Make a List.

I'm hoping to share quite a few ideas in this blog for everyday creative living.  (And by creativity, I don't really mean making stuff.)  If you're reading this, you're a past customer, a friend, family...you already know that I try to nurture creativity in my little world:  I keep scrapbooks, I exercise, I send holiday cards, I use the library -- all are conscious choices I've made.  When I focus, I can do more/enjoy more/relax more (though I'm better at doing than I am at relaxing).  Here's how I got started:

Step One
Years ago I started a list of "Things I'd Like to Do."  I kept it in a notebook so I could add to it over time.  My initial thought was just to get all the ideas floating in my head down on paper so I wouldn't forget them.  My list looked something like this:

• decorate the house seasonally with pillows, wall hanging, hand towels, flag, etc.
• send an annual Thanksgiving card
• keep scrapbooks for the kids
• sew for myself
• get regular haircuts
• help at church
• have a collection of stories we read only at Christmas
• have a welcoming guest room
• send thank you notes

Forest was a baby, Juliet was a toddler, I was trying to keep my business going, we had just moved into this house, and apparently just remembering to get my haircut was something I had to write down.

I included things I was already doing as well as things I've been wanting to do for awhile.  I lived with the list for a couple of years before I did anything more.  I reviewed it a few times a year and added to it occasionally (get into a housekeeping routine, read chapter books aloud, stop talking about money).

Now...go start your list.  Write five things or five pages.  Be exhaustive.  Pat yourself on the back.  Remember what you dreamed as a kid.  (I did actually dream of having a welcoming guest room.)  Tomorrow I'll help you turn that list of miscellaneous ideas into a plan of action!

P.S.  Congrats to Kristan, who wins a book from me! 

Comments

[sosser]

hello there! i just discovered you from a link sent by a mutual friend. loving what i see so far... especially relating to "dreaming of having a welcoming guest room"... something i have yet to achieve!

a fellow list maker :)

[Melissa]

Love your list! I am a lot of the same on my list too!
I can't wait for more creative ideas to come.

Have a great day!
Melissa