Simple Life: Resolution Remix

By Lisa Jones

“My life no longer resembled me.” —Elizabeth Gilbert

I’m not a big believer in New Year’s resolutions; if I once again make the oh-so-vague- resolution “to be healthy” I might scream. However, I do love the excuse to stop and take stock of my life.

It’s easy to think that life just happens. In reality, an authentic life takes some tending. If you ignore it, life has the tendency to get off track and then you wake up one morning, look around you and wonder how you got there.

I recently read about writing a Life List, an inventory of 100 things you want to accomplish with your time on earth. We rarely daydream anymore; wistful pursuits tend to get crowded out by the realities of kids, pets and laundry. This exercise connects us with the deeper wishes of our heart, and allows us to get our daily lives back on track. I wrote one for myself and found it very valuable to be reminded of what my priorities are.

Carve out some quiet time to sit and write your 100 things. Don’t think too much, don’t edit as you go, don’t let your brain take over and say that is an impossible dream or too silly to be written down. No one needs to see your list; it’s not going to be available for public critique. This is simply a chance for you to explore the desires of your soul. 

My list ranges from finding the perfect pen to staying at the Ice Hotel. What would your 100 things look like? Are they about traveling to every corner of the globe? Or about volunteering to improve your little part of the world? Is it about more quality time with your family and friends? Or about overcoming shyness and venturing into a new arena?

Whether it’s about significant accomplishments or tiny victories, writing this kind of list is a great way to get out of the daily routine and wake up to who you really want to be with this life you’ve been given. I think that’s a pretty great New Year’s resolution.

Lisa Jones is a freelance writer and a yoga fanatic with a serious travel addiction. You can find more from Lisa at her blog Just here. Just now.