Another Bucket List Goal Bites The Dust!
We’ve most likely all heard of a bucket list, right? An oft-running list of experiences, events, goals, and the like waiting to be achieved. I once knew a girl who carried hers in her wallet; she was exhilarated by the act of crossing an item off of her respective list at any moment. She legitimately lived every waking moment to check off a goal. So inspired! Whether you openly share some of your items on your list, or you keep a few for yourself, accomplishing something that is (or was) important to you deserves celebration.
I don’t usually share my personal bucket list items, but recently I crossed off a fun item that had been there since high school. I think fifteen year old me would be squealing with joy! This particular endeavour came to be when I was in the tenth grade. I had decided that I wanted to live my life as the female equivalent to Jim Morrison; from taking a photo at the Morrison Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, California to writing poetry on rooftops in Venice Beach. My desire to be as romantic, mysterious, and brooding as Jim was on the rise; even at a precocious age such as fifteen. The Doors were one of my favourite rock and roll bands during my adolescence, and I frequently envisioned myself living a sixties inspired vintage lifestyle out on the west coast in California or Canada’s equivalent, British Columbia. Since I first left my home town (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) in the fall of 2008 I have always kept one eye on California. My first city vacation was to Los Angeles where I sadly discovered that the Morrison Hotel no longer existed, and Venice Beach is definitely not as idyllic as it was during the mid century. Where were the good vibrations? Did the spirit of the season of love dissipate with each passing year? I honestly thought that I would never get to live out my Morrison induced teenage wish until I heard of an event being hosted at the site of the original Morrison Hotel aptly titled “Day of The Doors.” The day consisted of musical performances, an art exhibition, the newly rebuilt exact replica facade of the hotel, and a host of fun interactive experiences for visitors. Unfortunately, destiny would not be kismet at this time. I had discovered the event a couple of days after it had taken place. I was upset to have missed out on such a joyous occasion and spent the day listening to The Doors, I even posted a lyric to their song “Soul Kitchen” on an Instagram selfie. It was quite refreshing as I had not listened to The Doors in a few years. Two weeks later though, on a jaunt to a fabric store near the Staples Center, I randomly spotted the rebuilt facade — fully intact just in time for golden hour! My friend so graciously humoured me with a quick “photoshoot” and I was finally able to cross off “visit the Morrison Hotel” from my bucket list!
I’ve lived in California for nearly three years now and I think the entire experience also equates to “living as the female equivalent to Jim Morrison.” (Although I really look at Lana Del Rey as reaching that status in today’s musical offerings). Even though it was a small tick to a reasonably sized list I felt it would be of value to you. Sharing our achievements and the unique flavors that are integral components to our personalities, lives, and spirit(s) should be recognized and supported. I’ve spent countless years trying to downplay accomplishments that I am quite proud of, and I hope that this does not happen to you. We can all be humble and proud at the same time; humility isn’t hiding. Humility is embracing what we are and not using it in a negative or egocentric way.
So tell me, what have you done lately, or in your life that would make your younger self proud? Do you have your own bucket list? Do you usually share items from your bucket list, if so what does your list consist of? What does humility or being humble mean to you?
I’m always here if you need a friend.
With love,
Victoria
The Doors, Morrison Hotel album cover, February 9, 1970 - The Doors Property, LLC. All rights reserved.