Inner Thoughts on Life’s To Do Lists

One of the best things about making bucket, wish, or to do lists is actually, you know, doing the things on it. Whatever the reason something found its way on to your list – there is a special satisfaction of putting a tick mark in the done column.

For the frame of this post, I’m largely thinking about the part of my life which revolves around getting out in the world, traveling, visiting interesting places and seeing something which has piqued my curiosity.

Done. It means you went somewhere, saw something, you achieved a goal. Done doesn’t have to mean over. Instead, think of it as a deposit into your life experience account.

Now, what are you going to do with that deposit? Will you make art from it? Impart knowledge to someone else about your experience? Or maybe just ruminate on it in the quiet moments when you sip your coffee and look at the birds in the backyard? They’re all valid options. The feelings, the memories, the desire to seek out more – those things continue expanding long after a single thing is done.

Another great thing about these To Do list types of goals is that they’re personal. Their reasoning, inclusion, and meaning only have to be important to one person. Do I owe anyone an explanation for why I feel compelled to stand gawking at a fiberglass rooster 1200 miles away from home? No, I do not. Does it make sense to anyone else why I do it? Also, no. Does that external lack of understanding make it useless or invalidate the call to do it? Nope.

What is the point of this interior monologue now shared? I don’t know, really. Maybe it’s just to say that I hope you too find just because enough reason to go after the things that tickle your fancy. For you to know of things in this world which you feel compelled to see and that you don’t lose the spark of inspiration to experience them.

It can be so easy and convenient to numb out and lose drive, wonder, and curiosity as we get older. We get tired, convenience and comfort are always beckoning with their siren song. My hope it that you invest in seeking out your own happiness. Go after the things that light you up inside for no reason other than just because.