Sunday, August 1, 2010

The Yearly List

 I don't do New Year's resolutions, I do birthday resolutions. Every year, on my birthday, I make my list of goals. Then, at New Years, I review them and see how I'm doing. This last Wednesday was my birthday, so I hauled out my journal to make my list. Before I make my list, I try to spend some thoughtful moments, without children interrupting, contemplating the best goals to make. I don't want to make them too easy or too hard.

This year I read my last year's list of birthday goals and then, I read the year before that (I've been doing this birthday goal list thing for at least 5 years). Many of my goals have remained the same: go on a family vacation, be out of debt, be at a certain (nearly unattainable) weight, be on time everywhere I go (also nearly unattainable) and make a certain amount of money. But, I'm wondering if I'm missing something and if I should vary it up a bit.

At some point in life, do you just cross things off because they are
1. Totally unlikely,
2. Not worth the major effort when there are already so many things going on in your life?

Here is a list of some of the things I've considered putting on my list:
  •  Travel to Europe
  • Write a book
  • Move to a home on a lake within driving distance of a major city
  • Go to art school
  • Learn to surf
  • Compete in an adventure race
  • Travel to Africa
  • Learn a foreign language
  • Read the complete works of Shakespeare
  • Win an Academy Award
  • Sell my artwork
  • Make enough money to be a philanthropist
  • Re-learn how to roller skate
  • Re-learn how to snowboard
  • Learn how to dive
  • Learn PhotoShop
  • Take my daughters to New York City
  • Learn to sail
  • Visit India
Are there items on your list you won't ever possibly do? Do you keep them on your list "just in case" you suddenly become super human and can stretch time? I'm wondering if I'm the only one who is ridiculously optimistic (or delusional?) in thinking she can do it all?

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2 comments:

  1. Julie de Azevedo HanksAugust 2, 2010 at 4:13 PM

    I never cross things off of my bucket list. While I only write down things that I might forget, I do keep mental goals in mind that energize me and give me something to look forward to. I have two lists - a sooner than later, and a later list. I'm always surprised at how many on the later list actually come sooner.

    I think you can do all of the things that you really want to do, in time.

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  2. WhitneyAugust 5, 2010 at 4:23 AM

    Pam -

    1. Did you know that there's a Surf Camp for Women. It's call Surf Las Olas.

    http://www.surflasolas.com/

    2. I didn't realize that you were an artist... would love to see you post some of your artwork.

    You might enjoy checking out Leslie Graff's work as well! She is quite prolific - sells frequently.

    http://www.lesliegraff.com/

    3. Where would you go in Europe? It'd be fun to hear what you'd like to do there?

    So many questions!

    My best,
    Whitney

    I think that looks really fun.

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