Writers use a particular arc in action series or dramas in which conditions for characters get worse and worse and worse before they get better. This gives the viewer an even greater sense of satisfaction when plotlines begin to resolve, characters reunite, or the enemy is defeated.

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My husband and I have a joke when a character’s life or circumstances are unravelling (before the uptick). One of us will hold our arm out in front of us, at a downward angle, like a plane crashing, and slowly move it downward. It always makes us both laugh. Up until this moment, I hadn’t considered how odd that might sound, but in some ways, it’s like a non-verbal signal: I see it, too. Their life is going to sh&t. Someone, please turn this story around soon.

If you’ve been reading Field Notes 📒 this past year, you might have noticed a general trajectory with my articles. My goal with my readers is to be real, which means I won’t pretend things are okay when they aren’t. I look for the silver linings and the lessons in it all, but this past year has felt like one massive unravelling. If my life was a movie, I’d be making that gesture with my arm.

When is the nose of this plane going to tilt up again?

In the same breath, I know this year has not only been one piece of bad news after another. There have been many good things, and in some cases, some blessings in disguise. So, as a year-end recap, I thought I’d do something I’ve enjoyed doing in years past: writing out a Reverse Bucket List for 2022. 🤗

What is a reverse bucket list?

Call it your greatest hits from the year before (or you choose the time span). The highlight reel. A gratitude list. Or, as I like to think of it: If today was my last day on this planet, what am I grateful to have done and accomplished in the past year?

Taking a moment to take in the grandeur of Lake Ohrid and the Church of Saint John the Theologian, North Macedonia, back in April 2022. Photo: Paul Zizka.

Having goals, aspirations and bucket-worthy ideas on your “future” list is important. But, so is looking back — especially when you’re going through a tough time.

So, here I go! I’m sharing mine with you with the hopes that you’ll feel compelled to create one for yourself. In no particular order….

The Reverse Bucket List 🪣

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