I’ve always loved making lists. In my overachieving days, they were a key to my productivity. In times of overwhelm, they soothed anxiety. As I began to shed brain cells, they often served as a much-needed memory aid. It’s only more recently that lists have also become a source of creativity and fun; a different way of looking at things.
As I was walking home from the market with my weekly haul of fresh flowers the other day, I was struck by how such a simple habit brought me so much joy. I smile every time I see the flowers on my dining room table or the kitchen counter or my nightstand. This weekly indulgence is fairly new, and I wondered how I’d ever managed to live without this splash of natural beauty. This was quickly followed by the thought “quick, what are five things you couldn’t live without?” Which was followed by “what other lists of five are interesting?”
The following mini lists provide insight into the workings of the runaway train of my thoughts and my tendency to perseverate on a theme:
Five Things I Don’t Think I Could Live Without
Coffee (the less fancy the better)
Pasta
Dark chocolate
Books
Fresh flowers
Five Things I’d Experience Withdrawal from But Would Likely Survive Without
Social media
Alcohol
The New York Times Games Page, especially Spelling Bee
Netflix
Jigsaw puzzles
Five Places I’d Like to See Soon
Portugal
Amsterdam
Niagara Falls
Nova Scotia
Ireland
Five Books I’d Like to Write
A kick-ass version of the memoir I’ve been working on for several years.
A guide for girls, young women, and their parents to identify and avoid abusive relationships.
A coming-of-age novel.
A comprehensive how-to manual for parents of suddenly chronically ill children.
A novel that requires massive in-depth research on several subjects I know nothing about.
Five Things I’d Save from My House in a Fire (Besides My Crazy Dog)
My laptop
My wallet
My Joy Jar
My crystals
A handful of photos
Five Things I’d Do if I Were Fearless
Stand-up comedy
Public speaking
Travel abroad solo
Make art
Find an agent
Five of My Favorite Smells
Sun-warmed tomatoes
Spearmint and eucalyptus
Cut grass
Citrus oil
Basil
Five Things That Always Make Me Laugh
Ridiculous physical comedy
A perfect comeback, even if it’s at my expense
Quick, witty wordplay
Absurdity of any stripe
A great, unexpected punchline
Five Things I Learned the Hard Way
That actions speak louder than words.
That if they wanted to, they would.
To trust but verify.
That not everybody has my heart.
How to love myself.
Five Things I’d Like to Do Before I Die
Reconcile with my son.
Take a challenging walking/hiking tour through a previously undiscovered location.
Help my talented daughter afford a gorgeous apartment/photography studio.
Fly on a private jet.
Publish a fabulous book.
As I finished transcribing these thoughts, I glanced over at my bookcase and noticed two almost forgotten entries I’d purchased years ago: List Yourself and 642 Lists to Write. Don’t say you weren’t warned…
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Let’s talk! Are you a list maker? Are your lists strictly business or do you have any fun ones you’d like to share?