The concept of the “bucket list” gained great attention from the film The Bucket List a 2007 American comedy-drama film directed by Rob Reiner. The plot follows two

terminally ill men on their road trip with a wish list of things to do before they “kick the bucket.”

A “bucket list”, is a list of all the goals you want to achieve, dreams you want to fulfill and life experiences you want to enjoy before you die. These are the items that you have always thought about, but, felt they were out of reach or beyond your “comfort zone”. We tend to put them aside and go on with our normal life. The idea is that you can do both. The objective is not to exit living regretting what you have left undone, but, rather being thankful for what you did in your life.

Each of us should have our own personal “bucket list” and to undertake to reduce the list until we decide it is time to add more to our bucket. What would be the bucket list if the state could develop one. I’m sure it would be longer.

From my perspective and with an emphasis on rural Iowa, here is a “bucket list” that I would like for Iowa:

National recognition of Iowa as the cleanest and most attractive state in the nation.

To see small town rural Iowa on the rebound with growth in both cultural and economic vitality,

For Iowa to become a litter-free state,

Roadways and scenic byways that are attractive and exciting to travel – providing art stops, scenic pull outs, historic sites and cultural activities.

Population increases across the state and in all counties.

Electronic servicing through the internet providing for the needs of all Iowan’s and encourages growth in the smaller communities and rural areas.

Provision of recreational, entertainment and cultural opportunities for the needs of all ages.

Natural wetlands, prairies and forest areas restored and enhanced.

Job opportunities encouraging former residents to stay and / or return to Iowa, maybe even to their home communities.

• Roadsides that blossom in the spring and summer with native flowering plants.

Development of a relocation incentive program that gives special benefits to individuals moving from a large community to smaller rural Iowa town.

Initiation of a program that encourages small businesses to consider moving to rural Iowa and small communities.

I’m sure that you can add other items to the list, but the important thing is, that you consider taking some of these items and put them in your own personal bucket list.

In addition, support the local community bucket list (help them develop a bucket list if they don’t have one) make your community shine!