[white]It is a strangely addictive and difficult task, that of writing a blog post each day. I have published every day for the past year or more, and it’s easy to feel duty bound to produce the goods. Sometimes inspiration is present like waves crashing onto a beach, and sometimes my mind feels as empty and parched as a dry river bed.
[white]
Never has this been truer than when I was recently asked if I would write a life-list…. I admit I answered “a what?!!”. Then hunted around and realised I had already seen them, just didn’t know they had a name.
[white]Where has this fashion for life lists come from? ( And I don’t mean the endless lists of things that must be achieved. No, the life lists I like to read are those that draw a line, that state they way things are.)
[white]Is it just that we are all getting to that age when it is natural to take stock? Take one step back and evaluate where we are, what has been achieved, what missed and what – we hope – is still to come.
[white]
my version of the quote from Henry David Thoreau
[white]What would your life list look like? Here’s my challenge to you: (it’s more difficult than you may think) put pen to paper and take stock of where you are in a few simplified phrases.
[white]
Here to inspire you (and before I bore you to tears with my life list, which I am STILL hesitating about publishing at all …) are some extracts from some of the life lists I have enjoyed:[white]
pragmatism from Pura Vida, who finishes her latest life list like this:
[white] loveliness from louboosandshoes, whose opening lines grab you and pick you up and float you down to the end of this most poetic post
“All that time he was working away, he really would have rather been at home more.I would do pretty much anything to preserve my children’s happiness…..”[white]
[white]And so finally, (and this has to be the most difficult thing I have ever published on this little blog) to my life list, interpret it as you will ….
[white]jealousy is too destructive, I never go there
[white]parents do a tough job
[white]every day something beautiful brings me great joy
[white]I spent hours with my children but know I could have done more
[white]there are more important things than a tidy house
[white]good craftsmanship makes me happy
…..[white]
If you have published your life list just let me know and I’ll add you to the post, or if you simply want to write your life list in my comment box I would be honoured, beyond honoured actually.Thank you to everybody who left such kind comments after my post about the old lady yesterday. You are more than generous, you are the reason I continue to write this blog.
[white]
Merci mes amis, à demain!
PS. Here is a beautiful annexe to my post. A lady sent me a lovely email in reaction to this post, and gave me permission to quote her :
[blank]
64 comments
I've not seen a life list before. I share similar thoughts and secrets, and I'm forever trying to change some of the flawed ones, ha! But then I blog or read, and I have procrastinated once again! 🙂
Hi Dear Sharon
Well I'd hate to think what would be on mine..some good and some not so good.. I would though have a few in common with you.. one being wishing I could sing well..
Have a lovely week.. ciao xxx Julie
Sharon, thank you for sharing your life list with your readers. I read your blog on a daily basis… your photos, your insights, your peacefulness touches me, and I look forward each day to "our time together." Time to write my own life list…
What a delightful and thought provoking post, how I enjoyed it!! My life list would be too long, but maybe…….
I've seen life lists too, but they're often about going places and doing 'things'. I must give my life list some serious thought…a very interesting delightful post. Thank you, thank you!
You are far braver than I–I'll just go and say it!! I actually hadn't seen any life lists but was once tagged by a fellow blogger and the questions were far too personal for me ("what is your biggest failure?") so I really give you credit for sharing this.
And I think that I need to get a tattoo of your last phrase. On my forehead!
The funny thing about my life list is that even now I put things on it that I have done because I didn't know at the time I created it I wanted to do what I did…so I put it on the list…and then I cross if off. And then I write a little story about it and save it for my children to read someday.
For example…I had no idea I wanted to see Neil Diamond in concert, but it was one of the most moving things I ever did! I think it was #84
I, too, would have several in common with you: I must sit down and write mine out. The one that got to me most; and one I think of often, is the dumbing down of society. It is, indeed, terrifying.
If inspiring, creating joy and beauty are on your list somewhere, then you can mark them off. You have done all these for me and more. I start everyday with your blog. It makes me happy! No pressure though. LOL
I love your list, Sharon. Makes me feel I "know" you better. Thanks for being so brave as to post it.
I have read your blog every day for over a year. I want you to know how much I enjoy it, every bit! Your life list reminds me of a book I am currently reading "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. It's one of those life changing books — you'll never be the same. I too am taking stock of the things in life that really matter, trying to live them and not miss them. Thank you for the daily glimpses into your life. You are appreciated!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dearest Sharon, your blog is one of the few that I read faithfully, everyday. Several years ago I wanted/needed to simplify my life. The process was complicated. But certainly one of my best decisions. To that end, I developed life lists on a regular basis, I called them coping mechanisms. I admire you for publishing your list. I think that honesty in blogging is essential. If one cannot be honest why are you doing this? The blog community has evolved into a circle of like-minded souls. While there are segments of life and opinion I prefer to keep to myself, pretty much what you see is what there is. At my age the life list is rather long….I will need to do some editing! Thank you for your thought provoking input into the grand blog-o-sphere where just about anything goes. We long for quality. I find it here.
Gulp. This was so beautiful, all of it, that I'm fighting back tears while I take a break and drink my crappy office coffee. But especially, Sharon, your life list. Whatever you are feeling about sharing it, I'm glad you did – for me, for us.
It's soooo interesting that you posted on the concept of a life list today. I just met with a friend of mine last night who is going through Life Coach / Dream Coach training. I've committed to studying with her for the next 12 weeks to really determine what I want to do and where it is exactly that I want to go. I've had some big disappointments personally and professionally recently, and I've had it with feeling paralyzed and hopeless. So my life list is going to be in progress. When I do get it down (or even a version of it), I'll definitely share it.
But for now, I'll share my favorite quote from Marilyn Monroe that would definitely be on my list:
"I'm selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I'm out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." – Marilyn Monroe
Thank you so much again, Sharon! You're a daily jewel.
Ha procrastination ! an everyday reality for me Wendy!
then we could sing a duet Julie ! how much fun that would be …
Thank you Caron, I am flattered – and if you want to share that list ….
Go on Jacqui, if I can do it then so can you!
Thank YOU Jenny! I also don't enjoy the lists of things to do/place to see, rather boring I feel
Well Heather, as I said, this was about the most difficult post I've written
Thank you for letting me share your post Gina
It scares me every day, believe me. Go write that list, it's an interesting exercise
YOU are way too kind Gayle, thank you for such a generous comment, and glad that you enjoy the blog
GULP!
Thank you so much for reading me and for leaving such a thoughtful comment
Thank you Corinne, your words are very kind. I like your use of a life list as a coping mechanism, I'm sure it can have that effect to keep things clearer
Gosh Amy, I didn't want to make you cry!
I hope your session with your friend and coach prove interesting. And how I wish I had written that line from Marilyn, masterful!
Thank you for your kind comment
Time is the enemy, the ticking both internally and externally reminds me constantly of that which I have left undone – relationships that were put on the shelf of life until there was time and of course became dusty. I sometimes try to blow the dust off, resurrect but the moment has gone, flown off into the winds of time. I try to list the accomplishments of which I draw deep satisfaction – three children, happy, confident, finding themselves and succeeding in that quest, a new business of mine that is like my fourth child – still new, still growing but the roots are good and I agree that the life of simplicity of family, hearth and memories is the greatest treasure as I move through this second part of my life list. Thank you Sharon for giving me the voice to share, the moment to reflect on the reason to be. Have a wonderful day!
Sharon, this is most inspiring.
My thoughts in response to yours:
Enjoy who you are today. Tomorrow, let that be someone else's worry.
Gorgeous and elegant post. I, too, write daily although my time is often short and my thoughts mundane. Provocative to think what the list might say 5 years from now. Jo @ Let's Face the Music
Looking back reminds me how far I have come.
Looking ahead tells me there is still room for improvement, for opportunity and many roads yet to explore.
Sharon, thanks for nudging all of us to dig a little deeper within.
What a lovely post and thank you so much for mentioning me…quite touched! I wish I could post every day bit life just seems to get in the way… 🙂 Lou x
I'll have to think a bit on this one. I like your list a lot — the second item is poetic and true. Much of this resonates with me — spoiling kids for me, etc.
Yes Sharon thank you for giving me a gentle stir to think a bit deeper within, for sharing your life list (inspiring)…and thank you for visiting my blog!
I will have yet to write my list and when I do, I will post it and let you know…it made me think about how much do I want to share with others about myself…well, mainly positive thoughts I suppose, worries I try to put away even from my own mind…but maybe that is not good? Sometimes sharing a worry may bring somebody's helping hand via comforting words… and I have learnt that from other bloggers and Oprah (((: hugs Z
A lovely post. I enjoy your writing and read your blog with my coffee daily. I have never commented on a blog before, so here goes:
A point on your "list" resonated with me. I also believe time with our children is so important. I quite a good job to be with my daughter when she was born to us after 10 years of marriage. She was and is such a gift. We lived more simply than most as a result, but I have no regrets. I wrote this:
No Regrets
I suppose I should excuse this house
As you walk in the door.
The furniture is dusty,
And toys are on the floor.
The dishes aren't quite finished,
Washing's left 'til another day;
But a little girl lives here
And she wanted me to play.
Then she wanted me to read to her
And take her for a walk;
And when she got so tired,
To sit on my knee and rock.
So, things got left undone;
First one thing, then another.
It's true, I am a housewife,
But first, I am her mother.
(C)1982 L. Cook
I'm proud to say our daughter feels the same about raising her little girl. And now, when our granddaughter and she come in the door, my husband and I both drop everything to enjoy the moment with them.
They are little for such a short time. And likely, how we treat them, is how they will treat us when we are old.
L. Cook
Thank YOU Wendi for taking the time to write such a beautiful contribution
Thank you Rosaria
5 years?! Five days seems daunting enough to me!
Beautifully put Katherine, thank you
Thank you so much Lou, there is no way I can rival your poetic way of writing, I love it!
Come back later and tell us Annette!
Thank you Zaneta, I look forward to reading that
Wow – I have never considered a life list – some of the things on your list would be on mine. Will give this much more focus and begin today. Love Anonymous' poem above – my thoughts exactly.
I have been reading your blog since June 2010 after my first and only trip to France. My "mere mere" was born near Calais in 1900 and sadly, she never returned for a visit. My mother and I visited and somehow i found your blog and love it. Your writings are so wonderful, I feel I know you. And your photography is a a brief vactaion away from Illinois. I so enjoyed your life list. Food for thought!!!! Suzan
I do want to chime in but alas, sit here a little overwhelmed. Like I need to curl up with my journal under Great Gramma's quilt for for this one.
I think it is so amazing, AMAZING that you blog every day and have often wondered how you stay inspired. Thank you for sharing this insight into who you are Sharon!
Bon Weekend!
Angela
Parisienne Farmgirl
&
Parisienne Farmgirl Magazine
all so true L, thank you for your contribution
you'll see ! it's not as easy as it sounds 😉
Thank you Suzan, you are very kind
Thank you Angela, but remember that I'm not home-schooling four children and launching a magazine! 🙂
I think what you achieve here every day,Sharon, is remarkable and quite amazing…I think of myself as a late bloomer…I have achieved more of my life list in the past ten years since I turned 50….I suppose as mothers we must relinquish our devotion to children and home before we can begin to go confidently in the direction of our dreams…I long for less and am more grateful…I strive to be humble and embrace the changes as I get older instead of resisting them…with grace…..and above all I try to remember it is never to late to enable a new dream within me, although difficult and always a struggle….your blog is an honest and authentic depiction of your world, it takes courage to put that out there…thank you, N.xo
j'ai connu ton blog par face book,une belle découverte.
Amicalement,
Manon
I would love to blog every day but never seem to have enough ideas – then a day comes along and so many ideas pop into my head that I don't know where to begin – you can guess what happens then – yes, I never manage to have the time to write about them all.
I had never thought about a life list before – but I will now that I have been inspired by this beautiful post.
Such wonderful comments above and I love the poem by L. Cook – I've always thought spending time with my two girls far more important than anything else (especially housework). I should have gone back to work after they were born, but couldn't bear to be apart from them, so we too have led a simple life which is sometimes quite a struggle. I don't regret it for a minute though.
You've got me thinking now – must compile a life list myself.
Love your blog and read it every day.
Loving your blog and your life list. I have to think about what I would put on mine. But I will say that your list is perilousy close to the one I would (and should) write.
Sharon, I loved this post and think your list is beautiful. It reads like poetry. Thank you for sharing it. We are all so lucky that through blogging you discovered your love of writing, it's such a pleasure to read your posts and see the world from your point of view. You've given me a lot to think about. I just hit a major turning point in my life, so maybe it's time for my own Life List.
I hope that your weekend is filled with many beautiful things that bring you great joy. And no video games!
Thank you for this post, your life list and all the other posts which I so enjoy. I love the photos of your lifestyle too. A minor quibble you can't be disorganised if you manage to publish a blog every day and take the wonderful photos.
Sharon,
There are many of your items that I hold to be true as well, but reading these two sentences that you wrote:
"I spent hours with my children but know I could have done more
AND
there are more important things than a tidy house "
made me feel like your were typing out the utterances of my own heart. I only have one child and she's already four, and I feel every day that I could have done more, played more, paid more attention, but one human being, with a host of responsibilities, can only do so much. I especially appreciate the fact that you put these two sentences side by side as I will pass up tidying my house at any moment if it means that we can do something fun, out of the ordinary or something simple like reading a story together. I'm no slob by any means, but I don't think that knowing I kept a tidy house will ever mean anything to me in 20 years, but laughing with my daughter, spending time with my husband, having a beautiful vegetable garden, and creating beautiful things, I believe, will give me many happy memories to draw upon 20 years from now.
And, on another note, it's nice to read personal things about bloggers; it makes them real; and it makes all of your future posts have that much more meaning.
Thank you for sharing.
Mandy
Ok, 3rd try. This comments box won't let me correct! I too read you everyday. I think your list left out your kindness, ability to listen and to gather friends (like the old French lady). Mine includes trying to learn something new everyday, keeping my boys happy and using common sense (most of the time). I try not to dwell on the disharmony and stay grounded. There's more but too personal!
dear sharon,
this is very inspiring for me. it's been a long time since i read your posts – so today is like coming back and i enjoy so much what i "find" for me. i should think about a life list because i feel like lost these days…
well – let me say thank you again and wish you a wonderful weekend. you are great!
barbara
Wow, I thought you had nailed the best blog ever with the old lady, but this one is right up there too. You have given me food for thought. Thank you for your beautiful words I have been following your blog for a couple of years and just love it.
I read this post earlier in the week, but didn't get to comment, because I was at that pesky thing called work.
What a great post – it does give one pause to reflect.
Sharon,
On more than one occasion I have checked in on your blog to find posts that truly touch my heart. It is so wonderful to read not only your life list but those of your followers and it has today, made me take stock of what is important. So many points made in your post could belong on my life list, but until today I had never heard of one.
Thank you for taking the time each day to post, they are all beautiful but some just have a special meaning that ripples throughout the day.
Fiona
Goodness me Sharon, I have to admit I've never heard of a Life List til now. I thought I was kinda wordly, but obviously I'm not! I'm not a list writer, except for the weekly grocery shop, so I don't think I'll ever get around to writing my L.L. I do have one thing that guides me through each of my busy days though. That's to never be scared to back myself & always be ready to reinvent myself if I need to. A lovely post my dear friend.
Millie xx
Some people say that I am a good writer, but I have never had the courage to take it very far. Without smugness, I feel I do know good writing. And, you, Sharon, are a great writer. Your writing has brought me to tears and mostly it brings me to satisfaction, with your prolific and profound posts. Not to mention, your stunning photographs. I've built a huge blog list of Favorites over the recent months but have whittled it 'way down because there simply isn't enough time to check in with them all; however, yours I've kept, without hesitation. As for your Life List (and counting)? It's perfect. Real. Brave. Thanks for sharing and thanks for the inspiration.
I love this post, and love you even more (which I didn't think was possible) after reading it! Thanks for putting yourself out there. Beautifully written!