There’s a file on my Google Drive named “Mandy’s Big Fat Wishlist”.
In it, there’s a list of things I want to do in the next few months, the next year, and then within the next 3-10 years. Somehow sitting down and actually writing out things that I want to do/see/be makes it feel more within reach.
Also, it gives me something to open up and look at when I feel unfocused. Maybe it’s a bit woo-woo, but it feels good!
One item I’m working on now is to take Unstoppable, a writing course by the incredible Alexandra Franzen.
I’m a self-help and growth junkie. I read books on how to change your mindset. If I see a blog post relating to organization, I click on it and read it (knowing full well that I probably won’t follow through on the suggestions it gives). Essentially, I am Liz Lemon walking into The Container Store thinking that if I buy all of these little boxes, tins, and bottles, I’m going to get my life in order.
Essentially, I am Liz Lemon walking into The Container Store thinking that if I buy all of these little boxes, tins, and bottles, I’m going to get my life in order.
Like her, it’s more likely I will set something on fire.
But I’m feeling good about Unstoppable so far. I’m about halfway through and enjoying the exercises. One of which (the one that inspired this post) was to set a timer for 3 minutes and write a letter to someone.
I chose myself.
I chose myself because I haven’t written to myself since high school when we were assigned to write a letter in 9th grade to our 12th grade selves.
It’s a strange and wonderful thing to write to yourself. You can reflect and give advice. To some degree, you can be more honest with yourself.
It was a gift. On one hand, I gave myself the gift of time for reflection and self-advice. On another, I gave myself something concrete – much like a big fat wishlist – that I can look back on when I feel unfocused.
A New Year is always filled with great potential. I start every January 1st feeling motivated.
For today, I feel like I’m making progress. The trick is to keep the momentum.
A letter to self from time to time might help.