Make the most of this summer – don’t regret a minute!
We’re already two-thirds of the way through 2023 – how did that happen? If you’ve got the adventure itch then it’s certainly time to make plans and get outside whilst we’ve still got a good six weeks of longer summer days ahead of us. If you don’t grasp the opportunities – or make them – while you can, then you may live to regret it.
We’ve been discussing regret in the Xpedition2 office lately as a result of this book, described as a guide for a life well-lived.
Regret can be a powerful emotion. Negative, yes, but it can also serve as a catalyst for making things happen. Regret is an emotional leftover of the choices we didn’t make, the opportunities we passed, and the paths left unexplored. It’s a poignant reminder that time is finite, and our actions (or non-actions) have consequences. Rather than avoiding regret, it’s better to recognise its potential as a guiding force – it can teach you to value the present moment and spur us on to make the most of every day.
While dwelling in regret can be helpful in reflecting on your values, you can also use it as a springboard to chase after the life you truly want, or the adventures you’ve delayed. Whether it’s a place you want to visit or a physical feat you want to accomplish, regret can be your most powerful call to action.
Lots of people create bucket lists. You can create one on your phone with apps like Bucket List or if physical books are your thing, there are some beautiful ones here. Of course, you can share your bucket list with your partner, family or friends, or keep it to yourself.
A bucket list should be more than just a whimsical collection of goals and more like a roadmap for embracing life to its fullest potential, a conscious effort to avoid future regrets. Creating a bucket list forces us to look inwards and ask ourselves awkward questions about the choices we’re making. It can help us identify what truly matters to us and what we want to experience before our time runs out. If you’re still sceptical, give it a go for the next three months. It should help you:
Live with intention
A bucket list is a declaration of intent, a conscious decision to live life with purpose. It encourages us to identify and prioritise what we truly desire, driving us to make choices that align with our aspirations.
Challenge comfort zones
Regret often stems from missed opportunities. A well-constructed bucket list pushes us out of our comfort zones and encourages us to try new things. As we conquer these challenges, we build resilience and develop a greater sense of self-confidence, reducing the chances of future regrets.
Create lasting memories
A bucket list provides a canvas for us to paint unforgettable experiences and stories we’ll cherish for a lifetime. It reminds us that our priority is what we do with our lives and who we spend time with, not what we accumulate.
So, spend a little time thinking about how you can put those ideas into practice. Go onto the Xpedition2 route planner or the Xplorer GPS app and start mapping out the trips and journeys you want to take whilst you’ve still got time. Your own locality is a beautiful place, if you’ve only got 24 hours, you can still do a micro adventure. The only thing holding you back is you. Don’t get to the end of the summer and find you have regrets – let regret inspire you, make that bucket list and then make things happen!
Let us know when you tick things off your bucket list, share your experience via email ([email protected]) or our Facebook page. We’d love to hear about your xpeditions!
