My Current List to
do Before I die
and "things to be" and developing your list
Consider your “Things To Be” before I die list.
In the book, “Think like a Monk”, Jay Shetty introduces the concept of “Things to Be” as a counterbalance to the common focus on “Things to Do.” While most people create to-do lists—tasks, goals, errands—Shetty emphasizes the importance of intentionally choosing how you want to show up in the world, not just what you want to accomplish.
Summary of “Things to Be”:
“Things to Be” are about qualities, virtues, and mindsets—like being present, being kind, being courageous.
Instead of only focusing on external achievements (doing), this concept encourages developing internal character (being).
It’s about asking:
“Who do I want to be today?”
instead of only
“What do I need to get done today?”
Purpose:
Helps align actions with values.
Encourages self-awareness and intentional living.
Cultivates habits of mind and heart—like patience, gratitude, or calmness—especially useful in stressful or reactive moments.
This idea reflects a monk mindset: cultivating the inner world to support and guide the outer world.
places, people, things
A “before I die” list that highlights people, places, and things is all about the meaningful connections we forge, the incredible destinations we long to explore, and the experiences or objects that bring us joy and inspiration. It could be about reconnecting with old friends, visiting a dream destination like the Eiffel Tower or the Grand Canyon, or even acquiring a treasured item that holds special significance. Each of these elements adds depth and richness to our journey, making life truly unforgettable.
experiences, events, feelings
A “before I die” list focused on events and feelings is all about capturing those meaningful moments that evoke deep emotions and create lasting memories. It’s about those incredible experiences that fill us with joy, excitement, love, or even a sense of accomplishment. Each event we add to the list, and every feeling it inspires, enriches our lives and helps us. Some of the most meaningful events people include on a “before I die” list are moments that mark life’s big milestones or achievements. For example, attending the birth of your child is a powerful, life-defining moment filled with emotion, while graduating from college represents years of effort and personal growth. Witnessing the Northern Lights can leave you with a deep sense of awe, and celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square connects you to a global moment of joy. Running a marathon, meanwhile, is a physical and mental challenge that often symbolizes triumph and perseverance.
In terms of experiences, people often seek out immersive and transformative activities. Traveling solo in a foreign country builds confidence and cultural understanding. Scuba diving in coral reefs lets you witness the beauty and fragility of nature up close. Volunteering in a disaster zone or a low-income area can open your heart and expand your perspective. Performing on stage — whether in music, theater, or public speaking — helps break through fear and unlock self-expression. Even something like living off the grid for a week can be profound, offering peace, simplicity, and time for reflection.
Finally, many goals are driven by the pursuit of feelings — emotional states that bring deep fulfillment. Feeling truly at peace is rare and powerful, often signaling healing or spiritual alignment. Experiencing unconditional love confirms our capacity to connect and be valued. Feeling proud of yourself is an internal validation of resilience or authenticity. Laughing until you cry can be one of life’s purest moments of joy, and being deeply moved by art, music, or nature taps into something timeless and universal. These feelings are often what give life its meaning, far beyond accomplishments or possessions.
Learn, teach, mentor, serve
Including goals to learn something new before you die reflects a desire to keep growing intellectually and emotionally. Whether it’s learning a new language, mastering an instrument, or understanding a philosophy or science, the act of learning stimulates the mind, expands your worldview, and brings a sense of progress that never fades with age. On the other hand, the goal to teach taps into the joy of sharing knowledge — passing on what you know to others not only reinforces your own understanding but also leaves a legacy that can ripple through generations. Choosing to mentor someone goes deeper; it’s not just about teaching skills but offering guidance, encouragement, and belief in someone’s potential. It creates a relationship that can change lives — often both the mentee’s and your own. Lastly, the decision to serve is about stepping outside of yourself and giving time, energy, or compassion to others in need. Whether through community work, global outreach, or quiet acts of kindness, service reminds you that the impact of your life isn’t measured just by what you accomplish, but also by what you give. These four goals reflect a life well-lived — one that grows, uplifts, and gives back.
Above is a link to my completed things and the pages I have created for them. My most recent and planned are below.
“A Goal Not Written is Only a Wish”
Just start a list
And I promise it will grow. But make the list with a list of steps so you can accomplish it. “A goal not written, is only a wish”, as Pat Brian said.
Next Things On My List
Planning Vietnam and Cambodia in October 2025 – I have my tickets to Hanoi and back. Oct 7th to 31. Long trip. I need to create a page on the process I go through planning a big trip. From getting points to using them and everything in between. Mistakes I have made and things that make for a great experience.
Get 10 purchasing sites up and producing in 2025
Israel Aug 2022 – Completed
Jordan (Petra) – Completed
2023 – Read the New Testament from the Geneva Bible, the JS Translation and the Vulgate / Jerome Bible translated from Latin
2023 Amsterdam – completed
Vietnam and Cambodia (Angor Wat) Whenever I can get a way. 2025 sometime
Visit Japan and eat in a 3 Star Michilin resturant there. As of Feb 2023, https://guide.michelin.com/en there are 135 worldwide. 13 in the USA. , there were a total of 23 three-star Michelin restaurants in Japan, which is the most of any country in the world. However, it’s possible that this number has changed since then due to new restaurants opening or changes in the Michelin Guide’s ratings. It’s also worth noting that Michelin Guides are not published every year for every country, so the number of three-star restaurants may vary depending on the year and the country. https://guide.michelin.com/en/lazio/roma/restaurant/la-pergola69016 La Pergola in Rome still has its 3 Star.
Sharrm El Sheikh, Egypt (SSH) – 2026
Patagonia Motorcycle Trip Winter 2026
Serengetti Migration 2027
Researching this (for the next eruption)
Fagradalsfjall volcano https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/fagradalsfjall.html
Moab - Arches - Slick Rock Trail -
Completed
We all met up in Moab where some of us stayed at the KOA In tent sand some stayed at a nearby air B&B. A really nice condo. I was in a tent almost every night except when there was a spare bed the last night in the condo. We had some fantastic food where everyone took turns cooking breakfasts and dinners. Steak, kebabs, shrimp boil, and breakfasts to match. The breakfast highlight had to have been the eggs Benedict prepared by John in his special thingy. Hannah and James showed up late and left early but got to go on a nice ride through arches. Ben and Danielle had to leave for a day but got to go on many of the hikes with us. Zach and Betsy dragged us on some serious hikes. One thing that struck me was the number of out-of-state visitors. People from New Hampshire, the Carolinas, Montana, and of course California. Learned some new amazing things about the area. And realize that slick rock trail is a lot tougher than I remember when I was 16. Pictures on the the Moab 2021 page.
Israel - Egypt- Istanbul
Kilimanjaro and Seringetti Migration
Your B4 i Die List
What do you want to do?
Dream, decide, then plan. When? Cost? Preparation? I wanted to ride a motorcycle across the highest motorable road in the world after watching a youtube video. I thought it was Rohtang Pass, but learned later, there were others in the same region even higher, and cooler. In any case, I needed to prepare. I bought a cheap motorcycle, a CSC TT250 and started riding and took a motorcycle class with my son, who now wanted to come along. We had to prepare. Estimate Costs. Get immunizations, equipment, etc. Then we executed. We made the “once in a lifetime” trip in the fall of 2019. It was fantastic. But it was not a “once” in a lifetime trip. We started planning another one. And despite Covid, we did another motorcycle ride in North Africa, in Morocco, in January 2021. And there are more items on my before I die list.
Zack captured this at The Machu Picchu Citadel. Just walking around checking it out.
Not in any particular order
This Is more of my Future list
Adventure
Ride Slip rock, Moab on my motorcycle (part done-)
Patagonia Motorcycle Trip
Hike Kilimanjaro
See the Serengeti migration
Travel
Visit Israel with Janice.
Take Betsey to Cairo
Family
Plan annual Family Event and do it.
Do
Load & hit a 1000 yard .308 taget with my M1A
Heath and Fitness
Get my weight to 225.
Money
Save some…..lol