For The Joy of Lists – for us who live by lists.
Since the trail that edges the farmer’s field is snow packed and icy, I decide my red winter boots with built in cleats in the soles are the best choice on this day. I want to take advantage of the afternoon sunshine that is breaking-up a grey, overcast sky. The weather app shows more snow is coming in just an hour or two, so I’m eager to seize this opportunity to take in the natural sunlight. So far March has marched in with days of cold winds, snow flurries, and silvery skies.
But the snow is the kind that when you step you aren’t too sure if you’ll stay on top of it’s shiny surface, or if you’ll sink into it’s crunchy texture. Warm days to sudden cold temperatures, along with rain and snow squalls have caused alternating layers of ice and snow. A sturdy appearing surface can be misleading, resulting on steps slipping or sinking. So, even with the added assurance of boots with built-in cleats, I decide to change direction, and walk on our country driveway that is muddy, but relatively clear of snow and ice.
There was a time that I wouldn’t turn away from a challenging terrain. When I downhill skied I’d push myself to take the more advanced runs; when I hiked I’d push myself to scramble up to the mountain peaks, and step off the well-beaten paths onto narrow, darker trails within the trees. I’d ice skate to be faster and better at it; and I’d bake with the dream of being on the Great Canadian Baking Show one day.
Everything I did was tied to a goal to be better, be stronger, be smarter.
But rarely was the goal to—well— just be, have fun, and enJOY.
So, I began adding “joy” goals to my daily lists, and in my monthly and yearly planning books. And yes, I see the irony! However, it takes intention and action to change our way of doing life as we have always done. Some say it takes 21 days to create a new habit; others 90 days; however, that’s neither here nor there. Bottom line, action steps—even those uncomfortable “this feels all wrong” kind of steps is what changes our thinking, and our behaviours.
Three Ideas to add Joy (for those who love their lists…)
1. Plan a once-week-date with yourself. Is there a coffee shop, bookstore, or museum you’ve wanted to visit?
2. Add “joy” time to your daily plan. Take that time to do something you enjoy such as spending time with your pet, watering your plants, walking your neighbourhood, or curling up in your favourite chair to gaze out the window.
3. Create a list of fun activities you like to do. Add one or two activities from your fun list to your monthly calendar in pen, so they cannot be erased.
As I walk a squirrel runs across our tree-lined driveway and the dogs give chase, barking. I look behind me to see the cat, too, has decided to enjoy these moments of sun shine. My pace is slow, and I know there is more on my to-do list today. But so is this–this time to be.
What activities would you put on your “joy” list? What fun activities would you add to your calendar? Do you write list or prefer to have a “go-with-the flow” kind of day?
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My schedule is now light enough I can add joyful activities. I’m not sure how running a 5K at 60 ended up on my list (especially the way my legs feel right now after running it at the gym this morning) but I’m pretty sure when I do the actual race and cross the finish line, I will feel joy!
Wow! That’s awesome, Diane! I look forward to hearing how the race goes for you!
Thank you for this encouragement for allowing ourselves to just be, Lynn. As I battle lung disease and getting older, I have learned I need to go with the flow. Lists put too much pressure on me these days. 😊 But if I would have a list, I would definitely include being in nature. Love and blessings to you!
Oh yes…nature is worthy of being at the top of the list everyday! I pray you are feeling well today, Trudy, and seeing many signs of the spring season today!
For me, one of the biggest helps is what you alluded to near the end–just to enjoy the present moment without thinking about my to-do list or calendar, letting my senses take in what’s going on around me. .
Hi Barbara! Thanks for your words here. And I love how you allow your senses to lead you into the present moment!
Yes, lists please. My pace is slow. I love being still in his presence in the quiet solitude listening to his whisper.
Visiting today from Joanne’s
Sounds like you like your lists too, Paula! And you’ve reminded that we listen the best when we are fully engaged in the present. Thank you for your words here!
Your photos are beautiful, Lynn! Lists, I used to make them. Lately though I am finding my days are determined by what the day brings 🙂 So I start my day with coffee and my Bible, lift the shades in our family room once the sun is out, and take note of the beauty of creation and the antics of whatever creatures are out there. Most days, joy and laughter then fill my heart and mind. You are right, sometimes it takes just “being” is all it takes. Blessings to you!
Hi Joanna! I love your description of the start your day–especially taking in the “antics of whatever creatures are out there.” I can see how that could bring out joy and laughter, especially if squirrels and chipmunks are involved!
Beautiful pictures, Lynn! And I’m so glad you were able to take a walk between snowstorms and enjoy that beautiful blue sky! When I was younger, lists kept my life orderly. Now that I’m older, my weekly planner helps me focus, but it isn’t a task master. Intentionality makes the difference, doesn’t it? I like that you have scheduled joy into your day. My intentionality is taking moments throughout the day to enjoy the beauty outside the window. I can enjoy the water fountain outside the window by my computer desk or sit in the porch room, enjoying the blue sky, white puffy clouds, and all the birds looking for a place to build their spring nests.
‘just be, have fun, and enJOY’
Lynn, thanks for this invitation to slow down, savor, and be fully present to who and what is right in front of us. Just reading your well-chosen words is causing me to breath just a bit deeper this afternoon. I’m so glad to be in your company here.
Easter week blessings to you, dear friend.
Thank you for sharing your enJOYable walk with us Lynn! I have always been a list person, but some of my list making had to change from a to-do list into a to-done list, to alleviate pressure! Lol. But I think I can incorporate your ideas into my lists: to look for the places that joy showed up in my day where I might have missed it. Thank you for stirring our hearts, Lynn! Happy Palm Sunday to you dear friend.
Thank you for sharing your enJOYable walk with us Lynn! I have always been a list person, but some of my list making had to change from a to-do list into a to-done list, to alleviate pressure! Lol. But I think I can incorporate your ideas into my lists: to look for the places that joy showed up in my day where I might have missed it. Thank you for stirring our hearts, Lynn! Happy Palm Sunday to you dear friend.
I like the idea of a “to-done” list, Bettie! It’s important to celebrate our successes, too! I pray you see many joy-filled moments that make your list long indeed! Happy Easter weekend to you and your family!
Love the idea of scheduling joy into my lists. I have really not ever done that. You’ve given me something to ponder. Actually, the other day, I was thinking about how I rarely go to lunch with friends. The thought came, why not go once a week, but my Type A personality pointed out since I live in a rural area, it would be taking 2-3 hours of my day to do this. But now I’m thinking … wouldn’t the human connection be worth it? More to ponder!
Hi Jerralea! Joy does take time, doesn’t it? I moved to rural area, approximately 1 hour away from my friend network. It does take more planning to see my friends, and I’d sure like to see them more. I’d love to hear if you did make a “joy” date with friends!
Lynn, I actually texted to schedule a date, but the appointment fell through (on her end, not mine, LOL). But I am going to try again for s “joy date.” (I like that expression.)
I don’t fully recognize myself in the “always pushing to be better” part — for me it’s less about performance and more about wanting to understand everything, to figure things out.
But I do relate to what you’re saying about learning to just be. That’s actually the part I find hardest — letting go of the need to analyze and simply enjoy the moment.
Thank you for sharing this, it gave me something to think about 🤍
Sending warm greetings from the Netherlands!