Why are you doing this to yourself?

I've heard that a few times. It's a valid question... Why would I create a Bucket List of items that are nearly impossible? The short answer is because it's a journey of self discovery.

Creating a list of "ridiculous" dreams let's me search deep and identify what makes me tick in a way. Peeling back the layers, I've been able to see exactly what brings me life, joy, and happiness. The pursuit of something is often times more rewarding than obtaining it. Starting this blog will help me log my adventures and maybe inspire someone else to try it too! Here’s what I have learned so far:

I want to entertain people

This is a strange revelation as I’m very introverted and tend to shy away from spotlight. Looking through my list so far, most of my dreams involve performing in front of, engaging with, or creating something to share with others. I guess perhaps this shouldn’t be too shocking. As a kid I always wanted to put on skits for anyone that humor me. I pretended I was a member of the Offspring and played with a paper guitar on the regular... I loved singing, but as I got older I started worrying too much about everyone else’s opinions of me and eventually just stopped.

Now, as a dad, I want to teach my girls this: You can do and become whatever makes you happy. Find what brings you life. Don’t let fear prevent you from doing what you love.

I enjoy experiences

This didn't necessarily take me by surprise, but it did show me how much I've changed. A while back I made a list of things I would do if I won the lottery. A majority of the items on the list were things I would go and buy and not necessarily experience. A big craftsman-style house in the city of my dreams in Michigan, a rare Ford Mustang in my driveway... Not in this list. Sure, I still want those things, but it's the pursuit that makes those things worth it. I'll continue to work hard to earn some of those things in the future, but life is defined by the journey, not the milestones. Milestones are great, and important to reflect on, but all the work that went reaching them is where the fun is. Yes, stress and frustration can be in that journey too, but my thought is that with these goals as improbable as they are, my expectations are already low, thus making it more difficult to get frustrated. Time will tell :)

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So that's a brief look into why I'm embarking on this crazy adventure. Let me know what you think and if you decide to start your own Improbable and Unlikely Bucket List.