By Colleen D’Angelo

We are all familiar with writing honey-do lists, wish lists and grocery lists. They help us accomplish chores, convey our hopes for holiday gifts and remember what to buy at the deli counter. Yet most people don’t take the time to write a personal lifetime to-do list, or a “bucket list,” as in things you want to accomplish before you “kick the bucket.”

Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman starred in the 2007 movie by the same name, in which they play terminally-ill cancer patients who compile and carry out an adventure-laden wish list. The two friends drive race cars, leap from a plane and ride a motorcycle on the Great Wall of China. Each man searches for joy in his life and how to bring joy to others. Every time they complete an item, they cross it off an old yellow piece of paper.

The fact is, making a list of your life goals is the best way to achieve them. The first step is to imagine yourself at 90, looking back on your life. What do you think will stand out in your memory? Which of your accomplishments will bring a smile to your face? What are the regrets you want to avoid?

You can watch the movie for motivation, but also check out the following Web sites for inspiration: www.Your100things.com, www.Reaperlist.com, www.43things.com and www.Superviva.com. These sites allow you to post your goals and link to other people with similar aspirations. By putting your hopes and dreams on a Web site, you create accountability for your actions and garner support from a wide audience.

For example, if you write you want to swim with dolphins, you can automatically connect with other members who want to swim with dolphins or who already have. Then you can get advice on where to go and what to expect on your dolphin adventure. When you complete items on your list, you can check them off and write about your experience for others.

Cheering other people on in their quests is part of the fun, and reading other lists can help you decide what else you want to do in your lifetime. There are no costs on these Web sites and you can opt to keep your list private if you choose.

Making a bucket list is a great way to start the New Year, and you can add, edit and delete items whenever you wish. It’s interesting to see how our hopes and dreams change over the years. Recently I asked my whole family, ages 8 through 80, to write a life to-do list. My 8-year old daughter wants to compete in the Olympics, my 12-year-old daughter wants to be on Project Runway and my 14-year-old son wants to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. My husband Tony wants to play golf at Augusta National Golf Club (site of The Masters golf tournament). My father-in-law Gene wants to go on an African safari, and my mother Pat wants to clean out her big old house and move into a condo. It’s a great conversation topic and people’s answers may surprise you. Tony was shocked when I told him fly-fishing was on my list.

When I asked fellow Dubliners to share their lists, most mentioned travel to far-off destinations. Kathy Toth would like to visit the Greek Islands, and Doug and Chris Berman want to see Australia and the Great Wall of China. Some locals want to travel the country in an RV: MJ Doran wants to see historic sights, and Diana and Jim Miller want to play golf in every state.

Many people mentioned forms of flying. Karyn and Sue Custis, for example, want to try hang gliding and floating in a hot-air balloon. Tim Wilson said he has always wanted to build and fly an ultralight aircraft.

Self-help wishes are popular, such as the desire to lose weight, quit smoking or drink less coffee. Emily Roth said she’d like to start practicing yoga. A great local resource is the Dublin Community Recreation Center, where you can take classes ranging from computers to tae kwon do to resume building.

Physical goals rank high with Dubliners like Tasha Paul, who can’t wait to run the Boston Marathon. Lisa Romanelli wants to learn ballroom dancing after watching her parents compete for years. Many want to witness a special event: Laurie Connor wants to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Pam Austin would love to see all four tournaments in the tennis Grand Slam. Helping the needy and going green are also common goals, along with reconnecting with old friends and healing broken relationships.

It’s also a good idea to include some smaller, closer-to-home wishes, such as organizing your garage, finishing your scrapbooks or learning a new word each day. Nate and Larra Thomas just organized their old home movies and transferred them all onto DVD. Check that one off the list!

Having a place to document your progress is kind of like having a deadline (no pun intended.) Dates, times, lists and deadlines all help us get things accomplished. Once you make your list and start working toward your goals, you’ll be amazed to see what changes might happen. Use your bucket list to find the joy in your life and pass it on.

Colleen D’Angelo is a contributing writer for Dublin Life.