People often ask me about my bucket list, especially now that I’m retired. It’s a common topic among retirees, many of whom are surprised when I don’t have a set list to share. I’ve never been keen on bucket lists; the idea of single events, such as visiting the Eiffel Tower or skydiving, doesn’t thrill me.
Instead, I maintain a ‘Garden List,’ akin to a diligent farmer’s crop plan for the upcoming year. My list includes pursuits I wish to cultivate, such as painting, backpacking, and photography. These aren’t one-off events but seeds that require nurturing through preparation and practice, often over months or years. The challenge and opportunity for growth they present are what attract me. Nothing on this list is ever truly ‘completed’; there’s always room to enhance and broaden my abilities. Consider hiking: I might start with brief overnight hikes, progress to multi-day treks, then tackle mountains, renowned trails, and perhaps even pilgrimage routes. It’s an ever-evolving endeavor that I can nurture indefinitely, far more captivating than a simple bucket list goal like ‘See Mount Fuji.’
As a gardener tends to their crops, I can focus on different activities, returning to others later. I’m free to cease certain pursuits and introduce new ones whenever I choose. My garden list is perpetually changing, and that’s just how I prefer it.