We live, we die and it's what we do in between that matters. After watching the previews for the new movie "The Bucket List" and after reading Linda Scanlan's post about it, we made it a point to go see this wonderful movie today. Now, all of you that know me know that I believe that success lies within. No matter what, material possessions and money is NOT the foundation for a happy and successful life for me.
With grace and a zest for living the "rest" of their lives to the fullest, two older men Edward Cole, a hospital corporation head (Jack Nicholson) and Carter Chamber, an auto mechanic (Morgan Freeman) find out they have cancer (and coincidentally meet in the same hospital room) and are told they both have only a few months to live. They decide to make a "bucket list" or rather, a list of things they want to do before they die and with the money of Edward and Carter leaving his family for a little while they head off into an adventurous around the world trip.
Carter realizes that all this didn't mean a thing like his family did. He went home and he ended up dying on the operating table and Edward's cancer went into remission and he died at the age of 81. They both were cremated and they both laid in tin cans and set next to each other at the top of a mountain in the Himalayas. Edward realized (at the time of Carter's death) that the only family he had (a daughter he had not spoken to for years) was important and was going to be his reason for living life to the fulllest. He reunites with his daughter and one of the things on his list "kiss the most beautiful girl in the world" was granted. He kissed his grand daughter.
I laughed and chuckled through the whole movie and cried in the end. Literally, a tear jerker but so real life were the scenarios that it made for a really great movie and also an eye opener for the things I believe in and strive to hold close so my heart does not falter. Okay, now that I gave you a brief synopsis, let me tell you how it relates to REAL LIFE. Or rather, MY life.
- Balance is key to success. If I have a healthy sense of self and keep balance in all aspects of my life....then success follows.
- Success for me means a healthy, happy and simple life that I am proud of.
- Nothing is more precious than my family and the love and closeness we share.
- No amount of money can buy happiness.
- No amount of fame 'makes' me a person.
- My real estate business is based on the time I give it and the time I allow it to "run my life".
- At half a century, I value the time I have to enjoy my days from morning to night.
- Real Estate is enjoyable as long as I don't MAKE it ONLY a job. I care about the people I work with and represent.
- And the list can go on......
I am going to make a "bucket list" of the things I want to do for the rest of my life........How about you? Join the Positive Attitude for the Weary Soul Group and plop your positive bucket lists in it!
** Watch "The Bucket List" trailer **


I haven't seen the "Bucket List" movie yet. But I plan to. I did see the "Ultimate Gift" which I don't think many saw. It was a great movie too with a similar moral story. Life is not about us it is about what we give to others.
Jerry Schmidt
Sunview Inspections Inc, Austin, Texas
Sally,
I like your 'bucket list' translation into 'your own life' list...balance is what everyone keeps preaching...and it has been preached for 2000 years now...apparently many don't get it...moderation in all things good! Thanks, Fran
Duane: Family is where happiness grows :)
Jerry: I haven't seen that Ultimate Gift ...we usually just go to blockbuster but this one I didn't want to wait for. It just looked like something that wasn't blood and guts and gore and weird stuff....so most likely something I wouldn't mind paying the money for haha. In any case, this one was enjoyable....and life is what I make it....and I choose to give what I can.
Fran: Yup...you are right on target ...but of course you understand the gift of life :) Thanks Fran!
I love your focus, Sally! Great new picture on your profile too.
Mike in Tucson
As we get older in life we seem to rectify our past by giving more of ourselves and being of service to humankind. It is too bad we just don't understand this simple fact of balance in one's life when we are 20 or 30, etc. The world would be a kinder place. Thanks for the nice post..like the new photo also.
Sally, This was really a great show. Not sure if reality would intrude when these guys were so sick and keep them bedridden, but the story touched a nerve on both my wife and I. Thanks for the reminder. Hard to keep in mind that we are here for such a short time -- with so many IMPORTANT things to be done.
By the way, nice frame on your photo! See you at the Active Rain gathering in Honolulu. Thanks for setting it up. Jerry
Why are people telling me to see that movie the Bucket list? Are they giving me a hint?:) I'm not that old yet.
Sally,
I haven't seen that movie yet. It is amazing as we grow older how we change our priorities(if we are normal).
Sally, Just saw the movie and was deeply moved. It was a joy seeing Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman together as they too grow older. May they both receive the same meaning form the movie as we did. Sometimes people preach something and live the opposite. Thanks for the post.
Thesa: And my bucket list is for life. I guess because my work is only one third of my life. :) (the other third is sleep and the other third is broken up into family, friends, blogging lol)
Kaye: And that's all that matters when it comes to having success for me. Thanks Kaye.
Aziz: Thanks for your input and stopping by!
Neal: It's not about getting 'old'. It's about 'anything can happen at any time' and doing the things that are important for us to do in this lifetime. But...you are getting there lol!
Dan: This would definitely be an inspirational AND motivational piece for you! In the end I cried...the movie was heartbreaking but so profound in the learning lessons of life as well as the important things that really make a difference.
Tom: Not sure if I get what you mean...but hope it's all good :)
Lizette: That's why I really couldn't do one ...yet. Don't know if I will. I've done so much in my life...plans....jobs....traveling....and just love my home life now. It was a long time coming and glad I have found my priorities and balance ...so to speak :)
Hi Sally,
As soon as I saw the coming attractions for that movie, I knew it would be one I planned on seeing. I love the actors and their committment to their craft. The concept of the story was obviously going to make this one worth seeing too. Love your list and totally agree with all points. Especially the "no amount of fame makes me a person" point. I love it but family has always been at the tippy top of my list too. Will give this list some thought and definitely will see the movie.
Best,
Lisa
Nicholas: Well, sometimes movies are what they are....a movie. It's up to me to get what I can...or won't ...out of it. The important thing for me here is it validated what I believe....who cares about "them". I'm glad you enjoyed the movie and got out of it what I seem to have.
Wow, I love Morgan Freeman, so now I will make it a point to go see that movie. In fact, I will go with my husband who has been asking me to go to the movies with him all weekend and I have been busy. I will make time today to do that with him. I love spending time with my children and grandchildren. All the rest of my family is in Iowa so I go there as often as I can.
1/20/2008 11:25 am by Sandy Clemons, Coldwell Banker Stucky @ Assoc. West Wichita Ks
www.sandyclemons.blogspot.com
Melissa: Cool! Look forward to seeing yours!
Duane: Family usually stand by us if we are good people too.
Lisa: So true, huh? I have seen how money ruins people...and when they fall...gee, who's around to pick them up? In this movie....they both reunited with family...I cried and sniffled through the whole end...and my husband kept patting me on the leg...lol!
Mott: Cool! I believe I have done some....just a couple things I really need to do. My dad's ashes are an hour from Tacoma, Washington and I really need to go there. Another is going back to Europe and seeing more ruins and stuff.
Teri: You think I'd like that one? I sure love movies...we don't usually go to the theater so we can put the movie on pause but I didn't want to wait for the bucket list to go to blockbuster. lol!
Sandy: Go! Make time! And hug those children and grandchildren all you can!
B: My father died of lung cancer in 2004 and my brother did not reunite with him before he died. He was disgusting and only called to ask if my father left him anything. I try to look at the positive side of things and it wasn't just the reuniting of families. Some people believe money is more important....and that fame is more important. The most profound thing for me was that my dad and I have had our differences throughout the years...but the last ten years I spent with him were the most enjoyable.....even though the last time we were together was in 1997. The advertising was like the movie in my opinion....but then again...all of our opinions are just that...opinions. The whole idea of this post wasn't to glorify the movie so much as thinking about what is important to us in our lives.
Ginger: Great! Knowing you ..you'll think as I did....it's the learning lessons and hug the little ones for me!
Jerry: That's okay though. I didn't want to see the horrible truth...and relive memories of my dad gasping for air. Nope. I'd rather take the learning lesson ...that I brought with me. I will cherish the time I do have...not what I lost. My dad told me this a couple of weeks before he died..."Sal, no matter what...your life has to go on". He knew me well. I would grieve hard. But with these words....I had it ingrained and went back to work three days after.
Missy: I have a feeling yours DOES have family. You are always writing about them and I can see it through the words :)
Hi Sally,
You certainly have things into perspective, family, friends,being happy and healthy! Perhaps, I can get hubby to take me to the movies.....:)
Great Post! To those of you who haven't seen the movie, don't make the mistake I almost made. I read the critics reviews and decided this movie was not worthwhile based on that. Fortunately, I went a step further and read some reviews from real people.
The movie was great, had a message, and was entertaining.
Karen: Great! It was an enjoyable movie.....usually there's a bunch of teenie bopper movies out there. I'm not going to waste my money on those ;)
Pete: Thanks for popping by Pete. It really doesn't pay to go by "here say". Just as in real life...I don't base my opinion by others opinions. It has to come from me. Messages from others are not clear and I'm not a follower :) I get facts firsthand...my hand :)
So, if you all don't want to go by my opinion...go see it for yourself and let me know what learning lesson you got out of it :)
Katie: Ha! Now that's the spirit! My older years are going to be golden :)
Richard: Oh,.....yes it is! I'll check those out as you suggested.
Hi Sally, Woo Hoo!
No doubt that you picked up a few ideas for blogging when you saw this movie, voila, you did in fact write and shared not only the synopsis but put the lessons in the perspective of your own life. I would have expected nothing less.
I am looking forward to seeing this movie next weekend and I shall think of you and be thinking of my own bucket list. We will have to compare notes.
Now, I was looking at the calendar and very soon many from the mainland will be descending on you. I can only imagine that you will be sparkling, greeting and hugging so many that you know only through their writing. I know your impressions will be in blogs along with photos of all the fun you are having.
Wonderful!
Marc: Sure is.... and boy do we have a choice!
William: Oh....I knew I would before I went to see it LOL! How much of my bucket can I fill in just this one lifetime? Who knows. I do not have a whole bunch...yet. Just main ones I really need to do. And I presume it will be this or next year for the trip to Washington to dad's place of rest (ashes)
You just don't know how excited I am....that the time is nearing to hug everyone. (Randy says I'm too girlie lol) One thing about you and I William....it's pretty deep when we talk on the phone....when the day comes that I will meet you face to face I will surely sob....for finally meeting one of my dearest friends.
Sally- We are planning on seeing the movie too. I love inspirational movies. I love to be grateful for all my blessings and appreciate all that I have in life and yes, family is the most important thing and our relationships with others and how we help make the world a better place.
But I find that the movies tend to make some of my clients feel guilty because without money they can not get the operations they would need, without money they would not be able to help all the people that they can help with money.
People tend to say that money is not important , while the money itself is not important, what we do with the money is important. It is an energy form that can be used for good or evil. I have been dirt poor and I have been rich and I always say that in my life Rich is always better. People need to take the movie in the spirit of the movie not the literal sense because they do not tell all there is to a story.
My hope is that people will see that what is important is spending time with their families but also working to reach the levels of success to be able to live the free life they desire to live. When you have money you can spend time with your family and still pay the bills, you can give your kids piano lessons, karate lessons and college educations. These all cost money and someone has to earn that money.
Congrats on your feature! You are doing great and again, the photo of you is so very beautiful, its a keeper! Katerina
Katerina: Money does not buy everything (like the man in the movie) and the only one who can tell a story is the one who's life we're talking about. My life is different from yours. I live in a small house and have little to take care of (kids grown and gone) so I don't need much to keep me happy. I'm not poor...but I'm not rich either. I'm comfortable. And the time it would take to get rich is not on my agenda. You and Nestor work together on your businesses. Gary has his job, I have my part time job, we both have businesses...but it is not on my agenda to have fame and fortune. Others may think differently and that's fine. It's not how I think and my opinion is mine. Thanks for sharing your own view.
I haven't seen the movie but it is high on my list of things to do.
I think in today's world we get so caught up in preperation for tomorrow that we forget to live today. We never know how may tomorrow's we have so we need to make the most of every day.
I haven't seen the movie but it is high on my list of things to do.
I think in today's world we get so caught up in preperation for tomorrow that we forget to live today. We never know how may tomorrow's we have so we need to make the most of every day.
Sally- Looks like I got here a little late....I just want to say that I agree, Moeny is not the most important thing in life....ya can't take it with you. The simple things in life, to me, are what make this life worthwhile. A beautiful sunrise, or sunset.......a smile, an encouraging word, a congratulatory one, or even a sincere wish of condolences when we need them the most.
Walks in the rain, silly movies shared with someone, and crayon drawings by a child. So many of lifes "lessons" and lifes treasures have absolutely nothing to do with fame, money, or how well we do our jobs. Sally, you talk about Balance.....and that is it......Balancing everything so that we don't have any regrets....and we find the time to enjoy the simple things in life......
Good Lesson.......now keep in mind just like any class....everyone interprets things differently and not everyone gets the same grade for learning....It is your lesson you were sharing, and that is all that matters :)
I'm going to create a bucket list too. Love that trailer. Thanks for the reminder!
Woo Hoo Sally...
Well. I have lived my life on both sides of that fence...
Money may not buy happiness but sure does help :)
TLW...ROAR!
Ardell: I don't have anything in my bucket list either...I have not made those kinds of lists...I only follow what I know is good for me. What may be bad for you may not be bad for me. If I were to "croak" right at this moment...I am happy with what I do have...AND...what I do not have. How's that? Live life and enjoy it is my thinking.
Had planned to go see the movie tomorrow night but have to reschedule for a different night. What was is Kathy said was her new motto? "Live, love, laugh". I think that just about covers it for me too.
Hey Jeffrey: Yeah...me too. I'm just happy with what success I do have. Some may need more..and more. I take what comes along.
Kathy: Thanks...what is it that when sharing MY point of view...a few just insist I see it their way. Hmm. I liked that. Keeps me from "following" everyone around :) I like my own opinion. Now...about those crayons...let me see if I have some around.
Kate: Wonder if anyone else watched it :) Great movie...great lesson.
TLW: No one said about money not helping....but like in the movie ....Jack sure did treat people like crap (he thought money bought his happiness....and he was filthy rich) and we need money to pay bills...but I sure know what it's like to be without...and I won't be like that again. I save :) and I don't need a fancy car and I paid my new one off already. :) That's about as extravagant as I get. In the movie, Jack took Morgan around the world, fancy this and that...only for Morgan to realize...what he wanted with the last of his time was to spend it with his family...Hope you get a chance to watch the movie. Tearjerker.
Thanks Jim! And that's what happens with me. Good things happen to good people (my husband always tells me that) And if bad things happen..there's some kind of learning lesson in it...which makes it all good :)
Cynthia: Live, Love and Laugh is it! You know what...if I did become rich I would travel around the world too. I would go to Tibet and visit the monks who live in the moment. That is what point I'd like to get to ...
Kathi: I somehow think you are in the same frame of mind. No matter what...I live a good life. I don't sit around and wonder how to pay my bills...and I sure don't sit around worrying about fame. I am famous in my own mind lol! BTW...am working on it.. only have two pages but it'll get there!
Not enough really good movies , so this one is a treat. Thanks for the post.
Sally-My comment was not about you. I know you and I would never make a judgment on how you live your life. I was talking about many people I have coached who bought into money is bad and then these movies show rich people treat people like crap and rich people are bad and so on. They get that in their heads and it simply is not true. The truly rich people are those who are rich in spirit, relationships and money. And they put their money to good use. Rich people help poor people more than the government ever would want us to know.
BTW- I have a large bucket list and will live to at least 105 so I can do it all! :) Katerina
Sally,
It sounds like an excellent movie....one of the kinds I would really enjoy. I like your list and agree with every one of your life truisms.
Tonight I was at my Dad and Stepmom's for dinner and my Stepmother (she's a retired teacher and now is a full time artist...I'll be doing a blog on her work sometime shortly) was telling me how saddened she is as over half of the people she taught with over the years have died of cancer and most of them were the same age she is or younger than she is now (she is in her late sixties). Cancer certainly is the scourge of the past century.
My Mother always says 'if there's something you want to do, don't wait til 'some day', because you might not be here.' More and more I believe she's entirely right.
Did you ever read that book about '101 things to do before you die' or something like that?
Jo
Robert: We have a miniature canyon on the island of Kauai. Spectacular. Seeing different places interests me. Scenery, ruins and stuff like that. Not big on Vegas and such. :)
Chuck: If you like those two actors you'll have a good ole time. They are unreal actors and sure did this well together!
Bob/Carolin: Yes it is! Too many blood guts gore teeny bopper stuff out there...this was a nice change :)
Katerina: There's good and bad in all races, religions, industries and even rich vs. poor. No one said money was bad... the ONLY thing I said was No amount of money can buy happiness. Maybe I should have added..."Because happiness comes from within or something like that" :)
....let me know when you see the movie :)
Ardell: One thing about a mom..... they are always there for the kids...no matter how old they get. Good comeback..... :)
My bucket list will be to enjoy life to the fullest and be around the people that I love most...MY FAMILY
unfortunately I have to work
Phyllis Pafumi
Sally sounds like this is a movie that I need to see. I like your list especially:
Maybe it is time for me to make a “Bucket List” of my own.
George: Okay...you get big <<<HUGS>>> !!!!! I love being understood :) But then...you're Mr. all around good guy. I like my simple bucket list...if that's what living life is. All the "stuff" isn't so important. One "stuff" I can't get out of my head all day going through all the comments is.... going to Washington to visit Dad's ashes. I gotta call my step mom. Forgot the name of the cemetary.
Hi Sally,
Congrats on your feature. I've had a list of my own for about 7 years now, ( my 101 things I want to do before I drop dead list I call it). So far I don't have that many, actually just under 50 yet I add to it every now and then. So far I've crossed of some, yet I have a long way to go.
BTW, not one has anything to do with real estate, except that r.e. "funds" many of the experiences listed.
This does get you thinking. I think that the first thing I need to do is get my will in order, then the bucket list. But I already have some ideas for my list in my head...maybe I'll write a post about it. And I thought you were only a quarter century!
I have always had what I called a mental wish list. Things I wanted to do during my lifetime.
Good luck.
marti: I guaranty you'll love it!
Richard: I have that in my head everyday...it's called being aware :)
Jason..aka lil bro: I loved the movie....you would come out of there with an idea too :)
Sally,
I'm not much on the movie theater, but I'll check it out when it hits Blockbuster. I like your transition from the big screen to my house. It really is all about balance and priorities. Thanks for the reminder.
There is a good documentary called "Riding Giants" that interviews four generations of surfers. One common thread ran through each generation - live in the moment. There is one interview in particular with an onocologist/surfer who makes a great observation about how most people live life. It's worth watching.
Scott: And that is something I surely would enjoy watching. Living in the moment...is pretty much how I have to live mine. I do manage my time...and have learned to keep my business organized...the rest? Well, there are only a couple of things I would like to do. And it's still family oriented :) Thanks.
Christy: Mine I presume would have changed over the years...I'm down to a couple that matter.
Sally, this was a great movie and you are right about what is in between is what matters. I have had to put my life in perspective with being a new realtor. I love what I do and I tend to spend too much time on it. My husband is semi- retired and has more time on his hands. I do need to spend more time with him at this stage in my life and know that in the end what does really matter. Not the money or fame or even being a top realtor. It is how you treat others and to spend precious time with family and friends. Time is so precious!
Vickie
Vickie: And so the reason for me to just balance my time..I don't care about being rich or famous or a top realtor either. I'm tops in my own mind and inside :) Oh....and my husband thinks I'm mighty great too :)
Finding balance is sometimes easy, and sometimes exhausting for me. When all else fails, I just ride with it and hope the wind settles and I can find the place I need to be. I love the whirlwind my profession sometimes brings my way. And as to my personal life, I used to hope for harmony and ease, but have recently come to love the crazy and tumultuous ride it can be.
My bucket list for now? Just enjoy the ride for what it is and be joyful I was given this ticket in the first place.... :)
MWA Sally!!
B/B: I'll look for it!
I also haven't seen "bucket list" but your post was awesome.
Troy: Great insight Troy....I surely believe that too.
Steve: Thanks and see you around!
I read most of the comments here and I can say I agree with the majority of people here.....
Everything else is just smoke and mirrors..... all the other stuff just leaves you empty inside..... it just will not satisfy you.
as you saw in the movie, Sally... You don't necessarily get
nicer as you get more money or possessions.
What Troy said I think sums it all up....
I can see why your group is so popular, Sally...it has
YOUR values and priorities all over it!!
God bless you!
=-)
What matters is knowing you HAVE a bucket-a life-that is a gift to you and you can look to your Creator, family and friends to fill it up with love.
That being said, I think a great cheeseburger goes a LONG way on the "What Matters...." list.
Steve