Have you ever stopped to think about how many lists there are in the world? I’ll begin by listing a few of them.
- to-do-list
- reading list
- guest list
- wait list
- class list
- wish list
- bucket list
- grocery list
- packing list
- FBI most wanted list….
This week I’m packing for a trip, so I made a list of everything I want to take with me. This method is not entirely fool-proof, but it helps. I wonder about people who literally, “fly by the seat of their pants,” and wait until the last minute to pack. Making a list is not for them. I’ve had experiences with family members who don’t pack enough clothes, and are forced to visit gift stores when they need a clean shirt.
A list helps me remember things. As I age, writing things down gives me a sense of security and organization. Yes, I’m one of those people who makes a weekly menu and writes down all of the items I need from the grocery. One time I lost my grocery list at the store. A feeling of panic flooded my mind and I wondered how I could function. After taking a deep breath, I realized I usually need the same staples every time I shop. Strolling through each aisle stimulated my memory. “Ok… cereal, fruit, milk, bread, turkey… (I think we’ll survive.)”
What about to-do-lists? Do you enjoy a sense of accomplishment as you complete each task and check it off the list? Too often I write too many tasks and need to carry them over to the next day, or maybe even the next week. Making and keeping lists can be time consuming and leave you depressed if you don’t accomplish what you set out to do.
What’s the point of having your whole day crossed out before you go to bed? Extend that to crossing out weeks, months, years, and even your whole life. To-do-lists are mostly for boring, unpleasant tasks that no one really wants to do. Some of the most memorable moments of our lives happen in between the entries on our list. Who writes down, “eat ice cream today,” or “sit on the front porch and enjoy the sunset?”
Speaking of enjoying life, many people write bucket lists which include exotic places to visit and adventurous activities. I’m curious, do most people write their bucket list in one sitting, or do they continually add to it? For the unimaginative, see the 55 Best Bucket List Ideas to Help you Live your Life to the Fullest.
According to psychotherapist Karen Balumba-Bennett, people who are intentional about writing down their goals are more likely to reach them. Some bucket list ideas require time, money, and travel but there are plenty of simple things you can accomplish at home. By the way, I noticed one idea on the list is “watch the sunrise.”
Bucket lists should facilitate getting more out of life and not fulfilling duties. Balumba-Bennett believes in allowing yourself the flexibility to alter your list from year to year if your goals change. A bucket list is a way to reward yourself by doing what you really want to do.
My suitcase is packed, and I’m ready to check off another bucket list item. Vacation is calling…
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