday!1
What amazing journeys you have been on so far! It sounds like volunteering at The Elephant Sanctuary was a great experience!
Sounds like you are enjoying your life after 50. Love reading about your journey. It is very inspiring.
As you said so beautifully,it is about the people we meet along the way (especially those that would not have come in to our lives had we not left “home”), the flavors we experience, and the feeling of doing something important! Yeah elephants and YEAH comfortable cars to you there!
What a great experience and a wonderful way to give of yourself!
I am so proud of you for continuing to work toward your bucket list. As we get older and life changes so do we, but we do not have to give up on our dreams.
Wow, it is so awesome that Buick allowed you to go on a bucket list, I have a small before 30 bucket list that needs to wrap up soon.
I want to see all 50 states & all 7 continents as well! I am slowly editing my bucket list as I turn another year wiser to make it more realistic 🙂
Wow! First of all, I love your writing style! Second of all, what amazing experiences you’ve had in your travels! I would love to visit that place in Tennessee! Thank you for sharing!
This is definitely a great list. And you have certainly covered a lot of miles.
I’ve never made a bucket list. I’m going to have to make one.
I agree that my bucket list would be much different now than it would have been in my 20s. How our perspectives and priorities change!
Sounds like a great trip! Nashville is one of the places I want to visit with the kids. Like you as the kids get older, I want to travel with them and show them the world. We’re taking a bucket list trip in a few weeks, a cruise! Can’t wait!
Sounds like an amazing place to go. I am sure words cannot explain how wonderful it was for you!
Oh wow you have done so many things.
Wow! You are so right. I am now 50 and my Bucket List has changed dramatically. I hate to be a copy cat but my dream is to visit Loretta’s Ranch I had no idea they have a slave porch. It made me almost hold my breathe. I loved your experience and I am new to NC I am from NY but that elephant cam is definitely something I am looking forward to learning more about. So much food for thought. I’m going to follow your blog I think your definitely someone I like very much.
I did two items on my bucket list this month. I am so happy and now planning what I can do next!
Isn’t is amazing at the changes we see in ourselves as we mature. The things that we used to love don’t interest us anymore when we’re older. That was really nice of Buick to sponsor that for you. I have a bucket list and hope to do a few of them soon myself as well.
I don’t have a bucket list. I joined the military when I was 22 and that took me all over the world so I was able to see and do things all for free which made it that much better. I am a mom now and hope to take my son on an exotic vacation.
I am very inspired by your post and it is nice of Buick to sponsor your trip.
I love the idea of a bucket list. Right now, mine is a mental list- I really should write it down!
I am so jealous! It looks like you had a wonderful experience that you will never forget! So cool that you got to get so close to an elephant! How cute!
I actually thought in 5 years my husband and I would e able to go and start our bucket list, yet life had other plans for us and out bucket list now involves diapers, bottles, toys and playdates
I’ve been on safari in Africa, an overwater bungalow in Tahiti, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and more. I think now I really enjoy trips with my family to Disney World, Vermont and other fun places. Love your lists and how you are achieving them.
This is a beautiful post! I can only hope to travel the world as much as you have. I have rarely left my home state!
30 states is a lot! I wish I could say the same. I like bucket list trips.
Thank you for such a beautiful post 🙂 I am in my late 30’s and have three small children, so any major travelling is definitely on hold for the moment. Give it a few more years though, and we have plenty of ideas for adventures to be had!
What an awesome experience! Looks fun!
I totally need to reimagine mine as well. I have done a few things already but need to add more
Sounds like an amazing trip!!!
Loved this! So glad I found your blog. Feel like I know you already. P.S. Hershey, Virginia and Williamsburg are overrated.
Wow, this is such a great list! I’d love to be able travel around. Our kids are a little young yet, so it’ll definitely be something we do in a few more years.
I love the idea of a bucket list. I need to revisit mine. Thanks for the inspiration!