“There are no mistakes, only opportunities.”
― Tina Fey
Another year is now coming to an end and I can’t help but reflect on the past. The truth is, I fuck up, I get lost, and being a Taurus, I’m too stubborn to ask for directions. My sense of pride is both a blessing and a curse. I give good advice that I can’t follow and unfortunately, at times, I can be a hypocrite. I’ve never been one to shy away from admitting my faults; however, it wasn’t until recently I started doing something about it. In keeping with the season’s spirit of gratitude, I’ve updated my reverse bucket list—and in my new 2016 Design Love Co. monogrammed planner, no less (thanks, Marissa!).
If you’re new around here, you may be wondering what a reverse bucket list is. A regular bucket list is what you want to do, while a reverse bucket list is what you’ve already done. It isn’t meant to come off as bragging or showing off, but rather just a bit of reflection and an attempt to stay positive, especially when you’re feeling down. No matter how shitty I’m feeling before I read it, it always makes me smile. So without further ado, I present to you my reverse bucket list. Some big, some subtle, in no particular order:
- Volunteered overseas at an orphanage in Kathmandu, Nepal
- Swam with dolphins in Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Fell in love with a man that accepts me flaws and all
- Gone to the top of the Eiffel Tower
- Taken a mud bath in Nha Trang, Vietnam
- Lived in a different province
- Went horseback riding in the Caribbean Sea
- Watched the sunrise at Sarangkot in Pokhara, Nepal
- Adopted the most amazing, beautiful, and brilliant stud of a dog
- Sat on the back of a moped in Vietnam traffic
- Bungee jumped in Pokhara, Nepal
- Gone snowboarding
- Driven an ATV in Whistler (twice!)
- Visited Chichen Itza in Mexico
- Traveled alone
- Gone to a pool party in Vegas
- Met Flavor Flav at the pool party in Vegas
- Had my dog appear inside the pages of several issues of Modern Dog magazine
- Watched my favourite band, One Republic, perform live
- Watched my second favourite band, The Fray, perform live
- Bungee jumped in Whistler
- Sat front row at a Cirque du Soleil show
- Danced at Coachella
- Jumped off a boat in Halong Bay, Vietnam
- Survived the death of my sister
- Gone to Disneyland
- Driven a snowmobile in Whistler
- Been alone in nature for any amount of time
- Ridden a bicycle around the seawall
- Eaten at In-N-Out Burger
- Been wined and dined by a millionaire
- Saw Kevin Hart live
- Taken dips in the outdoor baths at the Scandinave Spa in Whistler
- Got a tattoo x 6
- Published a blog
- Had almost every haircut and color you can imagine
- Started an online store
- Co-hosted TOPSHOP’s Richmond Centre store opening
- Did a boudoir shoot
- Finally admitted to myself that I have depression
- Started a personal passion project
- Went on a helicopter tour
- Given back to my community
- Was featured in FASHION Magazine
- Ridden in a limo
- Overcame $30K in credit card debt
- Learned to paddle board
- Co-hosted an event and dinner with Vogue and Versace
- Seen a double rainbow
- Was part of the store opening team for Nordstrom’s first international flagship location
…and the list goes on, and will continue to go on as long as I take control of my life and live by my own rules. Now it’s your turn! If you’ve never written a reverse bucket list, I highly recommend doing so. It will teach you to honor your past, celebrate your present, and embrace your future.
What is Bristmas?