What's on Your Bucket List?

Last year, a friend and supporter of the foundation, Norm, told me that he had booked a trip to Peru to visit the mysterious historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. "I always dreamed about it", Norm said at the time.

Upon returning, Norm simply said, "Machu Picchu was breathtaking!!" While in Peru, Norm delved into the Peruvian culture and learned more about the Japanese Peruvian history and experience. Beyond the great adventure, I could sense Norm came away from the trip with a renewed vigor and enthusiasm.

Achieving something you always dreamt of is so much more than just a check mark or unforgettable adventure. It has the power to transform not only how you see the world but also how you see yourself and others.

When we ask elderly persons what their regrets are in life, most of their regrets are not the things they did, but the things they never did.  Creating and pursuing a Bucket List (or Life List, or To-Do List, or whatever you want to call it) is one way to capture and prioritize the experiences and achievements you want to accomplish in your lifetime.

Bucket lists are not just about big, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but can also include smaller, everyday goals, personal aspirations, and things related to relationships, learning, or personal growth, encompassing a wider spectrum of things you want to achieve in your life and beyond. They are very personal experiences, and although they are unique to you, bringing others along to share in your adventures and discoveries may not only enrich your own experiences, but could also spark the courage in them to embark on their own journeys.

But let's be honest, having a list is one thing, making it come to life is a whole other ballgame. Many people never follow through on the adventures or goals they say they want to accomplish. Maybe it's because people get caught up in everyday life. Maybe they find comfort in their routines and prefer the safety of the familiar. Maybe they enjoy dreaming, talking about far-off places, and imagining bold goals. Maybe when it comes time to act, it's easier to say, “maybe later” or “one day.”

And, just like that, the dream remains a dream.

I have come to believe that the key is to plan and pursue your bucket list without fear of regret. It takes courage and determination.

For me, it was establishing Red String. Throughout my career, I always knew that I wanted charitable giving to be part of my legacy, but it was going to be later in life and most likely part of my estate plan. When my brother, Jeff, unexpectedly passed away, it was one of those watershed moments that got me to reflect on my own life, mortality and purpose. It made me question why I was waiting until I died before starting to give back in a meaningful way. It was the beginning of Red String. Now, six years into it, with friends and colleagues by my side, I can confidently say that I am glad I did. We’ve made a real difference, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll do next. Along the way, we have learned that effective philanthropy goes beyond simply giving money. It's about being present and showing up, forging meaningful relationships, galvanizing action toward our mission, and attracting others to our cause. It is about leaving the world just a little better than when we came into it.

And so there you have it. Whether you want to learn a new language, train for a marathon, plan a volunteer trip abroad, or start a charitable foundation, just remember that a thoughtful, personal Bucket List is not simply a list of places seen on Instagram or Tiktok; it's a roadmap to a life well-lived. Your life.

One last piece of advice, for whatever it may be worth, "don't be like me."

Don't wait until you're faced with a watershed moment before you act. By then, it may be too late. Just remember that every journey begins with a single step. The world is out there, waiting for you. And so are the stories you’ll one day tell.

(to be continued)

#redstring #bucketlist #discovery #mylife #lifelong #livingwell #noregret #learning #growth #life #explore #adventure #experience #makeadifference #stories