Life wastes itself while we are preparing to live. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Would you still be doing what you’re doing today if you only had one week left to live? This was a prompt in an online 30 day writing challenge some time ago. And this morning this question crossed my mind again. Just as I was working on my LIST for the day, this thought came into my mind along with the thought that nothing happens until you start.
I love a good list. They are very handy sometimes. But other times, they are just thoughts. And there is no limit to the number of possible thoughts you might have in a given day except what difference do they make if you never act upon them.
To answer my own question, I would probably only be doing a portion of my current life because … because …. because I have a bigger vision for myself than what I have been capable of bringing to life. I get down. I feel discouragement. Then I start to think maybe it is time to take things off my “To Do” list and to add them to my “To Stop” list.
Are you a list maker? Do you feel you are still preparing to live in some areas of your life? And if so, what keeps you from honoring your commitment(s) to yourself.
Sienna Jae Fein says
I downloaded an app called Remember the Milk. It’s been fun – even useful — but I lack the e-motivation and e-skills of a teenager, and I find I’m reverting too often to good ol’ pencil and paper. I do like your idea of an Ideas List; inspiration comes and goes quickly and is easily lost if one doesn’t write down a reminder. Maybe Remember the Milk is a better place for ideas, a more worthy reason to call up the app than for just – well, milk.
Patricia A Patton says
SIENA, How are you? I really have to check this app out. I love the name “remember the milk.” It says so much about the kind of things that slip one’s mind, like going all the way to the store for milk, then forgetting it.
Sylvia Lewis says
I’ve been finding old grocery lists in my bag. Those are my best lists. They kept me from buying stuff I didn’t need. They also provide me with memories, like meals prepared, and chores forgotten from my “to-do” list. Loved your post.
Patricia A Patton says
Hey Sylvia
Now old grocery lists are great. Grocery stores are one of my favorite places to visit and I have a post to write on grocery lists and saving money. You make me remember that I promised my son I’d send one of my lists for a week worth of meals for $40. That is not impossible without a list. Thank you for visiting the site and commenting.