Never Have I Ever
What’ s on Your Bucket List?
by Rian Davis, Esq. Herbert & Associates Law, P. A.
National Bucket List Day is April 24 – a day to remind us that it’ s never too late to set new goals, push new limits, and inspire the people around you to enjoy life to the fullest. Research shows that people who are intentional about writing down goals are more likely to reach them. A bucket list can help you stay goal-oriented and excited to seek out new adventures.
As busy attorneys, our days are often spent juggling hectic schedules of hearings, depositions, mediations, and client meetings. The hours can quickly speed by, with very few of us pausing to think about how we spend what time we have. Creating a bucket list allows us to reflect on the goals and milestones most important to us. It also gives us the opportunity to appreciate the lives we’ ve built and reflect on the good things to come. It’ s always satisfying to complete an item on your bucket list; crossing things off your bucket list provides a sense of accomplishment and pride and ultimately boosts self-esteem and confidence while urging us to engage with our world in deeper and more meaningful ways.
A bucket list can be anything you want it to be and should reflect your interests and push you to new heights – maybe even literally. There is no one-size-fits-all bucket list. Your list will undoubtedly look different from your spouse’ s, friend’ s, or co-worker’ s. And that’ s the point! Your bucket list should be rooted in your interests, passions, and sense of purpose. Importantly, your bucket list should align with who you are and what you care about. The goals can be as grandiose or as simple as you would like. The framework is simple – dream it, write it, do it.
If I’ ve gotten you bought in, here are a few ideas to get your bucket list started:
Sleep Under the Stars- Florida has some of the most beautiful camping destinations near its many freshwater springs and beaches. Some notable destinations to consider include Myakka River State Park, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Suwannee River Wilderness State Trail, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, and Oleta River State Park.
Read 12 Books in a Year- Choose one book a month and push yourself to read a little bit each day. There is certainly no shortage of books to read( or listen to). Our local libraries are a great resource for old favorites and new releases alike. Reading is a mentally stimulating activity that increases the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the brain and is also associated with better cognitive function. It also increases empathy and connection to others.
Learn a New Skill – You don’ t need to be athletic to join a community sports league like kickball or pickleball. Or grab a bottle of your favorite wine and head to one of the many paint and sip-type venues to hone your painting abilities. Or maybe you played an instrument in a high school band( or, like me, have no musical experience at all). With easily accessible YouTube tutorials, there’ s little excuse not to add a new skill to your bucket list.
But remember, your bucket list isn’ t written into law. If some of your previous goals no longer fit your current aspirations, adjusting your list is okay. Allow yourself the flexibility to add, delete, and modify your bucket list items as you grow, evolve, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Once you’ ve started your bucket list, it’ s time to go out and start making those goals a reality! �
26 | THE DOCKET- APRIL 2025