At some point we have all come across or thought of something called ‘The Bucket List.’ 

Well it is a list of things we want, behaviours we want to correct, actions and goals we want to accomplish and achieve. This list serves as motivation in our daily lives. Looking back at this list helps us focus in our direction of life. It can simply be also called our to-do list. 

But what about everything we have done, already accomplished so far, every step we climbed up so far?

A to-do list inspires us to move ahead but sometimes it could be a reminder of all that is not yet . This could be overwhelming, frustrating, or can sometimes make us low. Thus it is important to acknowledge all that is.

And a list of all that is , is a Reverse Bucket List. I like to see a reverse bucket list more as a reflection list. It makes me feel productive and progressive. A bucket list seems overwhelming at times. In those moments, this list shows my capabilities. 

A Reverse Bucket List has everything we have achieved, overcome and accomplished so far . It’s our progress report . Through this progress sheet I like to express gratitude and feel proud of myself for my journey. 

Yes it is a kind of gratitude list. Yet let me show you my little differences in these 3 lists through these simple examples:

Gratitude List Examples :

• Thank you for perfect health.
• Thank you for yoga in my life.
• Thank you for my voice.
• Thank you for my kind heart.
• Gratitude for all technology I have access to. 
• Grateful for abundant wealth always.
• Grateful for abundant healthy food. 

Reverse Bucket List Examples:

• My yearly health report is perfect.
• I am so proud of my first attempt of a handstand.
• I am happy that I sang so well in the first singing stage show. 
• Proud as I learnt to manage my emotions.
• Happy to spend a full day answering emails and managing my inbox.
• Proud to self sponsor my girls trip.
• Proud that I could stay off sugar for one day every week for 3 months.

Bucket List/ To-Do List Examples :

• Maintain super health with consistent exercise.
• Improve handstands. Work on shoulder strength.
• Sincere singing practise at least thrice a week.
• Check emails regularly.
• Work on savings every month.
• More off-sugar days.

Gratitude journaling is typically appreciating all that we have .

Reverse bucket list is like a nostalgia playlist of the journey. For me it includes the small and big milestones, challenges I overcame in the journey. It shows the graph of progress. Thus enhances my capabilities improving self esteem and confidence. 

How to make a reverse bucket list:

Simple! Travel down memory lane.  Make a list of all accomplishments. Travel times when we have felt happy and proud. It could be as small an achievement as making a new friend or spending time with grandparents.  These may seem impossible and tough for many of us. It brings focus on the things we thought we couldn’t do and yes did it. 

Thus feel gratitude in our amazing journey so far. And actually when we do write a reverse bucket list , our life looks like an adventurous happy film .

Reverse bucket list ideas : 

• Health related accomplishments 
• Relationship goals managed and won
• Educational achievements 
• Fears faced
• Challenges overcome
• Travel accomplishments 
• Moments that we have helped others or made someone else feel good and happy.

It is a mindful activity. It gives time to spend with self, introspect, reflect and plan. 

Gives a sense of pride and satisfaction. It is a good place to visit when we feel low, anxious , frustrated, insecure, overwhelmed or lost. This list reminds us that we are doing well. 

It is nice to remember that it is our list, our journey , our accomplishments and our own pride. Thus we can write, edit and rewrite whenever we wish.

We are what we are today because of our experiences. Thus gratitude for the past is essential. Reverse bucket list gives this scope to look back , acknowledge and feel grateful.

Gratitude Journaling

Mindfulness

Setting Intentions

I Believe in You!