Chances are, most moms either put their bucket list on hold due to busyness of motherhood or worse, never create one in the first place. Today, I’d like to remind all mothers- both working and stay-at-home moms- to consider creating or updating your bucket list.

So what exactly is a bucket list? It’s all that you want and dream about, regardless of its feasibility or possibility. In short, it’s a list of all the things you want to try, see, eat and do before you die. It can be ordinary or grand as you want because you are its owner and creator.

Here are some reasons why you should begin today.

1. It keeps us positive and hopeful

We all know the importance of positive thinking in our daily lives, but balancing work, family life, activities and daily chores can easily become overwhelming. By creating a bucket list and adding to it continuously, we are reminded more frequently to stay positive and hopeful in midst of the daily mommy grind.

2. We materialize thoughts into words

Psychologists, linguists and theorists for ages have discussed the power of materializing thoughts into words. Don’t just think about it, write it out. By doing so, we are solidifying passing thoughts into concrete words and plans which will translate more easily to action.

3. We become active participants of our lives

If there's one thing adulthood teaches us, it’s that we can't control every aspect of our lives. Such reality can set deeply in motherhood, making us feel like we are simply going through the daily motions without finding passion and ownership.

Creating a bucket list can turn us into active participants rather than passive bystanders. We can become the owner of our lives by drafting our own plans.

4. It makes us more self-aware

Being an active mother often means putting our own needs and dreams in the backseat of our children’s well-being. We become so engrossed in the responsibilities and expectations of motherhood, that we often forget who we are and what we truly want.

By looking over our bucket list, we can begin to decipher our deepest desires, plans and dreams. Reconnecting with our authentic selves is much needed to grow as a happy woman and mother, which naturally leads to happier family life and children.

5. It keeps us young

One of hardest part about aging is seeing those gray hairs, fine wrinkles and cellulite multiplying on our faces and bodies. Yes real beauty radiates from within, but how many of us wish we can hold onto youth forever? Instead of limiting ourselves due to age or circumstance, why not live out our dreams and wishes to the fullest while we are healthy and alive?

Today, we are youngest we’ll ever be. Let’s embrace our age and live life to the fullest.

6. It makes us happy and beautiful

We all heard the phrase “Beauty is skin deep” and this rings truer as we age. We realize how beautiful we were in our 20’s, how ambitious we were in our 30’s and how much more confident and wise we feel into our 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s.

Beauty is passing and youth is temporary so why not invest our time and energy into something that’ll make us permanently beautiful by striving happiness?

Happiest women are most beautiful and happiest mothers raise the happiest children. Keep this in mind and strive to be happy. You’ll find you radiate beauty wherever you go without even realizing it!

7. We turn the universe on our side

In his internationally best-selling novel The Alchemist Paulo Coelho writes, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

Whether or not you believe this, numerous thinkers, leaders and influencers have repeated this similar idea for centuries. Some call this the universal law, “The Law of Attraction,” while others call it the power of prayer and faith. Whichever camp you’re in, try to consider this very compelling and universal idea that when we truly want something, we turn the universe on our side.

What would you do today if you knew you were at the end of your life? Try sky diving? Complete a 5k marathon? Rock out at an outdoor music festival? Enjoy a romantic evening with your husband or lover in Paris? Wear that perfect outfit you always wanted but couldn’t afford? Well, don’t just sit there and wait until it’s too late, write it down!

It’s better to dream big than live with regrets. Begin your bucket list today. The older you will thank you.