Good morning Buddies! Whats on your bucket list?

As we go along in our journey to improved health, ability to participate in life more, and becoming the people we truly want to be...we need to take time now and then to look hard at the near future, and the long term future. Think about "what do I truly desire to accomplish or experience in my life?"

So i thought it may be interesting for us to all begin to create our "Bucket list". For those of you who do not know exactly what this is.. it is a list of things we want to experience or accomplish before we "kick the bucket"  While this almost sounds easy, for me it is a bit of a challenge, as I have spent my life doing for others and pleasing those around me, or hiding in the background due to my obesity and stopped thinking of what I wanted so long ago. Some days not even sure I know who "Patrece" is or what she desires or enjoys. How many of you find that this resonates with you?

So today i am going to tak a few moments to try to come up with at least a few things I'd like to experience before I kick the bucket.

Here's what I have so far on my bucket list...(the first 2 things are short term goals)
1.) Get my bariatric coaching program really moving and making a difference to those I serve.
2.) Getting the plans and programs in place to hold my first bariatric patient retreat next summer. This is something I have been dreaming of doing for over a year now.
3.) Go scuba diving and swim with the dolphins
4.) Visit a tropical paradise.
5.) Discover new things that will be fun and enjoyable, that i have never experienced or maybe even thought of.
6.) Get some property that is water front, (ocean, lake, etc) where i can go anytime i need to rejuvinate and just feel good! (Even if it is a very small piece where i could put my camper to stay in while there.)
7.) Write a book and have it published.

Whats on your bucket list????

Good morning Patrece and everyone,

I am Elia and have been a member for a very short time I one day decided to become a member of this group because I had an idea a long time ago about exactly what this group is about only with a store front kinda like curves or Weigh****chers anyway it is ok to me to find such a fine group of ladies that can help you..  I have tried to lose weight but have not been sucessful and have given up my weight is now 245 and I can't afford to have surgery my dream would be to be albe to one day have RNY or Gastirce Sleeve done to help with weight loss I hope this site and the people here can help me with that

Is your insurance refusing to pay for the surgery? or do you not have insurance? Maybe if you know a lot of people, you could start a find raiser to help you get the funds you need to get your surgery?  With a lot of research, you may also find that having your surgery outside of the US will be a more affordable option. Only thing is, you have to really research hard and long and talk to previous patients of the docs you are considering. You don't want to risk too much. there are great foreign surgeons, but yu have to do the homework.

My hope and prayer for you is that your dream will come true for you.. sooner than later.
Hugs!

My bucket list is that

1. I go on holiday with my family in August and not feel self concious about going in the pool  I already feel great now, so will feel even better in August, when the time comes.
2. Go back to London (where I am from) in October and feel great on the plane and when I am getting around the city, visiting my friends.  It's not so much a weight thing as I was always much smaller when I lived there - just having the energy and impetus to go everywhere.
3. Finally get around to skiing in France where my great college friend has a chalet/ skiiing business - and we can stay/ eat/ ski for free - It's such a fantastic opportunity but I've never said yes before as I''ve always been too big and not had the energy.

The big one :---- take my son to Hurricane Harbor when ever he wants in the summer. Last year, I said no to going with friends as I was soooo big. Did I miss out - not so much, but my son sure did. That was one of the things that led me to have my surgery. No regrets though, what's done is done and it's all systems go now.

Becky x

thanks for your lovely letter to all the buddies today Patrece, I am so glad your group is growing with love.

This is such a hard thing for me because most of the things I dreamed of doing after losing the weight are still impossible because of my other medical conditions.

I would like to have plastic surgery; the whole thing except for a face lift.  I want a flat tummy and big boobs.

I would like to write a book; that is something I have wanted to do my entire life.

I want to start my own craft business; sewing and jewelry making.

I would love to go to Ireland; I need to figure out a way to drive there because I no longer fly.

One thing I have always wanted to do and will be able to do this summer is become an amateur treasure hunter.  My hubby bought me a decent metal detector for Christmas and the weather is such that I can finally try it out.

But the thing I think I want most of all is something that I already have.  Lots of love.  I'm a firm believer in the little things in life and for the most part, life is pretty darn good.

Colleen

1.  be of service to others

2.  have my knees feel better, i would love for this to happen

3.  get over my depression

short list i know but very accurate..  hope everybody has a good time making this list.  love, vick

That definitely resonates with me.  I realized that I have been so depressed about my size that I have stopped liking things I used to be crazy about.  I end up using my weight as an excuse to not go to the store and buy something for a hobby, or my weight to not go to the park and "embarass" my 2 year old.  I barely go out because I feel if I go out and someone abuses me by calling me a name or something, I asked for it by going out in public at this gargantuan size.  It extends to wants and needs.  I put everything else before myself.  My job comes before my needs, and everyone else's needs come before mine.  I realized that I don't bother wanting anything that isn't necessary for survival because I feel at this weight I am worthless and don't deserve to be happy.  

I have been working on it but it's early of course.  I know I have a path ahead of me, but it's inspiring to read about you guys who get your life back.  The thought of wanting something is foreign to me.  I can't imagine making this list, but my only wish is to live to see my son become an independant adult, and possibly have another baby.