Make Your Own FabYOUList

I was sent a complimentary copy of The FabYOUList by Susan Campbell Cross to review. No monetary compensation was provided and all opinions are entirely my own.

Do you have a bucket list? You know, a list of all the things you want to do before you die? It might sound morbid, but we tend to dwell too often on the day-to-day things that need to be accomplished (laundry, cooking, cleaning, shopping) and not enough time on the grander scale of places we want to visit and experiences we’d like to try. I think as we get older, we start in on the “what ifs” and take a little more stock of our lives and what we’ve done and still have left to do.

I don’t write many book reviews anymore, mostly because there haven’t been a ton of books that I’ve been sent that are worthy for me to share with you. If I’m not enjoying a read, I’m not going to ask you to give it a try. I was asked if I would mind reading “The FabYOUList” by Susan Campbell Cross. First of all, it isn’t a novel. Second of all, it’s a woman’s journey to complete her bucket list… what she calls her “FabYOUList”. Being over 40 myself (just a bit), I have absolutely started thinking about all those things I still wanted to do in my life. I felt like I needed a little inspiration and decided to give the book a go. So, so, so glad I did.

What made this book resonate with me was not only did Susan actually share her list with us, she writes about her process of actually crossing those items OFF her list. It’s great to sit down and compose the list, but how many of us actually take one item at a time and get to cross that sucker off? Probably not many.

There were many things on Susan’s list that I would have liked to try myself… they might end up making it on MY list. But, we are so different in our backgrounds and experiences, that I’m willing to bet no two lists will ever look the same. And that’s the beauty in making your own FabYOUList. Each one will be completely unique to who we are. So, I started my own list.

I think quite often we sit and stare at our lists and get overwhelmed by them. Susan made some awesome points when trying to figure out how you would accomplish many of the items you want to do, but can’t figure out HOW to do.

It’s Who You Know

Look around and think of the people you know. Chances are pretty good that there is someone, or at least a friend of a friend, who can help you accomplish some of your goals. Friends, family, neighbors, your hairstylist, your kids’ teachers, etc. There is an instance where Susan takes a chance and sends an email to someone she admires. She invites her to lunch, never in a million years thinking this woman would accept. She does. Want to speak with someone, do something or ask for a favor? Just ASK! The worst that can happen is they say no. The best that can happen is it might be an experience that will change your life.

Surround Yourself With People Who Believe in You

We tend to gravitate towards people who put us down and can’t (or won’t) help us succeed. Part of that is because our own fear of failure. It’s so much easier to talk ourselves out of doing something than to talk ourselves INTO doing it. Start hanging out with people who share your excitement for doing bigger and better things. When you do, you will be amazed at the doors that start opening. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Nothing big and exciting happens when you stay closed up in your inner circle.

Focus On What You CAN Do, Not What You Can’t Do

Chances are you are going to have some things on your FabYOUList that scare the crap out of you. Things that you always wanted to do, but were too afraid to try. Now is the time to stop thinking about all those things you thought you couldn’t do in your life. Maybe you don’t have enough money to travel, maybe you always wanted to sing on stage, but you are tone deaf. STOP. Just STOP! Where there is a will, there is a way. How often have we heard that? Think out-of-the-box… and find those people who can help you achieve your dreams. Stop saying “I can’t” and start believing that you CAN. The power of positive thinking is a strong and mystical thing. Try it.

So, while I’m pretty sure my own list won’t include some of things that were on Susan’s… I probably won’t put things like “get a paid acting job” or “be a sports fan”, I can definitely see myself adding some of the other things she had on her list, like “go zip-lining” and “write a book”. This was such an amazing book to use as a jumping off point. I love that sharing a stranger’s journey became such an inspiration to me. I don’t recommend books often, but this was a worthwhile one. It made me think, gave me ideas, and inspired me to do bigger and better. I think it will inspire you too.

Do YOU have a list? Tell me one crazy thing that you would put on it.

Read Susan’s BLOG and follow her on Twitter .