It wasn’t as easy to identify 43 things as I thought it would be. I found myself deferring finishing the list for about a month, adding when I had time and/or inspiration. I’m a bit sheepish about a couple of goals – for example, I boldly declare that I want to hike the Grand Canyon, but I’ve lived in America all my life and have made absolutely no effort to actually do it. But I can honestly say that every single thing on this list is something I really want to do, something that’s been nagging at me. OK, sometimes the nag is more of a shrill scream (as is the case of not throwing my clothes on the floor).

I’ve made similar lists to this before, and I’ve found them extremely helpful for keeping LIFE in mind. I’ve always had goals, but the black-and-white of writing them out has helped me focus time time and energy. I mean…doing 43 things will take time, and I only have a finite amount of it. Do I spend it working towards doing the 43 things I most value/admire/desire? Or, will I spend it trying to live someone else’s idea of a great life?