One tangible output of reading blogs is that I was inspired to create my own life list. I am constantly in awe of Lesley Carter’s adventures, Doc Gelo’s charming expat life or the young life of Nothing Spaces. Then, I came across The Dainty Mom’s life list. I was encouraged to make one of my own. While in the hospital caring for my father, I bravely created the list. I say ‘bravely’ because doing such list requires you to confront some questions. It prompts to ponder on your life.
Every life list author has his own reasons for coming up with one. I made mine to search for things I want to do for myself, trivial or otherwise. Yes, I want a good future for my kids. I want a happy marriage. I want to be successful in business. I want to help other people. These are my goals. My daily life is anchored to them. I want a list that falls outside of my daily undertakings. I want to come up with items that transpired out of real passion and inspiration.
Every life list is a product of questions. I guided myself by asking myself these questions: (1) What are the things you wanted to do as a child? (2) What are some things you have never done? (3) If you weren’t in this hospital now, where would you rather be? (4) What are the things you think are impossible to accomplish? I’ve come across people who have big ticket items in their lists. Some have simple things, enjoyed by many. To each his own. I’m sure that for every item on the list, there’s a nice story behind it.
There was a point in the process where I said to myself, “Woah, this is a selfish list!” yet I just kept on going. I wanted to be as real and random as possible. But it was good to know that in the process, I found myself stopping when I thought everything was pretty much about myself.
I admire John Goddard, who has started his life list at the tender age of 15. Well now, there’s only a few unchecked boxes in his list. I’m late. But I don’t want to race just to finish this list. Otherwise, it’s no better than the to-do-lists I do on a daily basis. At times, I just want to look at my life list. When I read through it, I am amused. I am happy. Somehow, the list defines me. It can change, like I know I can change too. Looking at my list though, it validates my zest for life.
Here’s sharing my list.
Don't We Look Alike?
I’m a little scared to come up with one, I admit.
rommel
Whoa-some images here esp. that last one. So arresting! Life is beautiful and cruel at the same time, eh? So much balancing act between the life you want to live, the life you lead to others, the life you can not life and the life, er?, life itself dictates you to live.
A Gracious Life
..beautifully cruel and vice versa, I like that. =>
susannachristensen
I love the honesty in which you write/question yourself. I’m def. going to start following you! I appreciate the openness:)
A Gracious Life
Thank you! I appreciate your comment. =>
Garden Walk Garden Talk
Your list was really long, but you had quite a few that would be on my list too. I am not much the list maker though, but keeping it real is a good idea. They are pretty beach scenes too! I could add that place to my list.