L is for Lists

I’m a great one for making lists. They help me stay organized. Without them, I tend to forget where I have to go and what I have to do. I mean, I can run into the grocery store for three things—three!—and forget two of the minute the door closes behind me. Zip…zero…zilch. And I can run upstairs for something that I absolutely, positively need right this very minute, and forget what it is the moment my foot hits the top step. Nicht…nada…nil. What would I do without a list?



I have a list of errands to run, of people to call, of chores to complete, of things to buy…that never seems to end. Even if I get to the end of the day and everything has been checked off, the next day a new list appears. While this can be helpful, it can get tiresome. There is always so much to do. There are so many places to go, and so many people to see.

So, today I decided to try something new. Today I started a list of things to be grateful for. Of things that make me happy. Of places I’d like to visit and foods I want to try. Of people I need to thank.

Of people I need to forgive. I feel better already knowing I won’t forget the things that are most important in life. I mean it’s one thing when you forget to pick up the milk; it’s another if you forget to breathe.

What’s on your list for today?

“What in your life is calling you,

When all the noise is silenced,

The meetings adjourned...

The lists laid aside,

And the Wild Iris blooms

By itself

In the dark forest...

What still pulls on your soul?”

--Mevlana Rumi—

jan