Friday, July 25, 2008

A 101 quandary

I am in a 101 quandary. I'm at a loss. I need your help.

What's the point of my 101 list? Is it simply something to keep me busy? Is it a way to stretch myself beyond my current boundaries? Is it a way to feel like I've accomplished something in a society that tells me that without fulfilling the roles of wife and mother I don't really count? Is it a way to suck the marrow out of life? It's probably a mixture of all of these at some level.

But here's where my quandary comes in. I have just 355 days left of my original 1001 and, without the intervention of a miracle from God or a rich uncle to wipe away my credit card debts, fill my 401(k) and buy me a new car, there are just certain things on my list that I am NOT going to be able to finish by July 15, 2009. Then there's the problem that I've created by creating my NEXT 101 list, which is to start July 16, 2009 (no rest for the wicked, you know). There are things on that list that I would like to do now. For instance, I would like to (#79 on the new list) buy an odometer for my bicycle so that I could know how far I bike in a week, etc. Troy suggested that I swap something from my current list to the new list, but that sort of feels like cheating. On the other hand, if these lists are sort of a way to live life to the fullest and to do those things that will challenge me, make me happy, give me a sense of fulfillment, should I really put it off simply because it's not the official starting date?

So, this is where you come in. I've added a poll to the blog and I would love to know what you think. Perhaps I'll even let majority rule! Let me know what you think, folks!

3 comments:

The Reagan Recorder said...

If you want to do it, just do it. You don't need to live your life by a list. When we first spoke about your list, I thought it was to expand your horizons and open to new horizons. And you have done a great job of that! So, I would by the odometer and make a new 74 for your new list!

Anonymous said...

I also vote for swap out. For the things that you just know you're not going to accomplish, you are working on them. Just because you won't accomplish them by a random date doesn't mean you've failed. It just means that sometimes things take longer than you originally planned.

To me, the list seems like a way to stretch yourself, and since you're discovering more ways to stretch, I don't think it hurts to add them.

IndyLovelace said...

It is not about the list...it's about the journey...

For me, a list helps me focus instead of letting time just pass by.

Somewhere I heard once...if you aren't keeping score, you are just practicing. Hmm, I wonder if this applies to a list?

In any event, I think it is far more important to keep yourself motivated that to worry about the legalities of what gets done on a given list. I find that's soooo true with exercising. It isn't really about having an awesome workout every day, but keeping the routine of going every day. Some days will be good, some days will be bad...just keep going, day in and day out! My normal routine is to run, but somedays I just walk. After a walk, I still feel better. :)

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