What are the top 10 things I should experience in life?
/Stepping in to 2017!
As I write this, it is the eve of post-Christmas holiday return to work. While the ambiance of new beginnings flutters around us, the fatigue of indulgence draws us to more couch time.
Now is a good time to think about what it is that we really want. But it feels like an undertaking.
So here’s an idea. Back up and look at the big, big picture. With this viewpoint, we see what is most important to us, what really truly matters.
When we get a sense (and feeling) of what really matters, it is our beacon for work that matters.
What I stumbled upon last year was an app called li.st, a way of looking at life from a lists perspective. It could be like this:
Jobs That Sound a Lot Better Than They Actually Are
- truck driver – sure you get to travel but what do you see?
- cook - sharp knives and hot stoves - a recipe for disaster
While I balk at making a to-do list, I love the idea of a list that gets me thinking.
Near the end of 2016, I was introduced to Quora, a question and answer forum. Great questions which prompt ideas of lists.
Immediately I found one that I wanted to share with you. I invite you to create your own list from this question.
What are the top 10 things I should experience in life?
A globular cluster
Specifically, see this through a telescope. Globular clusters are a densely packed grouping of old stars. The first time I saw one, I was astounded that there could be that many points of light in one space.
Why does this matter? Because it is about looking at something so much bigger than ourselves. Life gets put in perspective.
Listen to someone speaking a language you don’t know
What this requires is so much concentration. Notice what you are noticing. How is the person expressing themselves with their hands or their face?
What does this matter? In our day-to-day lives, we can become immune to the wonder of it all. We need wonder.
Read. A lot.
We get introduced to many ideas through reading. Try different genres. And don’t forget to include books in your must reads.
Why does this matter? It enriches our experience of life.
Real Estate and Workplace Services - Google Offices
Experience awe.
Recently I saw a high-definition video filmed in Costa Rica. As I watched a frog climbing a tree, one foot reaching at a time, I was taken with how its “fingers” worked both together and separately.
Why does it matter? Awe is what fuels us, what makes us feel alive.
Learn something – just because
Years ago, I participated in a whittling course. Besides making a spoon, I also learned how to sharpen a knife, a skill I used this week and how quickly I could cut myself. Did you know there are band aids you put on your hands before using a knife that a knife cannot penetrate?
Why does it matter? Fundamental to being human is the need to learn and grow.
Go wild
Whether it is watching a storm or being out in nature, wilderness reminds us of immense forces that shape our lives.
Why does it matter? A little humbleness helps us all.
The marvel of cities - San Francisco
Big cities
Cities are amazing! What I love about visiting them is the delights and delicacies that makes each of them unique. There is so much to discover; I am struck by how different (and the same) we go about our days.
Why does it matter? Cities offer many ways to relook at our lives.
Travel Alone
My first trip to Europe was a solo trip, a couple of years ago. What I learned from that experience was my ability to solve problems and depending on myself. Keeping my wits about me meant I only went a few blocks in the wrong direction on the metro.
Why does it matter? It keeps us sharp.
Falling in love
This is a definite must in life. It could be another person who you fall in love with. But what about a sunset? The ocean? A dog? A cat? Yourself?
Why does it matter? It expands our world.
Now, I would like to invite you to answer the question. Post your answer in the comments below. Remember there are no rules here - if you have one top thing, that's great!