Life's To Do List

Everyone is familiar with the “To Do List.” It’s a constant reminder of things that need to be achieved in the course of a day. Some people even have lists that extend into the remainder of the week. Very few of us consider creating a list that takes into consideration the things that we need to do in order to experience a better quality of life. This article is just the tip of the iceberg regarding how we can address the issue of creating a very positive “Life’s To Do List.”

I believe that we as humans are here for a purpose. It’s no accident that you are who you are—maybe not planned but nevertheless you exist. I believe that to successfully enjoy life and not just merely exist; we must embrace a unique relationship with our Creator. With this thought forever in mind; my list will encompass the following topics:

1. Living life to the fullest
2. Facing adversity with a smile
3. Experiencing something new each day (no matter how small)
4. Pampering Yourself
5. Eliminating “Nay-Sayers” from your life
6. Developing an Attitude of Gratitude

I believe that this is a more pragmatic view. In its simplicity it leaves room for you to add your own concepts. Your list may be arranged differently—that’s fine. The important thing is that you take some time to create one and have fun not only in its creation but in its fulfillment as well.

What does this mean? What it doesn’t mean is to have a reckless, carefree existence without regard to the feelings and interests of others. What it does mean is that you have a right to experience the wonder of this beautiful world and to enjoy each and every day of it.

Just as rain falls to replenish a dry area; it is necessary that some negative things happen to us in order that we grow and develop a greater appreciation of life.

Every day can be a good day when you develop the right perspective. When you realize that you have not reached perfection and those around you probably haven’t either—you are better able to handle difficult situations.

If you live in an area where there are a lot of trees—there will probably be a lot of birds. These birds will sometimes fly over your nicely waxed car and leave you a “token of their appreciation.” Shaking your fist at the sky and condemning every bird to a fiery end will not stop this from happening. I’ve even had a bird fly under my carport to leave me a gift on my car. It’s unfortunate but again—it happens.

You can handle adversity one of two ways. You can get totally disgruntle about it—increase your blood pressure and throw a temper tantrum. After you’ve finish, the situation will still be there. Or you can just simply accept it and with a smile look for alternate ways of improving the situation in the future.

Of course you can always do nothing—which some may consider a third choice.

Having a routine definitely keeps us on track but if we don’t interject a small amount of inconsistency we can become extremely complacent. Why not discovering an alternative route to work? That way if there is a detour; you will already have mapped out your second choice.

Perhaps, instead of your usual plain donut and black coffee try a cappuccino with a bran muffin. If you are self-employed or home based, consider eating on your deck or patio. You could even go to the local bistro and observe the patrons. Think up imaginative backgrounds for some of them and enjoy the change of pace.

Your Local Park or playground is a virtual smorgasbord of possibilities. Especially during the warm and sunny days, watch how the children entertain themselves on the slides, swings and monkey bars. Remember how you used to blow dandelion seed heads?

This can never be stressed enough. We spend more time seeing to the needs and desires of others than we do ourselves. Especially if you are a woman—you can find yourself many times on the short end of the stick. This is not to say that many men don’t sometimes wonder if there are not enough hours in the day!

Actually, there are many ways in which to pamper yourself that doesn’t take going on a trip to the Bahamas or the Florida Keys. This is great—if you can do it. However, a lot of us can’t, so we have to settle for the occasional “mini-thrill”!

Set aside a weekend just for you. If you have a family—then it’s extremely important to plan in advance and get away from home. Make sure that you have every contingency covered so that you can have great, uninterrupted moments to yourself.

Try making yourself a reservation at the local luxury hotel and be sure to pick one that has a fantastic view. If you live by the ocean, or the mountains—this will be an added plus! If you don’t; you may have to do a bit of traveling. This is where planning comes into play. Instead of buy that bag of chips on your break; try putting the money in a jar in your desk. See how much money you can accumulate in one month’s time?

If it’s just not possible to get away at the moment; just wait until everyone has gone to bed. Fill the bathroom with your favorite scents. Surround yourself with lots of bubbles and put on a really relaxing tune. Find yourself a magazine that has a wonderful tropical scene and let your imagination soar!

There will always be someone who doesn’t see things the same way that you do. You may have to work with them but they don’t have to be a constant in your life. If your spouse or significant other happens to be the one; then you should seriously ask yourself why you became involved with him/her. Most negative people don’t become that way after marriage but already possess those traits.

Having someone who understands your point of view is not only good; it’s very much needed. They may not always agree with you but they should be able to respect your opinion without either patronizing or humiliating you. Constant ridicule at work and at home can be devastating!

ily—then it’s extremely important to plan in advance and get away from home. Make sure that you have every contingency covered so that you can have great, uninterrupted moments to yourself.

Try making yourself a reservation at the local luxury hotel and be sure to pick one that has a fantastic view. If you live by the ocean, or the mountains—this will be an added plus! If you don’t; you may have to do a bit of traveling. This is where planning comes into play. Instead of buy that bag of chips on your break; try putting the money in a jar in your desk. See how much money you can accumulate in one month’s time?

If it’s just not possible to get away at the moment; just wait until everyone has gone to bed. Fill the bathroom with your favorite scents. Surround yourself with lots of bubbles and put on a really relaxing tune. Find yourself a magazine that has a wonderful tropical scene and let your imagination soar!

Finally, it’s important to appreciate all the positive things in your life; no matter how small. When my children were growing up; they would bring me drawings that they had made in school. They may have been primitive pictures of our home and family but it let me know how important it was for them to express their love. Sometimes children collect flowers and put them in glass jars just so they can surprise us on special occasions.

Here are some instances where we can exercise an attitude of gratitude. Suppose you drop a package and someone stops to help you retrieve it. Are you quick to show your gratitude? While you are standing in a long line; instead of complaining, think how fortunate you are that you are not in a wheelchair. You should truly appreciate the use of your legs! When you hear birds singing—pause and remember those who can never share that sound. If you ever start to feel really ungrateful; take a visit to a hospital and go to the Intensive Care Unit (if allowed.)

Create your own Life’s To Do List and discovery how really wonderful life can be!