That's where my list comes into play. I'm sure you've seen it, either here or on another blog: 101 things I want to do in 1001 days. The concept is so very simple, but can be lifechanging for someone like me; someone who dreams of fairy tales and happy endings. Because when you write all of these things down, when you truly put it out there, they just start to happen.
Think about it. How would you know that you've reached your goals if you didn't know what those goals were? It doesn't matter if you dream of being a doctor, or simply want to fall in love, write it down. Because there will be nothing more satisfying in life than when you can cross it off your list.
My big dreams in life are what keep me grounded now. I always have something to look forward too and something to work toward. And, as strange as it sounds, these things make me infinitely happier now than I ever have been in my life. I appreciate my life for what it is now, and look forward to what it could possibly be in the future.
But, the purpose of this post isn't to just tell you to dream big. I wanted to share with you a few of the items from my list, and tell you all why they are so important to me. Because while most of them seem small and insignificant, it's the little things in life that make us happy.
Number 5: Finish Writing a Book
I'm sure you all know by now how much I enjoy writing. But what you may not know is that writing is my creative outlet; my way of expressing all of the wonderful stories floating around in my head. I already told you that I'm a dreamer, and writing is my way of putting those dreams into reality. As cliche as it sounds, I don't necessarily write for others. I write because it's my way of experiencing so many of these impossible things I've imagined.
Number 52: Do Something I'm Afraid of
I'm afraid of everything. I'm afraid of sharks and the ocean. I'm afraid of my husband driving home late at night. I'm afraid of the dark and of needles and of being home alone.
I'm okay with being scared. I like to think that it keeps me practical. But that doesn't mean I should live my entire life in fear. So, it doesn't matter if I can check this one off because I donated blood {number seventy-nine} or went swimming in the ocean, as long as I do something that I'm afraid of. And if I'm still afraid after I do it, that's okay too. It's just the experience that's important.
Number 58: Write Down my Favorite Recipes from my Grandparents
I couldn't tell you how many times I've asked my grandpa how to make pancit or lumpia. Every time I've asked I get the same answer....just take some of this {no concrete measurements, of course} and a little of that and put it in there...
I'm sure any one in my family would tell you that they've gotten the exact same response from him as well. But I really don't want his cooking to be lost. Honestly, he doesn't use recipes and it tastes different every time, but I want to be able to give my own children a taste of my grandfather's cooking someday, even when he isn't around to make it for them. And when I'm gone, I want them to be able to pass it down to their kids. It doesn't matter if the measurements aren't perfect, as long as I can give my kids the same experiences that I was lucky enough to have growing up.
Number 88: Write a Letter to Someone I Admire
Obviously, I'm a fan of writing things down. I have found, relatively recently, that writing things down and sharing things with people are the best way to understand what you want in life, and to hold yourself accountable.
I have plenty of people that I admire whom I've never met, and I have no idea who I am going to write the letter to yet. But I think that just writing down the things that I look for in a person would force me to look for those qualities within myself.
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So, that brings me to number 87: Have a Guest Blogger.
I've posted for other blogs before, and I've absolutely loved it. So, now I want to have some of my favorite bloggers post for me. And I think the theme of this very post would be wonderful to continue. So, I want to know what inspires your goals and how you plan on reaching them. Do you have a list like mine? Or do you just dream big and hope that someday it will all happen? {Sometimes, I do that too}
It would be an absolutely honor for me to have any one of you post for Where We Love is Home. If you're interested, feel free to send me an email at Joelle@Whereweloveishome.com. I can't wait to hear from you!
I hope you are all having an absolutely beautiful day.
Love,