Lists

I have been thinking about lists lately. We have To-Do lists, Honey-Do lists, Grocery Lists, etc that can overwhelm our days. I recently read a couple books that dealt with lists. In Twenty Wishes a group of widows create lists of wishes that they want to do or accomplish like take belly dancing lessons, fall in love again, travel to Paris, or volunteer. In The Next Thing on My List a woman finishes the list of the passenger in her car who was killed. Her’s was a list of things to do before I’m 25 such as lose 100 pounds, wear sexy shoes, change someone’s life, and run a 5k. Also, several years ago, Oprah got many people started on writing a gratitude journal, or list of items you are grateful for. My sister-in-law Julie started a Thankful list of things she is grateful for. So, it got me thinking, what am I thankful for, what do I want to accomplish, what do I need to get done. I went and purchased little square journals from Barnes and Noble. In one, I keep a list of the books I want to read and keep it in my purse, so if I am out and and see one, I can grab it. I also thought it would be great to write down ideas for future gifts as I see them. In another I keep next to my bed and write down the things I am thankful for. I don’t do it every night, but try to do it 3-4 times a week. I used to keep a gratitude journal back in my single days and ran across it a few months ago. I enjoyed reading through it and noting how different my life is now as a mom and a wife. Then in another book I started the list of things I want to accomplish. I didn’t put a time frame on it…just in my lifetime. I would like to share that list and maybe it will inspire you to work on your list of wishes as well.

1. Own a 2nd home in Colorado
2. Take our kids to see the ocean
3. Wear my wedding dress again
4. Learn to knit
5. Own and run a bakery/cafe
6. Pay back my parents for all the bills they paid for me while I was single and struggling
7. Be a Grandma

If I come up with more, I will continue to add to my list and cross them off as I accomplish them. Who knows what lies ahead of me, but I sure hope it includes a few of my wishes!