listing

I like making lists. A lot. It helps me gain a sense of control over the things I have to do or deal with. I can brainstorm on a list what's in my head, and in so doing, it becomes more visible, tangible, manageable. Thus, for me, listmaking is a very practical, efficient, and useful endeavor.

But listmaking also can have many therapeutic benefits, as I was reminded by a book I found while packing up my library recently. I remember purchasing More List Your Self: Listmaking as the Way to Personal Discovery a few years ago, attracted by the combination of listing and self-improvement.

On the back cover of the original List Your Self book, the art of listmaking is described this way:

Listmaking is easier than journaling because you don't have to pour your heart out, record your days, or pass judgment. One list leads to another and before you know it, you're on a playful yet profound excursion into your past, present, and future--to places filled with self-discovery and awareness.

Here are some sample prompts for lists:

• List the occasional song lyrics or pieces of poetry that stream through your mind during the day.
• List the things that continually bring you joy.
• List your personal mantras or words to live by.
• List what you'd do if you only had a few weeks left to live.
• List the things you could be doing instead of being glued to your computer.

I like this one, too: List the excesses in your life, from possessions to behaviors. My list would include:

• penguin collection (150+ items!)
  
• computer games (Scrabble Blast)
  
• containers (boxes, bins, baskets, bags...)
• salty food (nuts, chips, salt in general)

Now that I've re-discovered my listmaking book, I think I'll pick it up now and again and see what inspires me. If you're inspired, tell me your responses to one of the listing suggestions above and/or give me some of your own listmaking ideas. Looking forward to it.