Elizabeth M. Johnson

Life Lists have always been popular. There is something freeing about making a grocery list of all the things that you want to do before you die. Life lists are part indulgent dreaming and part serious planning. You can get lost in the idea of a life list. As I was perusing the website 43 Things, a site which gives you a structure in which to start your life list, I found myself LOVING so many people’s “things” (age like Joan Hickson’s Miss Marple; set up a family website; build a Habitat for Humanity house) and tearing up a bit at other people’s (finding a long lost sibling; forgiving those who have hurt us). The site itself is addicting and their goal is a beautiful one.

Life Lists are important because they give you a place to dream but also a place to achieve. You can cross off things on your list, update it or even completely re-vamp it. It’s also a place to remember that you only get one life. Too many of us are going through the motions of life with numbing blinders of “it’s all about the money” or “someday when I….” on. Those blinders make ensure your safety but your life is about more than just safety, isn’t it? If it’s not, it should be. While safety is important, it cannot be the root motivator for all of your actions otherwise you will never grow and learn and in doing so, become more confident and satisfied with your life.

Need some inspiration on how to get started? Check out the 43 Things website or pick up the book, 1,000 Places To See Before You Die. The book is fabulous and unless you have absolutely no interest in travel, you’ll find more than a few ideas to pique your interest and add to your Life List.

I haven’t done one yet. But after doing all of this research on them, it’s on my List.

What’s a must on your List?