I love lists. Yes, I know, many of you probably use lists on a daily basis: Groceries, errands, work projects are common. My list obsession may go a bit further. My list app currently holds 47 different lists with a whopping 1033 individual items. And growing. Happily, they do not all have a due date of today. I started innocently enough with a typical to-do list. Then I quickly needed to make an adjustment based on what needed to be done today (return my library books), versus things that just needed to get done eventually (spring cleaning). Then I wanted to create a list for weekend chores, and needed a separate list for that. Of course I needed a “shopping” list for groceries and a “Target” list for my favorite retailer. Free delivery over $35! The rest is history.
Many of my lists are just informational, for someday future use. As in, it will be there when I need it. These include hiking destinations–subcategorized by region–potential day trip destinations, and recipes I’ve come across and would like to try. I also keep track of gift ideas (not to be confused with “Christmas gift ideas”). And how many times recently, when you’ve been homebound, have you sat in front of the tv, and struggled with what to watch next? There’s a “netflix series” list for that!
Several lists revolve around my kids. I have a list of their friends, with phone numbers, and a list for topics I want to talk to them about when we have a few minutes together, as well as a list of things I want to discuss with their doctor at their next checkup.
Self improvement and entertainment are always important. So there’s a list of books I’d like to read, restaurants I’d like to try, and exercises ideas for when I want to mix up my workout routine.
You will not be surprised to hear that I am adding to these lists frequently throughout the day. As I get older and my memory sometimes fails me, I know it’s best to add an item immediately when I think of it. Besides random ideas that pop into my head, there are numerous opportunities throughout the day for great ideas. Coworkers, friends, and social media offer a continuous stream of brilliant suggestions and reminders. Current circumstances also often dictate the need for a new list (where should we go for our summer vacation?).
You serious list makers out there will agree that the best thing about making lists is checking things off! This is typically even more satisfying than adding something new. Checking something off your list is proof to yourself that you are being productive. Even better, you may explore a new activity, recipe, or destination from your list that ends up being enjoyable and/or fulfilling. You might conquer a challenge, meet some new friends, or just be awed by something beautiful. In short, lists can help you to live your best life. For me, it’s safe to say that I would be lost without my lists.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to check something off of my “Blog ideas” list.
F Words that are not 4 Letters 