One Positive Action

Do a "Reverse Bucket List"

We're obsessed with what we haven't done yet. We make lists of places to visit, skills to learn, experiences to have, and then feel like failures when we don't tick them off fast enough. Social media certainly doesn't help, everyone else seems to be climbing mountains, learning languages, and having big, crazy adventures while you're just trying to get through just another day. We spend so much time focused on what we think are missing from our lives that we completely ignore all the incredible stuff we've already pulled off.

Instead of making lists of all the stuff you think you’re missing out on, instead, write down all of the amazing things you've already done, experienced, or survived. That time you moved to a new city knowing nobody. That trip overseas you took when you were in college and didn’t speak the language. The friendships you've maintained for years. All of the small moments that felt huge, like watching the sun rise after being out all night, or making someone laugh until they cried.

When you take the time to actually write down all of these big and small milestones you realize your life has been way more interesting and meaningful than you give it credit for. You've already had adventures, you've already overcome challenges, learned things, made connections. You start to see patterns in your resilience, your curiosity, your ability to grow. Suddenly you're not just making lists of some fantastical life that has yet to be lived, you’re someone who has already lived a fantastic life, seen and experienced things that other may only have ever dreamed of.

Grab a piece of paper and write down 10 things you've already accomplished or experienced that felt significant to you. This list is just for you, no need to try to make it impressive for strangers, just make it impressive for you. You’re not writing this list to brag or compare, you’re just acknowledging and celebrating a life well lived. You’ve already done hard things, beautiful things, and brave things. You’re not behind, you’re right where you need to be, with a collection of experiences that nobody else has.