So, what’s on your bucket list?

I’m sorry, did the question catch you off-guard?

I don’t mean to suggest that I heard something. No, you look fine. Maybe a little pale, but that’s normal. Don’t worry. Well, maybe you should worry just a little bit. None of us are getting any younger, right?

I’m just asking because today happens to be National Bucket List Day.

If only you had “Celebrate National Bucket List Day” on your bucket list.

Today is the day we encourage, or some might call it guilting people, to stop dreaming and start planning their life’s aspirations, adventures, and goals. To promote living intentionally and cross off experiences like travel or learning new skills.

It was founded by the folks at National Day Calendar and Bucket List Coach, two groups I’ve already crossed off my bucket list of never inviting to a party.

The "Bucket List" was supposed to be a gentle reminder of our mortality. Instead, it has become the most stressful homework assignment of adulthood.

At some point, "not dying with regrets" morphed into a high-stakes competition where if you haven't base-jumped into a live volcano or taught a symphony orchestra of rescue pugs to play Vivaldi, you’re basically a failure.

I recently sat down to write mine, and within 10 minutes, I had a panic attack. My first entry was "See the Northern Lights." Then I realized that involves being cold, staying up late, and potentially seeing nothing but a very expensive fog.

If you want to celebrate today without pulling a hamstring or your bank account, here’s a few suggestions:

The "Delete" Ceremony: The best way to celebrate your list is to prune it. Look at that item that’s been sitting there since 1994: “Learn to speak fluent Mandarin.” Let’s be honest. You can barely remember your Netflix password, and you still haven't mastered the "on/off" button for the voice feature on your Samsung TV. Cross it off. Not because you did it, but because you’ve matured enough to realize you’re fine just pointing at things on a menu.

Aim Lower: A bucket list shouldn't just be about jumping out of planes. At 66, my idea of a "free fall" is getting out of a recliner too fast. Replace "Skydive over the Alps" with "Successfully navigate a roundabout on the first try." Replace "Run a Marathon" with "Find a parking spot near the entrance of ShopRite." The sense of accomplishment is the same, and the risk of needing a knee replacement is significantly lower.

The "Foodie" Bucket List: Since we all know Twizzlers are a vital part of a balanced breakfast (they have "strawberry" in the name, which is a fruit, don't argue with me), make today the day you try a new flavor. Or, if you’re feeling truly wild, go for the ultimate culinary thrill: eating a yogurt before the expiration date on the lid.

Grandparent Perks: If you really want to check something off, challenge your grandkids to a nap competition. The catch? You’re the judge, and you’re going to demonstrate "proper form" by falling asleep for forty-five minutes while they try to stay quiet to "win." 

The "Before I Die" Reality Check: Most people put "Swim with Sharks" on their list. Why? Sharks are terrifying. My bucket list item is "Avoid being eaten by a shark." I’ve been successful every single day of my life so far. I’m a high achiever!

Today isn't about the things you haven't done; it's about realizing that if you’ve made it this far, kept your sense of humor, and still have enough hair to require a comb, you’re winning.