The Yearly List: A Realistic Spin on "Bucket Lists"

Amanda nailed it in her last blog: life is a rhythm of highs and lows, chaos and calm. Some days, you’re crushing it, and others, you’re just trying to keep everyone fed and semi-clean. But in that rhythm, there’s beauty. It’s not about having it all figured out; it’s about leaning into the moments as they come, knowing the highs wouldn’t feel so sweet without the lows.

Becoming a mother was one of the most beautiful and life-changing experiences of my life, but after a while, the routine started to take over. Feeding the kids, cleaning the house, making sure everyone went to the eye doctor and dentist, everything was getting done, but somehow, I was just going through the motions. Sure, my kids were well taken care of, but somewhere along the way, I lost sight of who I was.

Have you ever been asked, "What do you like to do?" or "What are you passionate about?" and found yourself stumbling for an answer, unsure of what to say? That was me. I was so wrapped up in meeting everyone else’s needs that I had completely lost touch with what made me me. My days blurred together, the years passed, and I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that I hadn’t accomplished anything just for myself. It became a constant source of tension with my husband, leading to arguments about how I needed to do more. But realistically, doing more felt nearly impossible. I was juggling three young kids and an overwhelming amount of health issues (which could fill an entire other blog). Yet, there I was, stuck in this cycle, feeling like no matter how much I gave, it would never be enough, not for them and certainly not for me.

That’s when I decided to make a small change, something to help me feel accomplished and remind me I wasn’t wasting precious time. I wanted to live life, not just get through it. So, I created a list, not a bucket list full of pipe dreams, but a guide to living intentionally. It wasn’t about control or striving for perfection. It was about carving out meaningful moments for me and only me. I wasn’t worried about anyone else, just giving myself permission to focus on what felt good, doable, and worth remembering.

So, when life feels like a circus (and let’s be real, it often does), that list becomes my anchor. It reminds me to grab the moments I can, to make memories that last, and to let the dust settle where it may. Whether it’s riding a horse or laughing over a no-phone Sunday dinner, life’s heartbeat isn’t just about surviving the chaos, it’s about finding the joy in it.

This isn’t your average bucket list. We’re not talking about “backpacking through Australia” or “learning to surf in Bali.” Because, let’s be honest, with three kids, a husband, and a job, there’s no way those dreams are getting out of the group chat, let alone making it onto the calendar anytime soon.

This list is about being realistic, chalking it full of things you can actually check off with a little thought and some strategic planning. It's not about making your life Insta-worthy; it’s about making your life yours. Think less “Eat, Pray, Love” and more “shoot a gun, skidoo with my son, get a small tattoo, and start a skincare routine.”

Why Make a Yearly List?

Life is chaotic. If we don’t set intentions, another year slips by, and suddenly, you’re looking back wondering, What did I even do? This list isn’t just about the big things; it’s about creating small, satisfying moments that make you feel like you’re living, not just existing.

At the end of the year, when I sit back with my cup of tea (yep, on my 2025 list is to drink less coffee) and look at all the checkmarks on my list, I don’t feel like I’ve wasted another 365 days. I feel satisfied. Accomplished. Like I’ve taken the time to do things that matter to me.

Relatable Goals, Real Accomplishments

Let’s talk about the kinds of things that make it onto my yearly list. It’s not just the “fun” stuff, like snowmobiling, host a favorites thing party or a new tattoo (although, those are definitely on there). It’s also the goals that make me a better human (but only if I truly want to do them)-like joining a community board, donating to the food bank or making a genuine friend. Yes, you read that right. Make a genuine friend.

Cue my family rolling their eyes and making fun of me for writing it down. But seriously, when’s the last time you made a friend you genuinely love? I’m not talking about the mom on the hockey team or someone you exchange polite waves with at the community board meeting. I’m talking about the friend who makes you laugh so hard you cry, who knows the weird details of your life, and who shows up even when you don’t ask. It’s not as easy as it sounds, folks. Have you ever googled how to make a real friend? Be honest. Making a true connection as an adult is an achievement worth celebrating. 

Then there are the sentimental things—like joining a life group, visiting my grandma more (thankfully, I checked that one off before she passed in September), or asking my parents more about their childhood and really listening. These aren’t flashy goals, but they’re the kind that make your soul feel good. 

And sometimes, it’s about saying “yes” to the little things that matter to the people you love, like going in the combine with my son because it’s important to him. Trust me, it wasn’t exactly the highlight of my bucket list dreams, but seeing his face light up made it all worth it. Now, I look back and laugh about it, and I'm so grateful I made the time to say "yes", those moments are the ones that truly stick with you.

And then there are the moments that are purely for me, the ones that might seem a little over the top but made my soul do a happy dance. Like the year I went all in on organization. Yes, I color-coded my closet and organized the hell out of my pantry. Judge me if you must, but honestly? It made me ridiculously happy. My kids curse every time they have to put groceries away to my standards, but I’ll take that as a small price to pay for some order in my life.

Setting Intentions (and Crushing Them)

The magic of this yearly list lies in its simplicity, setting intentions that are realistic and totally doable. Want to ride a horse? Awesome. Track down someone with a horse, schedule it, and saddle up. Dreaming of making core memories with your little ones? Turn your living room into a movie theater. A few blankets, some popcorn, and a little imagination can work wonders in no time. Starting Sunday dinners with the in-laws? Great, the date’s already set, just make it memorable by banning cell phones. It’ll keep everyone present, engaged, and add a fun (or slightly chaotic) challenge to the mix for those teenagers.

The goal is to create a list that makes you feel accomplished without overwhelming you. Each checkmark becomes a little celebration, proof that you’re doing life, not just letting it do you.

How to Build Your List

1. Be Realistic: Look at your calendar, your budget, and your life. Don’t set yourself up for failure by writing down things that are wildly out of reach.

   
   

2. Mix Big and Small: Include a mix of easy wins (like drinking more tea, joining a book club or colour coding your closet) and slightly more challenging goals (like learning to play chess or saving 30K for retirement).

   
   

3. Make It Personal: This is YOUR list. If it makes you happy, it’s worth writing down. Don’t worry about how it looks to anyone else.

   
   

4. Have Fun With It: This isn’t a chore. It’s a celebration of the life you’re building. Keep it light, keep it exciting, and keep it achievable.

Cheers to Checkmarks

At the end of the day (or the year), this isn’t about impressing anyone else. It’s about living a life that feels fulfilling and true to who you are. So grab a pen, pour yourself something, and start writing. Who knows? You might surprise yourself with what you accomplish.

And listen, I don’t want to hear you complaining about how another year went by without anything to show for it. Get it together, make a list, and start checking things off. One thing we all have in common is…. 24 hours in a day, so don’t you dare use that as an excuse. By next December, you might just be sipping that tea with a satisfied smile, checking off the last item on your list, and thinking, Yeah, I totally did that.