I’d like you to consider the lists you start and those you use.
List-making is an organizational tool most of us were introduced to around the time we started school. We had to keep track of homework assignments and chores at home.
The lists could be on lined pages, within a calendar, or on whatever was handy. You probably continued list-making as you moved through school age and into adulthood. And I anticipate you have experimented and modified with what style works best for you – a simple To Do list on paper, color-coded in a planner, calendar on the wall, in an app on your cellphone, and/or a blend of these or others.
If unchecked, our lists are often as long as our legs. There doesn’t seem to be an end; there are just continual additions and maybe a sense of defeat at the end of the day when we’ve worked hard all day, and it doesn’t feel as if we have accomplished much. Does anyone relate to that?
All this being said, you may be asking, “Judy, why do you think adding two more lists will inspire, encourage, and support me? Aren’t you asking me to do one more thing, and I already have 10 too many things to do”?
Valid. This is a valid thought and question.
Writing things down helps our brain process, aids in organizing thoughts, helps us remember things, and provides a sense of accomplishment. It can also free us from the thoughts circling in our brains, distracting us. The last is why, not too long ago, my therapist introduced me to an Exhaustive List. I haven’t started it yet, but I’ll share my thoughts when I do.
However, the two lists I am thinking of are for something different. They are most definitely lists to inspire, encourage, and support you. They are a Joy List and a List of Wants. Depending on where you are in your unearthing journey, these may be combined into one list.
A Joy List is a list of things that bring you joy. It can be anything from sitting with a mug of tea, a weekly call with a friend, or a trip to one of your happy places. You know what brings you moments of joy – put them on your list. The photo for today is an example. My joy overflows when visiting my family in TX and going on morning nature walks with my granddaughter.
A List of Wants is a list of the things you would like to experience or do again, activities you’d like to participate in, and dreams you’d like to pursue. As an example, I greatly enjoy birding, so my List of Wants includes visiting Wildlife Refuges as planned trips or when an opportunity arises during my travels.
Please set aside some time to reflect and create a Joy List and a List of Wants. Then, intentionally include something from these lists in your day, week, and month.
We all have obligations and responsibilities. As nurturers and caregivers, our obligations, commitments, and responsibilities are mainly centered around the well-being of those we love and care for. Our to-do lists oftentimes seem unending. Making the time for self-compassion and self-nurturing and intentionally pulling from your Joy List or List of Wants can provide the respite you need, allowing you to care for others lovingly.
My friend, may you gift yourself opportunities to experience joy daily and pursue what inspires and encourages you.
Xoxo,
Judy
