What is a Reverse Bucket List and why do I need one?
Hint; it has to do with what you are most proud of...
One of my favorite podcasts is, '“Mentally Stronger,” with therapist Amy Morin. 1
I recently listened to podcast #166 about creating a reverse bucket list (published Dec. 5, 2024). I must admit that when I first heard this phrase, I thought, “What the heck is that?” Then, as I listened, the concept began to make more and more sense to me. It even kind of resonated with me due to all of the difficulties I’ve endured and emerged stronger from in recent years. As a matter of fact, I found this podcast during a time of recovery from the second illness and health crisis I experienced in the last 4 years of my life. I wanted to listen to good content that would help me to think in a positive way and that is definitely what I found. Seriously, you should really check it out.
The concept of making a Reverse Bucket List is listing the most challenging and difficult things you have endured, survived or conquered in your life and the things you are most proud of accomplishing. My take might be a bit slanted to the side of surviving difficult things due to my own life experience but this list should also include the things you are most proud of as well. The purpose of having this list is to remind yourself of how strong you really are and to remind you of the great things you have accomplished. This, instead of spending time wishing for things that may or may not happen in your future (as with the better known concept of a Bucket List). Amy cautions that the point of this is not to go back and get stuck in the past somewhere but to recall the really tough things that you have overcome, or the great things you have done, thereby acknowledging them. The list serves as a reminder to us that we can, in fact, do hard things. The cumulative effect of these experiences is actually part of what makes us who we are today.
I started making my list in my head and then I thought about how many things I’ve overcome and began to feel a sense of pride in myself. I began to realize how resilient I am to keep moving forward even though there were times when I was doubtful I even could. I have to admit though that going through major illnesses and health problems followed by a time of long suffering and loneliness really does change your perspective on life and everyone and everything in it. Climbing the tall mountain of getting back to working a job and living a life after a time of illness and recovery can be very intimidating and is not at all easy. I have accomplished this twice recently, actually three times if I count my hysterectomy and recovery (which was a separate nightmare), and I know that I have a certain resiliency which allows me to bounce back. Somehow, I’ve mustered the will to want to keep going after I spend a certain amount of time healing, and I’m really grateful to possess that quality.
I wanted to share this concept of a reverse bucket list because its a good thing for someone like me who has survived a childhood trauma. I guess that’s the first thing on my list. I wanted to share the idea of this list with anyone who may also be growing, healing and learning new ways to care for themselves and maybe for that inner child who also might still need to do some healing.
This is Tara. I am finally learning how to take care of Tara. Let me encourage you to take care of yourself too! 1
Morin, A. December 5, 2024 , Why you should create a Reverse Bucket List. Mentally Stronger https://amymorinlcsw.com/podcasts/