Remembering Your Bucket List

By Jenna Sampson

Photo courtesy of Mission Bay Aquatic Center.

The phrase “bucket list” became popular after the aptly named Jack Nicholson-Morgan Freeman movie a few years ago. Everyone became vogue with the addition of a bucket list on their fridge or hidden in a drawer—some long, some short, full of hopes and dreams, goals or adventures. I’ve had a list I made over a decade ago, and while I’ve busily checked off experiences or accomplishments, there are so many things I still want to do in life. I call mine a bucket list now too. It ranges from hiking part of the Appalachian Trail, to getting married on a beach, learning to cross country ski, taking a painting class, and shopping in New York City. Then there are the ones I realize are a little unrealistic: meeting Colby Donaldson from “Survivor,” appearing as a guest on Jay Leno, and being on the cover of People, etc. But I don’t care! It’s my list.

Every summer, I add another check mark next to a new experience. One year, it was standup paddleboarding; another year I learned how to surf. One summer I bought ice skates and hit the local rink to re-enact the 1992 Olympics ala Kristi Yamaguchi. All I hit was the ice, but I had a great time. This summer, I proudly enrolled in a sculling class on my local bay. My reasoning? Ever since seeing Meryl Streep row across the peaceful, early morning water in the opening scene of “The River Wild,” I’ve wanted to follow suite. I didn’t even know what she was doing (sculling), or what she was doing it in (a scull), but I knew I wanted to try. My first day of class, we had to complete a swim test to ensure we wouldn’t drown in the case of capsizing. Despite a near run-in with a frisky sea lion, I passed the test and earned my oars.

Sure, one day I started rowing with my red oar on the left instead of right (apparently very bad), but my instructor quickly corrected me, and sent me on my way. I spent the next few weekends quietly skimming (at least in my mind) across the morning waters, rowing my heart out, pushing off with my legs, extending my arms and trying to create a smooth rhythm. I find myself thinking of Meryl Streep in that opening scene. I recall her racing a train to the bridge, and so I pick up speed and begin a race of my own. It’s then that I find my rhythm, maybe going too fast for proper form, but I don’t care. My muscles are screaming, the breeze is coming in off of the ocean to cool my beaded brow, and I’m in heaven.

I still have much to accomplish in life, including list makers like “acquiring patience,” and a “six-figure income.” I guess one will require the other. Until then, I look at my check marks: earning a master’s degree, walking the Louvre, having joy, seeing my younger brother graduate high school after overcoming a cancer diagnosis, ice skating in Central Park, and being a generous giver. Sometimes the value of looking back at past accomplishments are just as important as looking forward to new ones. I may mull that over on my next early morning row. And in following the Meryl Streep theme, an “Out of Africa” safari maybe in the works for next summer. I wonder if Robert Redford has a son…

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Freelance writer Jenna Sampson lives in Carlsbad, California, and is still adding to her bucket list. Visit jennasampson.com.