The Bucket List: A Reflection on Life and Legacy

By Dr. Laura
Saturday, 04 October 2025 06:44 AM EDT

The concept of a bucket list has intrigued me for years. Originating from the phrase “kick the bucket,” it evolved into a tool for reflecting on life’s priorities. Research published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine highlights its role in providing sensitive care, as physicians explore patients’ aspirations to align treatment with their personal goals.

Between 2015 and 2016, over 3,000 Americans shared their bucket lists, with 91.2% having one. Spiritual individuals were more likely (95%) to create such lists compared to those less spiritually inclined (68%). A bucket list typically encompasses unfulfilled desires or experiences one hopes to achieve before life ends. For younger individuals, it may focus on future plans, while for older adults, it often centers on mortality and meaningful milestones.

The idea is not about despair but hope. Acknowledging life’s impermanence can inspire action, encouraging people to rediscover passions, pursue creativity, or embrace new ventures. As I’ve joked, if given 24 hours to live, I’d indulge in a dozen donuts—a stark contrast to my disciplined routine.

A bucket list is about designing the rest of one’s life with intention. It challenges the notion of coasting into retirement, urging fulfillment through creativity, entrepreneurship, or new hobbies. Even with limited time, the pursuit of memories and purpose remains vital. As long as I’m here, I’ll continue embracing challenges, shaping my legacy through action rather than resignation.