I am a list maker.
I developed this habit at an early age. My mother wrote out a “to do” list every day and kept it by the calendar. I do the same. I have lists for groceries to buy, books to read, articles and stories to write, things to repair, and places to go. I’m sure you get the idea. I think it is very satisfying to cross things off the lists when they get done.
I also keep my calendar organized and updated. If it’s not on the calendar or a list it just doesn’t happen.
I was very surprised last week when I found that I had a blank day on the calendar. No appointments. No meetings. No deadlines. Just blank space.
I made a brave decision. I put the lists away and had a day with no schedule. I just did things I wanted to do. I was going to list what I did but I decided that would ruin the spontaneity of the day. Suffice it to say, I had a wonderful day!
Here’s a great book those of you who like lists (and those who don’t.)
Wallace’s Lists by Barbara Bottner and Gerald Kruglik (authors) and Olof Landstrom (illustrator)
A mouse named Wallace makes list for everything:
- things to do today
- places with funny names
- things he hates
If something unexpected comes up, he can’t do it because it’s not on a list.
Then Albert moves in next door. Albert does not live a list filled life. He heads off to the park to paint ducks but Albert won’t join him because it’s not on his list. Wallace is bewildered when Albert returns with a painting of an airplane instead of ducks.
I love this conversation between Wallace and Albert:
“I changed my mind,” Albert boasted.
Wallace was dumbfounded.
“Changing my mind is an adventure,” Albert explained.
Albert does learn to let go and ends up having a grand adventure.
Are you a list maker?
I’m celebrating the occasional list free, empty calendar kind of day and hope you can enjoy one, too.
Visit Ruth Ayers Writes and see what other bloggers are celebrating this week.
I’m so glad I stopped by today to read your list/listless post and I’m going to find one of those days and enjoy it. I tend to fill them with other things. Also, this book looks fantastic as mentor text about life and writing.
I love the idea of a listless day, and you’ve inspired to make them happen more often!
Thanks!!!
Joy Becker recently posted…the trenches of writing workshop
Lists are good and useful, gratitude lists especially, but some days are really good without a plan. I like how you took the opportunity and enjoyed your unplanned day.Thank you for the book recommendation.
Terje recently posted…Celebrate: today
I have to admit that I would probably think I forgot something terribly important if I ever woke up to a blank list.
Bernadette recently posted…CELEBRATING THE AUTUMN
I love the idea of a listless day and think I need to find time just for this. Thanks for the idea.
Having a listless day sounds great. I had a friend who wrote endless lists, & she did say things like, “No, I can’t because I have to do ‘this’ today.” Her actions taught me that I can do what I’d like despite other plans. I love the look of that book, a good lesson for everyone.
So fun to have a list-less day. I am also a list maker, but it certainly is a treat to go without once in a while.
I used to be a list-person too. I am still keeping track of my goals and things to do, but I became recently more disciplined and needs less to-do-lists than in the past.
I still write down groceries and such things… or I will forget many!
The books sounds fun!
evelyneholingue recently posted…Fermé Pour la Saison
I am a list maker only because I’d forget what I’m supposed to do! This is a GOOD comp book for one of my stories. Thanks for sharing!
Great book to share with children. Making lists is great, but crossing off the items completed is even greater! Today I’ll try a no-list day.
I love the idea of a day without lists. I often don’t do anything on my lists, but I know that they’re there taunting me about my laziness. I think I’ll have to borrow your idea and make a list which says “toss the list.”
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor recently posted…Shopping Lists | What Do They Say About You?
This is one easy task to accomplish! Thanks for stopping by.