Saturday, February 6, 2010

The Bucket List

For the first time in my life, the transition to a new year created several disturbing weeks of looking back on my life rather than looking forward toward new goals. I don't know whether to blame the economy--which has hit my extended family hard, just as it probably has yours--or the fact that my croning time is coming soon and, for the first time in my life, I actually feel a bit old. (And really embarrassed now about my overreaction to age 29.)

I never want to believe the best years are behind me. My grandmother took her first motorcycle ride at age 82 over the rocky backroads of the Texas Hill Country. I was nervous. She loved it!

I have observed enough death to observe those who grow old with personal goals and self-imposed limitations outlive those who have no concrete ideas about a future. Sadly, I've seen many of the these people become sick, physically and mentally. I concluded, when the mind realizes it will have nothing new to learn nor any fresh experiences to process, it prepares to die. Though at 52 I'm going to assume I'm still a long way from "kicking the bucket," these feelings stirred up by 2010 are my wake up call to make a list of the many things I still wish to accomplish. And, no, I'm not going to subject you to my list.

As magickal people we know the power of words, and we know written words have been sacred for thousands of years. The mainstream self-help books contain more of this old wisdom every year. I find that amazing and encouraging. Did you know there is a book called "Write it Down, Make it Happen?" It's not officially a book on magick. It's not shelved with the books on magick, yet it teaches nothing but magick--self-transformation through will and words.

Though I've already ridden a motorcycle, my grandmother's golden years were full of travel to new places, trying new things, and refusing to accept the myth that being over 80 equates to waiting around to die. She ignored the disgust of those she called "little old ladies" (most of them younger than here) and forged ahead into whatever struck her fancy. Many times she told me she missed climbing trees, and just as soon as she was shed of her body she was climbing the thickest, highest tree she could find. Only then would she be content to move on, anxious to see my grandfather again.

That inspired the title of my own bucket list: Never Give Up On Climbing.

BB, Edain

2 comments:

  1. I'm not sure just how to do this. This is my first comment. I purchased the aforementioned book, "Write It Down, Make It Happen" after I had begun reading "Celtic Women's Spirituality." I have read about half of "Write It Down ..." and have begun learning the meditation technique beginning on page 22 of "Celtic Women's Spirituality." I have chosen my magickal items. All of which are a part of a personal history within my life. Knowing so little regarding these things, I'm not sure if I should share information about these items or keep them a secret. I have also purchased several of Edain McCoy's other books and they are on my Next Things To Read List.

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  2. Hello, I read most of his book "Making Magick '(left part of the advanced magic for now) and I do not know with whom to share the odd feelings and ideas it raises. Do you know any pearson would not mind to guide me a little more in my doubts or share experiences? I guess you don't have time to keep track of all your fans;) By the way, I'll write my bucket list soon but I'm so insecure that even something that seems so simple becomes complicated for me.
    Major hugs!
    (sorry for my english mistakes ;) ) (Maria from Portugal)

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