Lists

I was thinkin about lists. We make all kinds of lists. There's the to-do list to help us stay on track and get to our goals. There's the shopping list which is supposed to keep good things going into our carts and keep bad things on the shelves. There's the best-dressed and worst-dressed lists so we can keep up with what should and shouldn't be worn this season. There's the top ten bestsellers to guide our reading. And, of course, the laundry list. The laundry list is our list of grievances. I am not sure why people keep these laundry lists, but we do. I do. So do you. Admit it. All it takes is an offense at the right moment of weakness and out comes our laundry list. We indignantly go through this list reminding ourselves of others' short-comings, errors and mistakes. Somehow, this is supposed to make us feel better, I guess. What I have found is that it only takes a few minutes' reflection on this list before I begin to feel worse, not better. So, I started keeping a different list. It is my lucky list. Why am I so lucky? After all, it wasn't part of my plan to be a single mom. It certainly wasn't part of the plan to be in my 40s and trying to make a new business into an overnight success while my teenagers act like -- well, teenagers. I could go on -- but instead, let's turn the corner and check out my lucky list. I like being single. I went from my parents to my husband with almost no time on my own. Now I am in the position of responsibility. If I choose to give my time, my money or my passions to something, I can. That means I get to take on the challenge of being my own boss; well, as long as my twin sister & partner agrees. I like what I do for a living. I chose to go into sales, an arena I had long been invited to compete in which I was afraid of in the past. I like working with my family. My twin sister and I are partners in this venture, her husband is the technician and our parents guide us as mentors and co-workers. They believe in us enough to invest their money, their time and their experience. Since our parents have run successful businesses individually and jointly, we have a huge well of experience from which to draw. Did I mention that I am a mother? Well, I really like my kids. I have a wonderful 16-year-old daughter who is receiving invitations from every college in the USA and several European institutions as well. She is a beautiful, creative, delightful young lady who I greatly admire. I wish I had had it so together at her age. Then, there is my handsome 14-year-old son. He has grown so tall lately and he works out with his grandfather four days a week. Much to his delight and my squealing fright, he can now lift me up! He has a great sense of humor and a fantastic sense of gentleness and honor. Both of my children make me proud. When they aren't too busy, I love just spending the day or the evening with them. I like my friends. Since my separation from my husband, I have added so many new and supportive friends to my life that I have difficulty counting them all. And the very best friends that I have are also my family -- friends who are hard to lose! Oh yes, my lucky list goes on and on. It makes me smile and keeps me focused on what's important, what gives me energy and guides the decisions that steer my life. Let me ask, what is on your list today? Who will you let make it onto your list? Does your list help you or hinder you? Can I suggest that you throw away your laundry list and begin your lucky list? I believe you will find new delight in your everyday life -- after all, it is extraordinarily wonderful and full of good things just for you!