I grew up in an era where list making was left to the domain of the super organised.
That was till the 90's when those that could, did. It was a "Wish List", a "To Do List" or simply "A List". Any kind of list would do.
I remember having a housemate that wrote lists all the time. In fact our apartment was covered in lists, little yellow "Post It Notes" everywhere. They were in the bathroom, on the vanity, the toilet cistern, on the cupboards in the kitchen, on the dining table, the dresser. In fact, it turned out that our housemate had mental health issues and the "little yellow notes" were a sign that it was all heading south. Who would have guessed it??
When I had my first business in the early 90's, a Hairdressing Salon, I realized that lists were good, great in fact! A fantastic way of getting ideas and mental trains of thought into black and white, or blue onto yellow as it turned out. But these were "To Do Lists" and "Wish Lists" but some how over the years and yes there have been many since then, things have changed.
Lists, apparently now, are "Bucket Lists". That is, lists of things to Do, See, or Own before one "Kicks The Bucket". I must have missed the memo, but since when did "He who SEES/DOES the most wins", or "He who OWNS the most wins"?
Why is it not "He who IS the most wins"? By IS the most, I mean IS the most Loving, IS the most Compassionate, IS the most Forgiving, IS the most Generous, IS the most Caring, IS the most Sharing, IS the most Kind?
Why is it that we all seem to strive to SEE or DO or OWN more and not BE more?
I have never written a "Bucket List" but if I did, what would be on it? If it all ended tomorrow, or next week, what would I want to have achieved in this life? Hmmmm..................
After much thought, I have compiled the following list. Not a "Bucket List" as such but more of a "LOVE LIST".
So here is my LOVE LIST:
During this lifetime I would LOVED to have achieved the following:
1. To have Loved and Be Loved, Be Kind, Be Grateful, Be Compassionate - A constant work in progress
2. To have raised a child that shows compassion towards others/animals/mother nature/the environment- A work in progress but happy to say, well on it's way!
3. To have shown compassion and helped those that don't have a voice (Animals)- I became a Veterinary Technician in 1994 and worked in Veterinary hospitals and also a Zoo, Blossom is Certified Cruelty Free and has a strict Palm Oil Policy and this is just a baby step. I adopt and don't shop for animal companions (over the years : four dogs, nine chooks, one rooster, three cats, one goat, three horses, three guinea pigs and too many wild birds/animals to mention). I also sponsor "blossom" a cow at "Edgars Mission Farm Animal Sanctuary", donate to "Save A Horse Australia" and also "Sea Shepherd Australia",. There is always more that can be done though.
4. To have given more than I have taken- A hard one to measure but I feel that I am somewhat on my way by giving people an ethical, clean, green, sustainable, cruelty free skin care option and helping to educate people in regards to clean green living and also in regards to animal welfare. "Take only photos, Leave only footprints".
5. To have made a positive difference and been true to myself- This is the hardest one of all to measure. After all, who is qualified to measure this? Deep within in your heart lies the true answer. BE still, BE quiet and listen to your heart............
So what's on your "LOVE LIST"??
I would love to hear what's important to you so please let me know by leaving a comment below..........
Blessings, Monique x