I love lists. They clearly illuminate what's important. Some lists are written down and some I just keep in my head. They are changing all the time but always there. Any day can be a good day with the correct application of the right list.
- People - Make a list of the people in your life that make it special. Then set some goals for making some of them part of each day. It might be a phone call, or a postcard, or a chat. If it's someone that's passed then it might be quiet time of reflection or prayer.
- Food - We all have food that makes us feel better. It might be comfort food or healthy food but knowing what snacks or food you want or need to make today a good day can make a good day. Your grocery list or errand list should have "good day foods" on it.
- Books - There are books I've read so many times they are like an old friend or a warm blanket. I can open them up anywhere and know what's happened and what's going to happen. They are instant good day makers. You book list might have books you've read out loud to your kids. It's not important if the books are picture, comic, self-help, or bodice-rippers; your book list will be yours. Make sure you have the listed books on hand as needed.
- Objects - Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens may be some of your favorite things. You may have photographs of your family that bring you joy. Perhaps the ashtray you made in shop class takes to you a place and time when all was good in the world. Knowing what things make you happy is one step closer to being happy.
- Activities - You may like doing things by yourself or with a friend. Gardening or walking or doing puzzles or watching a movie may be your jam. Whatever it is you like to do write it down in a list so you have a clear idea of what your best options are when you need a boost.
- Tasks for the day - Write down what you want to do today. Does it seem reasonable? Do you need to move things to tomorrow? Are they prioritized and optimized? There should be things on that list that you enjoy. Marking them off as you finish provides feelings of success. Moving the things that are not completed to tomorrow's list is totally acceptable.
- Goals - I once read that if you aim at nothing you are sure to hit it. Naming what you want is a great reminder to do things that will help you reach the goal. If you have "Be a world-class singer" on your list and you are not singing daily, you may need to revise your goal or do more to achieve it.
- Bad-day makers - Have you ever made a list of things that are sure to trigger a bad day? A list of things to avoid? What would happen if you had that list in front of you every day? You might make more of an effort to mitigate those things each day. You might also work to remove them from your life entirely. If you had a list and three of the items were work related you might be motivated to change jobs.
