We definitely came up with a morbid title for today’s post, but we hope it grabbed your attention. Have you ever thought about writing your own obituary? As a journalism major, it was one of the basic assignments I had to do in my first college journalism classes. I haven’t thought about it much since college until recently when I was reading an article on motivation. (Sorry, but I don’t remember where the article was.) Anyway, the article offered up this challenge: Write your obituary the way it would REALLY be if you died today, AND THEN write your obituary the way you WANT it to be.
It’s January, and we all get the chance to make a fresh start. We can change up our lives by getting into shape, adding more exercise, cleaning out closets, etc. It is also a great time to start thinking about those life-long goals that have been lingering in the backs of your minds. In other words, it’s time to tackle that bucket list.
Even if you are knee-deep in diapers, work, debt, or are challenged by health issues, is there just one thing you could do today to take a step toward achieving a goal?
Think about it. Just one step toward rewriting your obituary in a different way can get the process started. It’s a lot to think about, but if it doesn’t happen today, then when? There’s a saying that I love: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” You also need to be the change you want to see in your life.
Since I stopped working, I have been lucky enough to take on some new challenges. I started bicycling long distances and traveling more. I took art classes (still do) and French classes (stopped), volunteered more, served on some community boards, read more, learned to blog, spent more time with friends, etc. I have added to my bucket list and removed some things after I realized they weren’t that important to me. I still would like to learn to crochet, ice skate, bicycle in South America and Australia, visit my last continent (Antarctica) , take the master gardener classes, and more.
It’s always a work in progress. The goals and list can change, but taking a step to get them started is doable. “Beginning is half way there” is another quote I love, and I think it is so true. So, try to take the time to write that obituary – the one you WANT. It might be just the jump-start you need.
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Janette…what a wonderful post….I am sure many of us wonder what our obituary would be like, what our closest family member with the task would write…We often stray from even thinking of that…not wanting to think about the inevitable … but you make good point….You are blessed to have had the opportunity to travel the world…I hope that you realize your dreams of visiting that last continent and biking through South America…I have always wanted to learn to ice skate, but I think at this point I will protect my bones!! 🙂 For me, the crocheting will be much safer!…
Janette says
Shirley, I tried to not sound too preachy, but I truly believe what I wrote.