Bucket Lists, Not Resolutions

January's essay

As I write this, I’m still making tweaks to my yearly list—the one I think of as a mini bucket list rather than a set of resolutions. This list is more about creating fun challenges for myself than sticking to rigid goals, and it’s okay if I don’t get to everything. Honestly, I rarely do. Life throws enough stress my way without me adding more to the pile, and guilt! My brain’s already a pro at generating that on its own.

What started as a random idea from an Instagram post I stumbled across years ago has turned into a yearly tradition. I’m pretty sure I’ve been making these lists for over a decade now. In this month’s newsletter, I’ll share what’s made it onto my list so far, and I’ll dive into a few of the items and why they earned a spot.

Before I Jump In

Over the years, my mini bucket list has taught me a lot—starting with the most important lesson: it’s okay not to finish everything. Perfection isn’t the goal here (though my brain begs to differ). Instead, it’s about creating a framework that feels fun, fulfilling, and entirely for me. As someone who loves a good list, there’s something deeply satisfying about having something tangible and within my control, without any external pressure (or needs) attached. This isn’t a to-do list for productivity; it’s a guide for joy, curiosity, and a little bit of adventure.

Some items on my list are things I’ve always wanted to try, long-held somethings that have never had a place, just waiting for their moment. Others are there to nudge me out of my comfort zone—just enough to remind myself that I’m capable of more than I sometimes think. And then there are the simplest entries, gentle reminders of the things I already know bring me joy, even if they slip my mind in the day-to-day shuffle. These small, intentional acts often mean more to me than any grand resolution ever could. Every year, my list is a mix of all these things, and I think that’s what makes it feel so personal and rewarding.

2025: The List

1. read 50 books (i read 54 in 2024! but don’t know if i can repeat that.)

2. watch 40 films (aimed for 50 in 2024 but only watched 39!)

3. visit a state for the first time

4. go to the desert, mountain, or both
   the desert is my unexpected happy place—there’s something about the quiet and vastness that hits the reset button in my brain. the mountains might offer the same, but they come with cooler weather and pine-scented air. maybe this year i’ll find out which one feels more like home to my soul.