Who is not overjoyed to see that Spring - with its vibrant blankets of daffodils and crocus stretching towards the sun - is around the corner?
The seasonal transformation after months of drabness, biting cold and torrential rain is a symbolic period and the perfect time to revisit your bucket list.
This entails committing pen to paper or making a list on your phone/laptop of what you want to achieve, see, and do, during your precious lifetime.
Having swapped stressful, deadline driven lifestyles for madcap road trips and adventures which include climbing Ben Nevis, camel trekking in the Sahara and hot air balloon exploits in Turkey – we know lifechanging acting on your bucket list can be.
With that in mind, what are you waiting for?
If it’s Written, Its Real
World Class monument: The Alhambra.
Every day our minds are bombarded by around 50,000 to 70,000 thoughts relating to work, family, dreams, goals and aspirations - all vying for our attention.
Never a great fan of making copious lists - and invariably missing things by not doing so, I now appreciate there is nothing more grounding than committing goals and dreams to paper to make them a reality as opposed to whimsical pipe dreams.
The wise words of Turkish author Sercan Leylek :“If it's not written, it never happened. If it is written, it doesn't matter what happened,” resonate as a call to action.
SMART
There are no rights and wrongs about your list – providing it is realistic and achievable. A great framework I learnt when setting goals to meet business objectives is the SMART formula – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely.
This outline ensures your goals consider practicalities such as financial and health constraints to help prevent your bucket list being purely aspirational.
Alhambra Transforming dreams into reality.
For example, the opulent and world famous Nasrid Palaces of the Alhambra in Granada had been on our bucket list for many years. A truly sensational monument, the Alhambra dates back to the eighth century, reflecting the glory of the Islamic Golden Age.
In the adage that the best things are worth waiting for, the pleasure and excitement of absorbing its magnificence in every aspect including the magnificent gardens, was enhanced by the anticipation.
Fountains: The manicured gardens of the Alhambra Palaces.
Our list had also included being swept up in the emotion of flamenco. The art form symbolising Spain originated in Andalucia which in 2010 was recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.
After a recce of Granada and the various shows being touted, we discounted the commercial and ‘gimmicky’ for one in a small intimate theatre setting. Powerfully passionate, we were transported into the world of the fiery performers who poured their hearts and souls into an emotionally charged show. 
Class act: Flamenco at Casa Ana.
Where to Plan Your Bucket List
The outdoors is a great environment to think about what you want from your life, personally and professionally over the coming months, years and decades.
Inspiration: Pretty Flamingo.
Be inspired by nature when making life plans.
Watching the beauty and grace of birds soaring with total freedom can be among the riches of life that inspire you. Immersing yourself in the fresh air - whether in the countryside or the local park - is ideal for clearing your head and focusing on your goals.
Many people find that walking barefooted on the sand is beneficial for feeling connected to the earth or being ‘grounded’ while others love watching and listening to the ebb and flow of the tide.
Make waves and follow your dreams.
If getting started sounds daunting, break down your bucket list into short, medium and long term plans. Start with bite size steps and decide what you want to achieve in 2024.
Open Your Mind – and Your Heart
Are sensational sunsets on your bucket list?
A great lesson we’ve learnt is to grab opportunities while you can – because none of us know what lies around the corner.
In doing so, we’ve exceeded our wildest dreams and made lifelong, likeminded friends who have richly enhanced our lives and adventures.
The theme of the heartbreaking, poignant film Bucket List with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman is about two terminally ill men on a road trip making their way through a wish list of things to do before they "kick the bucket".
For us, bucket lists are about the here and now. They’re about grabbing life by the horns and turning aspirations into reality - because there may not be a second chance.
Early morning: Kotor Bay worth getting up.
In the countdown to the Spring Equinox on March 20 - when the Sun crosses the equator from south to north - why not give yourself a deadline to compile your bucket list and plan your first adventure?
It could be a new hobby, learning a new language or a short break to somewhere you’ve talked about for years but not got round to booking.
We wish you every happiness, both now and in the future, in making your own unique and magical memories.
