Life throws us many curve balls and often we don’t always get to do what we dream of. It can often feel like we’re just running out of time. I am a lover of old movies and films like The Bucket List depicts how short life can be. It plays around with my mental state as I ponder on my own bucket list and when I would get around to doing it, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Leigh-Ann Londt.
Cancer is known as the silent killer, and I have lost many loved ones to this awful illness. Chemo slows you down, but many people prefer to complete their life goals before their time is up. My question is, why should one wait until something this drastic happens in your life before you actually do it? Why can’t we make it happen now in the present, while we are healthy? Nobody knows when their time will come, but when mine does – I know I want to be at peace, knowing I did what I wanted to do with a smile on my face.
The movie that spurred my inspiration goes as follows – Billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and car mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) meet in a hospital’s cancer ward and come to learn that they have cancer and they only have 6 – 12 months to live. Instead of letting this news bring them down, the duo escapes the ward and creates a bucket list together, listing things each of them wanted to do in life before they close their eyes forever.
As the movie continues, the two men bond and get to know each other a lot better as they go out exploring, completing their to-do list, no matter how dangerous or crazy it may be.
The part that made me feel a lump in my throat was an unexpected event (for the viewer, that is). Two people from completely different lives put their differences aside and come together towards the end which gave me comfort. You can make the best of anything despite your past. Time does not show compassion for anyone and in the end, no matter your status.
What are the lessons learnt?
Death often comes out of nowhere and waits for nobody. Make your bucket list now after you have read this. Plan and execute your bucket list and add more as you go along. See the world. Find the joy in your life because nobody else will make it joyous for you. If you can make another person smile, whether it be with a compliment, do so, and remember to always be spontaneous and adventurous.
It’s a great movie and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is one for the movie bucket list! I hope you’re able to watch it too, and reflect deeply afterwards.
Picture: Supplied