656-Writing a Reverse Bucket List to Improve Happiness

Learn how to write a reverse bucket list with us in this episode of Everyday Happiness!

 

Transcript:

 

Welcome to Everyday Happiness, where we create lasting happiness, in about 2 minutes a day,  through my signature method of Intentional Margins® (creating harmony between your to-dos and your priorities), happiness science, and musings about life. 

 

I'm your host Katie Jefcoat, and over the past two episodes, we have discussed Arthur Brooks’ theory of the reverse bucket list. Today, I am going to teach you how to write one!

Writing a reverse bucket list is incredibly soothing, and there is a wide range of ideas that you can include. For example, you can keep it simple and write down concepts such as:

 

• I have this chair in my living room. It brings me so much joy to sip warm coffee in this chair.
• I have a body that serves me. Hands that work, legs that allow me to walk.
• I have a mind that sees lightness through the dark that innately searches for positivity when life feels hard.
• I have a family that I am obsessed with. Kids who are healthy. A marriage where we prioritize one another and a husband who is kind, patient, generous, and who loves me. I get to give and receive love with the people that I love.

Alternatively, you can think bigger about the significant life milestones you have achieved, such as:

• I graduated from university with a degree I am passionate about
• I bought my first home/apartment/car/boat/camper
• I traveled to 10 countries
• I married the person that I love
• I got a job that I enjoy going to each day
• I started a business/side hustle
• I completed a major task
  • Writing a book, starting a blog, learning to play an instrument, joining a community sports team, etc.
• I paid off my credit card debt/car loan/school loan/home loan

 

I am fortunate that my reverse bucket list is beautiful and long. It shows me that my wants are nice but not what will truly make me happier. I have everything I need to be as happy as I can be right now.

 

I want to note that it is important to remember that the above ideas are just basic ideas built off general life concepts, but it is vital to address happiness outside of societal norms. Just because I didn’t list an accomplishment here doesn’t mean that it isn’t an accomplishment. Anything that makes you happy and feels like a positive attribute of your life belongs on this reverse bucket list!

 

I’m curious if you have any ah-ha moments when you start writing out your haves list. If so, please share them in the comments or on socials and tag me at @everydayhappinesswithkatie! 

 

Life is heavy enough, we shouldn’t have to search for happiness.  Get the exclusive happiness email, the happiest email in your inbox, delivered with a smile twice a month. https://www.katiejefcoat.com/email 

 

And, let’s connect on social at @everydayhappinesswithkatie  and join the community on the hashtags #IntentionalMargins and #everydayhappinesswithkatie on Instagram

 

Links:  https://onamission.bio/everydayhappiness/