Life list

Have you done a life list?


My friend Dona sent me a link this morning to this blog. It was serendipitous. I have been thinking about doing one of these - it has been on my "list of lists" to make (seriously, can you see why I think about simplifying all the time - a major work in progress for me - any one else have a list of lists?).


So I opened up a new document on my computer and am going for it right now.

Sign in or sign up to comment.

42 thoughts

  1. Sandi says…
    10/03/2007

    I just finished a book - The Next Thing on My List by Jill Smolinski. It was a fiction book and through a series of events, the main character completes a "life list" for a friend. It was an easy read, but definitly had me thinking about making my own list. I think there is something powerful about putting it down on paper and really committing to it. Once again Ali, you are so right on!

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Amy Hummel says…
    10/03/2007

    I'm off to make my life list!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Mary says…
    10/03/2007

    yep, just looked at my list of lists this morning to find out if I can finally cross something off.....

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. cheryl says…
    10/03/2007

    VERY awesome! Off to start my list.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Katie says…
    10/03/2007

    Thanks for posting that. I started one a few weeks ago and haven't been back to it since. What a great reminder!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Marty says…
    10/03/2007

    what an amazingly cool idea! I need to make one up just to see what it is I REALLY want to do....
    I made a list of places I wanted to visit eventually, but hadn't thought of including 'things to do' on it...
    off to try one! :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. O says…
    10/03/2007

    I've heard of this life list but haven't checked into it. Thanks for posting this. :) I am a list maker extraordinaire and have a "list of lists". Lists and calendars are my things. You'd think I'd be SOOOO organized. NOT. ;) Love the quote you have up right now, Ali. In fact, I just now finished a little "LO" of it and framed it and it's sitting here on my desk. Thanks for your ever-constant flow of inspiration. I can't wait for your book to arrive on my doorstep!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Sharna says…
    10/03/2007

    I have been keeping lists since forever. I have lists of favorite words (most for the way they sound or the way they feel in my mouth when i say them and not for their meaning), places to visit, places to take my kids (by the way-started that one MANY years before I even had kids, along with a list of possible names for these imaginary kids that are now a very real 6 1/2 yo and almost 9 yo), projects to work on, things I'd like to try and my favorite list of all... Things To Do Before I Die. I guess that one counts as a Life List as I understand it. I'd always been facinated by those "30 things to do before you're 30" type articles and made my own list, with a kinder deadline. (no pun intended) I've been keeping that list somewhere between 15-20 years now. It changes. I cross things off, I add things, I make plans to knock some more things off my list. I love my list! Your post here is reminding me that I should drag out my list and have a peek-it's been a little while. I also have new lists.. I started last year keeping a list of 34 new things at 34 and made it my goal to try 34 new things that year. this year I'm almost done with my 35 new things at 35, which is good because in about 6 weeks it will be time to start 36 new things at 36. This year's list includes items such as # 27, Riding on a float in a parade, and #12, enjoying a ruby red grapefruit. Should be interesting to come up with 80 new things at 80, don't you think? As always, Ali-thanks for the great food for thought and inspiration!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Nicole says…
    10/03/2007

    Just finished a little mini for my life list last month - here is where I posted it on my blog...
    http://thesearethedays-nicole.blogspot.com/2007/09/my-life-list.html
    Fun stuff!
    Nicole

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Peggy says…
    10/03/2007

    I love this idea. I'm in such a blah space right now...inspiration is escaping me in all ways, shapes and forms. Hopefully my mojo will return in good time. In the meantime, I'll keep coming to see if Ali has the magic suggestion. :) Any chance you might share your lists of lists? I love that idea too.
    Peg

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. donna, london, ontario says…
    10/03/2007

    always inspiring ali! love your blog. i have a book of lists! i started with the 52 projects list, i found it years ago, and then it grew from there! my fifty projects list is at a bit of a stand still, i have only 44 projects on the list and more than half are complete! whoooo...then i found another site that is called 43 things, again a list format with goals and or things you wish to do or accomplish or see..all the lists have some form of creativity and inspiring bits to them! fascinating reading...
    so many lists! love your blog. i do wish you would come do classes in canada! there is a crop for kids coming to london ontario that is going to be well attended. the money raised goes to the london children;s hospital and the classes are fabulous! we are one hour from michigan and two hours from toronto the next big large center!
    thanks for all you do ali, very very inspiring and creative!!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. kari says…
    10/03/2007

    I know that you just did this for the last quote, but I failed to get the one that was up just yesterday about "average" days. Could you repost that one for me.
    Thank you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Heather Prins says…
    10/03/2007

    Does any one feel scary about this? i know it would be good to write them down, but it makes me queasy. I think I will do it anyway, or at least put it on my list, lol!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Beth Deckard says…
    10/03/2007

    kari - is this the quote?
    Mary Jean Iron : Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.
    Love it! I am planning on basing a mini book on this quote.
    Love you Ali!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. josie says…
    10/03/2007

    You should also check out 43things.com
    It tells you how many other people have the same goals/life lists as you. It really sucks you in.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. PaperMonster says…
    10/03/2007

    my husband and I just recently updated our life lists...things we want, to do, to see, to go. we misplaced our last lists which was a bummer, because we had accomplished several items from them. Life lists are awesome!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Teri says…
    10/03/2007

    Hi Ali! I came across this quote today (in a Bicycling magazine, of all places!) and thought of you. Thought you would like it: "People create art, art bears beauty, beauty inspires goodness, goodness makes the world go 'round." I don't know who said it - it was on an ad for Electra Townie bicycles (check out p.2 of the November 2007 issue of Bicycling Magazine, if you're interested).
    Love the idea of the "Life List." I don't have one, but my brother-in-law does and my sister does. Maybe I should create one - might possibly make me a bit more adventurous! Love the idea of the "35 new things at 35" that someone posted. Since I'm turning 42 in 4 days - that might be a good list to start with! Love your blog!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. marty gentry says…
    10/03/2007

    OMG! I've been doing this since last year and i've only thought of 49 things to do! i'm gonna finish it this month!!
    There is also a book I've been wanting to get called "1000 places to see before you die- a traveler's life list" by patricia schultz.
    I've also completed FOUR of my 49 so far- yay!! :_)

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. AmandaV. says…
    10/03/2007

    WOw, I read about this in your newsletter today and have been wanting to do this for forever! --the newsletter could have been writen directly to me, it is so appropriate and eactly what I needed to hear! I am the worlds biggest hoarder and procrastinator in one, always waiting for the perfect something to happen, and it never really does. I am going to print it out and post in front of me as a reminder to do things NOW!!
    Thank you Thank you, this could be a life changer!

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Judith says…
    10/03/2007

    Hi Ali, thanks for sharing this!! I've heard about this list on the Ellen show, even back here in Holland :) I am also going to write one! Just wanted to say I am a big fan of your work and check your blog often. Your work is such an inspiration, thank you!

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Liz Ness says…
    10/03/2007

    This is funny...sort of...I do have one. But, I haven't visited it in awhile (ever since my son was born). I sort of forgot about it. Thanks for the reminder!
    It is such a great tool for simplifying and prioritizing the important dreams that may lead to amazing growth (and replenish the spirit, too)! We were doing a wonderful job striking items off the list and filling it with new items, too -- really need to dig it out and give it its due!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Sara says…
    10/03/2007

    Hum... this sounds like something I would like to do. I think I will! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Meghan E says…
    10/03/2007

    I have a slightly random question. My hubby brought home a Canon s9000 printer for me today (isn't he the best?). I am so excited about the fact that I can now print directly to my 12x12 paper... it's just that I'm not sure how to do that. What program would I use for getting all my text in the right places for a 12x12 sheet? Can you help me?? :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Rosa says…
    10/03/2007

    I started, but i used this site;
    http://www.43things.com/
    I have not finish my list yet but is fun, thanks for reminding me, hugs.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Kelly says…
    10/03/2007

    I came to mention 43things.com too. I have to say I like the format and community of it. Mine is here http://www.43things.com/person/Kel_eh if you want to see an example.

    Reply 0 Replies

Sign in or sign up to comment.