Life list

I just finished a book - The Next Thing on My List by Jill Smolinski. It was a fiction book and through a series of events, the main character completes a "life list" for a friend. It was an easy read, but definitly had me thinking about making my own list. I think there is something powerful about putting it down on paper and really committing to it. Once again Ali, you are so right on!

I'm off to make my life list!

yep, just looked at my list of lists this morning to find out if I can finally cross something off.....

VERY awesome! Off to start my list.

Thanks for posting that. I started one a few weeks ago and haven't been back to it since. What a great reminder!!!

what an amazingly cool idea! I need to make one up just to see what it is I REALLY want to do....
I made a list of places I wanted to visit eventually, but hadn't thought of including 'things to do' on it...
off to try one! :)

I've heard of this life list but haven't checked into it. Thanks for posting this. :) I am a list maker extraordinaire and have a "list of lists". Lists and calendars are my things. You'd think I'd be SOOOO organized. NOT. ;) Love the quote you have up right now, Ali. In fact, I just now finished a little "LO" of it and framed it and it's sitting here on my desk. Thanks for your ever-constant flow of inspiration. I can't wait for your book to arrive on my doorstep!

I have been keeping lists since forever. I have lists of favorite words (most for the way they sound or the way they feel in my mouth when i say them and not for their meaning), places to visit, places to take my kids (by the way-started that one MANY years before I even had kids, along with a list of possible names for these imaginary kids that are now a very real 6 1/2 yo and almost 9 yo), projects to work on, things I'd like to try and my favorite list of all... Things To Do Before I Die. I guess that one counts as a Life List as I understand it. I'd always been facinated by those "30 things to do before you're 30" type articles and made my own list, with a kinder deadline. (no pun intended) I've been keeping that list somewhere between 15-20 years now. It changes. I cross things off, I add things, I make plans to knock some more things off my list. I love my list! Your post here is reminding me that I should drag out my list and have a peek-it's been a little while. I also have new lists.. I started last year keeping a list of 34 new things at 34 and made it my goal to try 34 new things that year. this year I'm almost done with my 35 new things at 35, which is good because in about 6 weeks it will be time to start 36 new things at 36. This year's list includes items such as # 27, Riding on a float in a parade, and #12, enjoying a ruby red grapefruit. Should be interesting to come up with 80 new things at 80, don't you think? As always, Ali-thanks for the great food for thought and inspiration!!

Just finished a little mini for my life list last month - here is where I posted it on my blog...
http://thesearethedays-nicole.blogspot.com/2007/09/my-life-list.html
Fun stuff!
Nicole

I love this idea. I'm in such a blah space right now...inspiration is escaping me in all ways, shapes and forms. Hopefully my mojo will return in good time. In the meantime, I'll keep coming to see if Ali has the magic suggestion. :) Any chance you might share your lists of lists? I love that idea too.
Peg

always inspiring ali! love your blog. i have a book of lists! i started with the 52 projects list, i found it years ago, and then it grew from there! my fifty projects list is at a bit of a stand still, i have only 44 projects on the list and more than half are complete! whoooo...then i found another site that is called 43 things, again a list format with goals and or things you wish to do or accomplish or see..all the lists have some form of creativity and inspiring bits to them! fascinating reading...
so many lists! love your blog. i do wish you would come do classes in canada! there is a crop for kids coming to london ontario that is going to be well attended. the money raised goes to the london children;s hospital and the classes are fabulous! we are one hour from michigan and two hours from toronto the next big large center!
thanks for all you do ali, very very inspiring and creative!!!!

I know that you just did this for the last quote, but I failed to get the one that was up just yesterday about "average" days. Could you repost that one for me.
Thank you.

Does any one feel scary about this? i know it would be good to write them down, but it makes me queasy. I think I will do it anyway, or at least put it on my list, lol!

kari - is this the quote?
Mary Jean Iron : Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.
Love it! I am planning on basing a mini book on this quote.
Love you Ali!

You should also check out 43things.com
It tells you how many other people have the same goals/life lists as you. It really sucks you in.

my husband and I just recently updated our life lists...things we want, to do, to see, to go. we misplaced our last lists which was a bummer, because we had accomplished several items from them. Life lists are awesome!

Hi Ali! I came across this quote today (in a Bicycling magazine, of all places!) and thought of you. Thought you would like it: "People create art, art bears beauty, beauty inspires goodness, goodness makes the world go 'round." I don't know who said it - it was on an ad for Electra Townie bicycles (check out p.2 of the November 2007 issue of Bicycling Magazine, if you're interested).
Love the idea of the "Life List." I don't have one, but my brother-in-law does and my sister does. Maybe I should create one - might possibly make me a bit more adventurous! Love the idea of the "35 new things at 35" that someone posted. Since I'm turning 42 in 4 days - that might be a good list to start with! Love your blog!

OMG! I've been doing this since last year and i've only thought of 49 things to do! i'm gonna finish it this month!!
There is also a book I've been wanting to get called "1000 places to see before you die- a traveler's life list" by patricia schultz.
I've also completed FOUR of my 49 so far- yay!! :_)

WOw, I read about this in your newsletter today and have been wanting to do this for forever! --the newsletter could have been writen directly to me, it is so appropriate and eactly what I needed to hear! I am the worlds biggest hoarder and procrastinator in one, always waiting for the perfect something to happen, and it never really does. I am going to print it out and post in front of me as a reminder to do things NOW!!
Thank you Thank you, this could be a life changer!

Hi Ali, thanks for sharing this!! I've heard about this list on the Ellen show, even back here in Holland :) I am also going to write one! Just wanted to say I am a big fan of your work and check your blog often. Your work is such an inspiration, thank you!