43 things
I stumbled upon a site that asks its users to list the 43 things they want to do, places to go, people to meet. So I started thinking about what my list would look like, with this voice in my head saying, “Yeah, right, like making a list would help.”
It’s an annoying voice, especially since it’s right most of the time.
With me being, well, me, I did the list anyway (I’m so anti-authority). I discovered that there is a B I G difference between “things I want to do” and “things I have to do.” The latter spawns those dreaded reminder notes that you learn to tune out until the very last minute. The former spawns forgotten dreams and memories and a different kind of reminder: that there are no limits, really, save for imagined ones we impose on ourselves. I can go for broke and say I want to see the edge of the universe. Or time travel! Or just something more down-to-earth but no less fascinating, like knowing myself better or learning to appreciate more. Stuff that’s good for me anyway.
As I was making entries, I had to periodically remind myself that I could write anything – ANYTHING! I almost had to re-learn how to think like a child. I’d forgotten what it was like to work play with a clean slate.
You don’t have to move to a different part of the world or assume a different identity to get a fresh start. You don’t need a new year. Just a new outlook. It’s all a state of mind.
If we’re not careful — if we don’t stay aware — then the older we get, the smaller our world gets. We need to stretch it out again! Now that’s something I don’t want to tune out.
So I started this page, and instead of the usual grocery list divided into meats, produce, other supplies (I do have my moments of organization), I have a different, more interesting and fun list. I get to write and re-write it anytime I want. Best of all, there’s no budget to watch.
I think I’m going to like this one.
- I want to meet them
Disclaimer: The 43 is just a guideline. I’m not really keeping track. But trust me, I do know how to count.
