Ticking Off a Dream: Growth, Joy and a Six Nations Memory
A month of interruptions and unexpected magic
February has carried a strange rhythm for me, one with a stop–start pulse that has left myself and many people feeling slightly out of sync. Whether you blame the new moon stirring up emotional tides, the fiery arrival of the Fire Horse energy as part of the new year, or simply the relentless rain broken by one glorious day of sunshine, the month has had a way of shaking loose the familiar patterns of daily life.
And sometimes, that disruption is exactly what opens the door to something unforgettable.
A bucket‑list moment in Cardiff
Last week, I got to tick off a long‑held dream: to watch a Six Nations rugby match live. However i got to see not just any match, this one was Scotland playing Wales, in Cardiff, in a stadium full with 70,000 voices.
The journey itself became part of the story:
- Squeezing onto packed trains like sardines, swept along by the shared anticipation of thousands as we headed into central Cardiff.
- Ducking into a pub to escape the rain, finding a sliver of space to watch England vs Ireland, and witnessing the rare unity of Welsh and Scottish fans cheering every Irish score.
- Standing beside what felt like the only Englishman in the pub, loyally cheering his team, not afraid to own who he was.
Then came the stadium, the closed roof amplifying every note, every breath, every heartbeat. The national anthems rose like a wave, with Scotland and Wales singing with such a pride that vibrated through the concrete. The match itself was a rollercoaster: Wales scoring first, Scotland fighting back, and finally after years of trying, Scotland taking the win in the last three minutes.
Afterwards, the city turned into a celebration of song, beer, and Tom Jones classics. As my brother explained to me, once the match is over, that’s it, no grudges, just banter, joy, and the shared love of the game.
And beneath it all was a quiet gratitude:
That my body allowed me to squeeze into tight spaces.
That my nerves held steady seated high in the stands.
That i was there, fully present, for a moment I had waited years to experience.
Why bucket‑list moments matter
Bucket‑list experiences aren’t just about doing something exciting. They remind you:
- You are still growing, still expanding, still capable of joy.
- Life is not only routine, it is also surprise, spontaneity, and special moments.
- You deserve experiences that make you feel alive.
And often, the only thing standing between you and the next item on your list is something small, subtle, and changeable, it could be a belief, a habit, a fear, a story you’ve outgrown.
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” — Mary Oliver
📝 Journal prompts to help you move toward your next bucket‑list moment
- What’s one belief that has quietly stopped you from doing something you deeply want?
- What would your life look like if you allowed yourself one bold, joyful decision this month?
- What small shift in your mindset, routine, or environment would make your next bucket‑list item feel possible?
What I can do for you
If you’re ready to release the old blocks, reshape the stories that no longer serve you, and step into a life where your bucket‑list dreams become lived experiences, I’m here to support you. Through NLP, hypnosis, and gentle emotional clearing, we can open the path ahead so you can move toward the life you’ve been imagining with clarity and confidence.
What’s the next bucket‑list moment you’d love to bring closer?