A life list, bucket list, 30 things before 30. Whatever the name, I often hear people talk about these lists. Places to visit, personal ambitions, learning a new skill etc. It sounds like a fun idea in theory.

Why are people so keen to make a to-do list for their entire life? I guess there are benefits to making such a list, especially if you actually manage to achieve all of the things you’ve written down. Personally, I guess I have sort of created a list in my head but I have never actually written it down in black and white. I think if I write it all down, then I am putting some kind of pressure on myself. Setting myself up for disappointment, what if I never complete the London marathon? or go to Glastonbury festival? Both things on my non-list.

I think that in our digital world, there is a constant stream of other peoples achievements. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, they are all filled with your friends ‘news’. Beach photographs, engagement rings, job promotions. Most people only post the highlights and their best bits online. So of course we feel like everyone else is living the most incredibly fulfilling lives, and that our own lives are boring and ordinary by comparison. If we make a bucket list, we can swim with dolphins, sky dive and learn to play the guitar, at least on paper.

Maybe it would be a good thing to do, as you tick things off the list, you will live life to the max and all that. Visit new places, learn new skills, meet new people or maybe just have a lot of fun. YOLO! as the cool kids would say.

I’m not convinced though. I don’t like the idea that I am up against a clock. What if you did complete your list? Congratulations, you did it! What then? Now you can feel content and fulfilled. Human nature suggests to me that we would still want more. Add a few new things to the list maybe?

Perhaps, I am just being sceptical. Of course, I am now thinking about what things that I would write on my own list. I am 28 years old now and so if I were to attempt a list of ’30 things before 30′ I have only two years. Damn! I would need to complete 15 things per year . . . sounds expensive! I’m not sure I could even think of 30 things. I would probably start by getting a tattoo. I have wanted to get a tattoo, since I was 19 years old, so what am I waiting for? What about the things that are out of our control, like having twins? I would absolutely love that! Can you add pipe dreams to the bucket list? In that case I’m going to need a little more time.

Have you ever thought about writing a ‘bucket list?’ I’d love to know what’s on yours.

My little sister is in Australia at the moment, thank God for whattsapp, I am missing her loads! She sends me beautiful landscape photos & sunny selfies, whist I’m sitting on a busy train in London. Ahh . . . inspiration indeed !