How to create a life list (bucket list)?

We all have dreams. Big ones, small ones, silly ones, quiet ones. But often, they end up tucked away in a notebook we haven’t opened in ages. Or they float around somewhere in our minds—lost between shopping lists, appointments, and work tasks. And that’s a shame. Because your dreams deserve a place. A place where they can live. Be seen. And maybe—just maybe—come true.

At My Heartspace, we felt truly inspired after watching the Netflix film The Life List. The story beautifully shows how revisiting an old list of dreams—some forgotten, some seemingly impossible—can lead to connection, wonder, and rediscovering yourself. Why should you watch it? We explained that in this earlier blog. This blog is your next step: creating your own list.

A life list—also called a personal wish list or bucket list—is a collection of your dreams, goals, experiences, and things you still want to do. Big or small. Alone or with others. Soon or someday.

A life list is a beautiful way to live more intentionally, one step at a time.
It’s not just about “someday.” It’s about now.

What makes my life feel full? What do I absolutely not want to miss? What brings me joy, pride, gratitude, or curiosity?

Because life can be so full, we forget to listen to what our heart longs for.
Because it helps to pause and reflect on what truly matters to you.
Because dreams need a little attention to grow.

A life list can help you:

And perhaps most importantly: a life list is a reminder that your life is yours.
You decide what matters. What brings joy. What you don’t want to miss.

Not much. Honestly.

We often think we need a whole free afternoon, but you can start your life list even with just a few spare minutes.
In fact, taking time for it during a busy day can be surprisingly meaningful.

All you need is a bit of quiet—just ten minutes is enough—and something to write with or type on.
Choose whatever feels right for you:

You don’t have to do it all at once.
Start small. Write down one wish today. Tomorrow, reflect on something you used to dream about as a child.
There’s no need to make it a big project. Let it be light, gentle, and in your own rhythm.

Your life list can grow slowly. Step by step.
And who knows? Those small in-between moments might open the door to big dreams.

It’s actually simple: you write down what you’d love to do, experience, or try in your lifetime.
From small things—like a walk at sunrise—to bigger dreams like writing a book or traveling somewhere new.
It’s a way to pause and reflect on what brings color to your life. And to remind yourself that you always have choices.

Here are 5 gentle steps to get you started:

Don’t hide it in a drawer. Give it a home.
Frame it, stick it to your fridge, place it near your workspace.
Keep it in sight—so you remember what really matters to you.

Because a life list isn’t a sprint. It’s a journey.
Some dreams take time—weeks, months, or even years.
And that’s perfectly fine.
Return to your list every now and then. Add new dreams. Cross things off.
Let your list grow with you.

As you begin to check off items on your list—no matter how small—don’t forget to capture the moments.
In the My Heartspace app, you can save your memories as text, photos, or videos.

Over time, your life list becomes a kind of living book. Your story.
Your memories. In your own way.

You can even choose to share them with loved ones, so your story continues—forever remembered.

Your life list is not a checklist of things you have to complete.
It’s a living, breathing document.
Something you return to. To add. To cross off. Or simply to feel:

This is the life I want to live. In my own way.

And you know what?
Just making the list already changes something.
It gets things moving.
It brings awareness to what truly matters.
It helps you pause—and dream forward.

*Image from the header of the film The Life List (Netflix), as inspiration.*