Wood, Lindsey: Bucket List

            Everyone has a few goals that they would like accomplish before they die. The general term for this list is called a “Bucket List,” but I prefer to call mine “The Final Countdown.” So what is my final countdown? I’m glad you asked.

            My absolute number one goal in life isn’t to graduate college, or to get married and have a family, or not even to die happy. The most important thing that I strive for each day is to make a difference in other people’s lives. As a society, and as conscious beings, the human race typically resorts to selfishness, greed, and a “my way or the highway” attitude. Through my experiences in my short life of 18 years, I have learned that everyone has a sad story, and just because you have your own doesn’t mean that anyone else’s is less painful. All have their own hardships, no matter how perfect their life seems from the outside looking in. As one person trying to make it through this crazy world, I believe that we should not ignore the sad stories behind the people we encounter. Instead we should acknowledge them and do all that we can to help our fellow humans forget about their troubles for one minute. Just a simple smile and a sincere “have a nice day” can change someone’s entire attitude on the day that they’re facing. I read a quote from a suicidal teenager with depression that just one wave from a stranger in the car next to her made her decide to not take her own life. Suffering from depression myself, I understand the impact of that wave. Saving a life is so effortless. All I want to do in life is be the wave that saves someone’s life.