What dreams are on your heart? Do you even know? Are you listening closely to your heart’s desires? Many people I know are running so fast on the gerbil wheel of life responsibilities that they are completely detached from their heart’s dreams. This day to day busyness called life keeps us often distant from our dreams. There is so much to do and so little time to do it. How could I possibly fit one more thing in my life is a theme I have heard many times by my family, colleagues and friends over the years.

Putting your heart’s dreams on hold is just not okay period. My Mom taught me a very valuable lesson. For at least 45 years of my life I heard my Mom say often I can’t wait until I retire so that I can travel the world. Guess what, she died unexpectedly 3 months after she retired. She had this adventurous spirit that she did not honor before it was too late. She missed out on her dream to travel because she kept waiting for retirement. Learn from my Mom. Don’t wait, please don’t wait!

What is on your bucket list? Some call it a life list? Terminology doesn’t matter what matters is that you are listening to your heart. A few years back when my husband Steve and I were vacationing in Alaska my soul was moved to its core in Talkeetna. On a large yellow brick building was a chalkboard with the saying: Before I Die I Will………….. There were hundreds of handwritten reflections on that chalkboard. I turned to Steve and said we need to make a bucket list of the desires of our heart and get busy. There is no more time to waste, as I do not want to have any regrets at the end of my life. We started to write our bucket list that very evening. To date we have checked off many items we identified.

If you haven’t listened to your heart and generated a list yet, I encourage you to do so. There is no time like the present to gain clarity and to start taking action toward making the list come to life. One thing I know for sure that when you start listening to your heart to come up with this list your brain is going to push back. The judger/critical part of your brain is going to say you can’t do that or afford to do that. That is stupid and not at all practical. Be prepared for these types of comments and push back, as you deserve to follow your heart.

Your heart knows the way. It is time to start listening more deeply so that you can indeed live your dreams. What dreams need to be on your bucket list?

Sharing this sneak peek into my bucket list refuels my heart just thinking about it. I want you to know I am taking action steps toward all that is on my list above.

What are you going to do today to take action on your bucket or life list? Just know that you deserve everything your heart desires. No more waiting. Now is the time to take steps toward your dreams.

I would love to see a sneak peek into your bucket list if you are willing to share it with me.

Contact me: 
chartline@rwhc.com
608-644-3235

Cella Janisch-Hartline, RN, BSN, PCC, Certified Professional Coach, Nursing Leadership Senior Manager for Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative has been involved in various healthcare industry leadership positions for the past 40 years. The majority of her career has been spent working in an acute care critical access facility for nearly 25 years. Throughout her work experience, she has learned most of her leadership skills and techniques through the school of “hard knocks”. Cella’s passion for teaching leadership tips and techniques earned her the 2018 Outstanding Educator Award through the National Rural Health Association. She is well-known for her humorous, engaging and personable facilitation style.