“See Naples and die!” is a famous Italian saying. The city of Naples was supposed to be so beautiful that people said you could die at peace once you had seen it.
This is the expression that echoed through my mind on a recent trip to the Maldives. “See the Maldives and die!” I thought, while marveling at the impossibly turquoise waters and colorful undersea life.
The saying reminds us just how magical some places are…to the extent of making us feel that we can now be at peace, knowing that we saw such incredible beauty. When we feel such a deep contentment, it leaves no other desire to seek out someplace better or more fulfilling. At least, not for a while!
I wonder, though, would I have appreciated a paradise like the Maldives if I hadn’t already travelled extensively? Would I have realized just how precious and rare it was? Most importantly, I think my personal journey made me ready to receive its gifts. When I arrived at its crystal-clear waters and ivory shores, I had grown enough to appreciate this place fully.
I believe we need to cultivate a receptive state of mind to truly admire beauty, to get energized by magnificent landscapes or architectural wonders. So, maybe there is some advantage to seeing such places a little later in life!
On the other hand, some travel goals come with a timeline. “I am going to climb the Kilimanjaro before I am thirty and climate change melts its eternal snow, “ pledged Tanja, my adventurous friend.
I was fascinated by her audacity, courage and visionary spirit. Pursuing a bold dream or a “bucket list” can be motivating, a way to look forward to future joys and accomplishments. It can also imply an urgency to visit famous places or go on adventures before it’s too late.
So, do we need such amazing exploits and fantastic voyages to feel fully alive? To make life worth living?
Don’t get me wrong: I love to travel, and I definitely have my own bucket list! But recently, I’ve been asking myself: instead of always turning to travel, can we also revive the magic in our daily lives? Can we have a “being” bucket list of practices, behaviors and moments? By going beyond our focus on must-do trips and must-have possessions, can we unlock a way of living that brings the feeling of “nirvana” into our day-to-day lives?
Let me leave you with a few of the questions I’ve been thinking about. Remember to answer them based on what you think and feel — not what other people might expect.
- What adventures would mean that you lived your life to the fullest?
- What is vital for you to see, experience or achieve before it’s too late?
- Do you ever think about bringing more meaningfulness into your daily life, despite the hustle and bustle?
- If you were to make a “being” bucket list, what would you include? For example, many of us try to fill feelings of emptiness with frenetic shopping or socializing. Would we maybe feel better if we listened to music, went for a walk or read something uplifting? When we feel we have seen too much ugly news, could we turn to a hands-on activity like drawing or gardening? If we feel uninspired, could we nurture our imagination by visiting an exhibition or a green space nearby?
A few final words: as you seek to bring more magic or “nirvana” into your life, coaching could play a vital supporting role. Working with a coach can help you create more awareness about your priorities, increase your drive and accomplish your dreams. By gaining clarity during and after the sessions, you can adapt your life around a renewed personal purpose.
