Ever since I received the happy results of “no malignancy found” from my June 8 bronchoscopy, I’ve been walking around feeling like I’ve won the lottery. Rather than winning piles of cash, I’ve won time I didn’t know I was going to have. Just as lottery jackpots come in finite amounts, it seems to me that the time I have left feeling healthy and energetic is also limited. Unlike winning cash, one can’t gauge how much time one has left by checking an online bank statement. The balance listed on my imaginary “healthy time” statement may be followed by weeks, months or even years. Whatever that figure might be, I don’t want to just blow through it and be left with nothing to show.
In the spirit of this, I’ve made a list. Rather than a traditional “bucket” list, I call this my “what it takes to make me happy” list:
- Making a point of hanging with friends who emotionally reciprocate; with whom it’s safe to share and who choose to to share their feelings and experiences.
- Being kind, honest and helpful.
- Walking away emotionally from angry, negative people rather than trying to fix them.
- Learning about other cultures, both contemporary and historic.
- Being a fair, tactful but frank mentor to my staff.
- Documenting beauty; through writing, photography and art.
- Refusing to run away from uncomfortable feelings or memories, yet also refusing to become stuck in them.
- Learning to accept people as they are, not as I want them to be.
- Refraining from self-righteousness and judgmental thinking; focusing on how I can be better not how others should be better.
- Really listening.
- Slowing down enough to enjoy the details of every day living.
- Taking delight in my wife and family.
- Giving back to the universe.
Sounds like the perfect way for us all to be happy Joan and you practice it!!
Hi Joyce.
How wonderfully inspiring. So beautifully written, as usual. I shall keep that “not a bucket list”, list.
Thank you,
Diane
Great list, Joyce. Thank you.
When I grow up, Ms. Joyce, I wanna be like you!!
I am sure you will accomplish all that you have on your list as you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to. Number 11 has got to be the hardest one on the list. Your latest test results has brought great joy to me & all your friends & loved ones.
LJC….Just reading your wish/determination list allows me to see how you are exuding such important energy. Your picture is a magnificent start. What a fine world it would be if each of us could sustain only a small piece of what you set out to accomplish. From a distance, I send you support in any way I can. CBF
Right on, Joyce! Words for anyone to live by, no matter how long the lifespan.
Hey Joyce, You been reading Buddhist teachings? So, Zen of you; could have been written by the Dalai Lama!
Also, was that sunset the other day? Here in Sherman Oaks there was also a rainbow arcing across the sky. We just gaped. No one took out a camera.
Joyce I am so very happy for you and for Joan! Although you haven’t heard from me in a long time I have followed your journey – so generously shared – from the ‘Emerald Isle’ and am so delighted to see where you are now. God bless and keep you both healthy and happy xx
Thanks, Máire! Hope you and yours are well and have been enjoying the summer.