Your Weekly Boost: Living Life in Full Bloom #15 🌸
The Reverse Bucket List - Blooming by celebrating our own journey
Happy Monday!
Are you ready for Your Weekly Boost? This week it’s about looking back. Yes, you read that right - looking back at our Reverse Bucket List and Blooming by Celebrating Our Own Journey.
The Reverse Bucket List: Blooming by Celebrating Our Journey
Recently, I had the privilege of being interviewed by Debra Morrison from We Can Do It, Women, where I shared my journey of running marathons in my 50s and 60s. I’ve included the video below.
As I reflected on that achievement, I started thinking about other things I’ve accomplished throughout my life but especially in my 60s.
My mid 50s to now at 67 have seen me throw off the self-doubt and step out of my comfort zone to achieve things I never thought I would do. I’ve mentioned my marathons at 55, 63,64 and 65 but also at 63 I studied to become a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, as well as pressing the button to start my Women Living Well After 50 Podcast.
It’s so easy to focus on what’s next, but sometimes, looking back at what we’ve already done can be just as powerful.
Growing up in the 50s and 60s, we were raised to believe that talking about our achievements was a bit vain, so it wasn’t something we were really encouraged to do. Times have changed as we now encourage our children and grandchildren to be proud of themselves. We are helping build their self-confidence and self-belief, something that was lacking in our generation.
What is a Reverse Bucket List?
This idea of a reverse bucket list—celebrating what we’ve already achieved instead of always chasing new goals—resonated with me even more when I read an email from Melissa at Grow Healthier and Happier. It reminded me that blooming isn’t just about striving for more; it’s also about savoring the moments that have shaped us.
Why We Need to Look Back
In a world that constantly pushes us forward, we rarely take time to pause and acknowledge just how far we’ve come. Looking back at our achievements helps us:
Build confidence by recognizing our strengths.
Find gratitude for the journey we’ve taken.
Gain perspective on what truly matters in life.
How a Reverse Bucket List Helps Us Bloom
Much like a garden flourishes when we nurture its roots, we bloom when we honor our past experiences. Instead of feeling pressured to check off an endless list of things to do, we can take joy in what we’ve already experienced and overcome. This shift in mindset allows us to move forward with gratitude and fulfillment rather than a sense of urgency or lack.
Creating Your Reverse Bucket List
Instead of listing future aspirations, a reverse bucket list captures the incredible things you’ve already done. Consider including:
Big achievements: Career successes, personal milestones, or major challenges you’ve conquered.
Small but meaningful moments: Acts of kindness, personal breakthroughs, or times when you stepped out of your comfort zone.
Unplanned successes: Things that weren’t on your original bucket list but turned out to be life-changing.
Savoring the Moments
Rather than rushing to accomplish more, take time to relive and appreciate your past successes. Journaling about them, sharing your stories with loved ones, or even revisiting old photos can help you reconnect with those moments of joy and triumph.
Your Turn
I encourage you to take a moment today to create your own reverse bucket list. What have you achieved that makes you proud? What experiences have shaped the person you are today? Embrace your journey, savor your successes, and continue blooming at every stage of life.
🌈One Action You Can Take This Week:
Action for the Week: Take 10 minutes today to write down at least five accomplishments—big or small—that you’re proud of. Reflect on how each one has contributed to your growth and joy.
🌸 Blooming Affirmation for the Week
Here's a simple yet powerful mantra to accompany you each day:
✨ "I honor my journey and celebrate the accomplishments that have shaped me into the person I am today." ✨
You can repeat this whenever you need a reminder to reflect on your achievements and how far you have come. 😊
🎧 Tune in to the Podcast
Thriving Beyond MS - I catch up with a childhood friend
Recently, I interviewed a friend who I had reconnected with about 10 years ago at our 40th High School reunion. It was only recently that I discovered, Lynne had been living with Multiple Scheloris since the age of 33. I was surprised because seeing her activities and achievements despite having MS inspired me. I knew I wanted to share her story of her journey of Resilience and Reinvention with my audience.
📖☕ Suggested Reading
A couple of years ago, I interviewed Kate Christie to discuss her life and also her book ‘The Life List: Mast Every Moment and Live an Adacious Life’
After turning 50, losing her former life partner to cancer and seeing her kids move on as young adults, Kate Christie was faced with the fact that life is too short. And it was time to do something about it. So Kate created the concept of making a “life list”
Although this isn’t a Reverse Bucket List, it’s a great read, full of great advice and one that will have you thinking about living life in the moment.
Here is the link to the podcast episode
The Life List: Mastering Every Moment to Live an Audacious Life
Are you living every moment? Sometimes it takes a tragedy to wake us up to appreciate life and make the most of each day.
🎥Watch - Blueprint for Blooming After 60
Last week I had the honour of being a guest in the ‘We Can Do It Women’ community with host Debra L Morrison. I had previously interviewed Debra for my Women Living Well After 50 Podcast and this time it was my turn to be in the one sharing my thoughts.
Do you incorporate Strength Training into your Workouts? If not, why not?
We all know that we need to incorporate Strength (Resistance) Training especially as we age to maintain functional fitness so we can bend, stretch, reach and lift in our daily actions. I came across this Basic Workout which can be modified for your particular level.
https://www.bemobilephysio.com.au/feel-good-fitness-challenge-strength-workout
Upcoming Events
I am delighted to be one of six fabulous women who will share their story of redefining ageing. The Reinventing Midlife: Embracing Transformation Event will be presented by The Silver Sirens and if you live in Brisbane, I would love to see you there.
Tickets available now: Silver Sirens Redefining Ageing 2025 - Brisbane | Silver Sirens
🌸 Join the Women Living Well After 50 30 Minute Daily Exercise Challenge Group
Start your day with a burst of motivation! Join our 30-Minute Daily Challenge on Facebook—a supportive space for Women 50+, where we encourage each other to dedicate just 30 minutes a day to moving, reflecting, or trying something new. It’s a small commitment that leads to big changes. No judgement, just encouragement! Come join me.
WLWA50 30-Minute Daily Exercise Challenge
I absolutely love the concept of a "Reverse Bucket List", Sue! Sometimes in this season of life I wonder what my purpose is push myself to accomplish things simply for the sake of accoplishing something new. That's not always satisfying! I've determined that my purpose is always evolving and I've grown to not only accept that but celebrate it, too! There is such joy in looking back and recognizing all I've accomplished! Thanks for this important reminder!
So much good stuff in this post Sue! We really do need to look back and realise how far we've come, so thanks for the reminder. You've proved that we can achieve so much despite our age. I love the thought and creativity you put into these weekly posts Sue, many thanks x