My “Do Something That Makes You Happy Today” List

Posted on January 11, 2016 by

I’m a HUGE list maker. I’m a planner. I come by it naturally – teaching forces me to know what’s going to happen (or at least have some sort of starting idea) every minute from 8:00 to 3:15. My days operate with lesson plans and bells, and I even can tell you what time I can take a bathroom break and when I can eat my lunch. Down to the minute.

Writing lists makes me happy.

It’s normal that this sort of planning would trickle over into my non-teaching life, right? Some call it a curse.

I have lists for this week, and then a specific plan for today. I write down what I need to do, what I want to do, and what I dream about doing. I have lists for the month, lists for the summer (usually full of big projects that I don’t have time to do during the school year, like painting the living room or sorting out photos on the computer), and lists for the different stores I like to shop. I have lists for cards to send, gifts to buy, and places I want to travel.

I’m sorry – does this sound overwhelming to you? Honestly, I don’t think I could function without a list.

This day definitely made my happy list.

This day definitely made my happy list.

In 2016, I’m adding one more list: a “What will make me happy today” list.

I was inspired by a meme on Facebook that read, “Make a list of things that make you happy. Make a list of things you do every day. Compare the lists. Adjust accordingly.”

Wow-  so simple, right? It made me stop and think. How many ‘happy’ things do I do every day? And why didn’t I think of this?

I had no idea that ‘happy lists’ were a THING. Wow – all the images and memes and ‘happy groups’ out there! I love it when Facebook teaches me something.

I realized that in the midst of all this listing, this recording and crossing off and getting-it-done, I was forgetting a key component.

Yes, I love the feeling of checking “it” off – that swell of joy at finally completing a long-overdue task, of not forgetting an important date or bringing something somewhere that I need to be.

But despite the momentary joyfulness, I noticed was a crucial missing piece: ME. I was missing from my own ‘to-do’ list.

I’m 50 now. Not that much has changed, really. I’m still mothering and teaching and partnering. I’m still me. Some shifting has happened – one of my kids is living in another state, quite successfully. I have one more at home for three years, and then it’s just me and my husband (imagine the kind of lists I can have then!).

Another happy list day - my 50th birthday celebration.

Another happy list day – my 50th birthday celebration.

I’ve decided that while I’m busy teaching and mothering and being a partner, I need to remember to do more of what makes me happy, every day. So simple, isn’t it?

But I need to not just say I’m going to do it – I need to write it down.

So every day, after I’ve written my morning pages, I’m adding a “What will make me happy today” list in my journal. It’s quite easy, and often it’s the same thing every day: 1. find time to read and write 2. spend time with C 3. take a walk and notice something 4. make something delicious to eat for my family

Writing it down, though, makes a difference. It says to me REMEMBER to do this. Take the time to squeeze in a few minutes of doing what makes you happy today. It says, “You’re important.”

I can check something off my happy list now – writing a blog post is definitely at the top.

What can you write on your happy list today? I’d love to know what’s on the top (or middle or bottom) of your list.

Do it. Now. You’re important, you know.

Jennifer Wolfe

Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.

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Comments: 15

  • Mackenzie Glanville

    February 7, 2016

    Fabulous idea to write it down and follow through, it is always great to do things that make our day happy! Thank you for linking up with #Fridayreflections
    Mackenzie Glanville recently posted…art spacesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      February 7, 2016

      You’re welcome! Yes I love writing it down- it reminds me that I’m #1 on my list!

      Reply
  • Lux G.

    February 6, 2016

    I love reading posts that bring good vibes. This is one of those. 🙂
    Stay happy!

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      February 6, 2016

      Thanks, Lux! I’m trying – focusing on the little things every day sure helps.

      Reply
  • Mary

    February 5, 2016

    I’m so much of a list maker that if I remember something I did that isn’t on the list, I’ll write it on there just to mark it off. Crazy, huh? I’m going to make sure my list has a bit of happiness on it everyday 🙂

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      February 6, 2016

      Mary, I’ve done that too…sigh. I love a sense of accomplishment. 🙂

      Reply
  • Debbie Rodrigues

    February 5, 2016

    I also love lists and to-dos. They help me stay sane in all the craziness of life.
    In fact, last Monday I shared a list of 20 reasons why we should be positive no matter what.

    Yes, we need a happy list reminding us how great life is.

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      February 6, 2016

      Yes, Debbie – staying sane is important!

      Reply
  • Janine

    February 5, 2016

    Great idea! I used to be such a list person but I’ve really lost my way the last few years. I think I need to take a page out of your book!

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      February 6, 2016

      Janine, thanks for the comment. Do what makes you happy today!

      Reply
  • sue

    February 4, 2016

    Hi Jennifer

    I’m a list person too!!! I love writing a list of all I want to do and then crossing it off when I achieve it. I have almost finished by #100happydays challenge and it is surprising how little things can make you happy when you concentrate on all the positives in your life. Thanks for sharing with us at #fridayreflections, have a lovely weekend!

    Reply
  • Helen Gandy

    January 16, 2016

    I also love a good list, nothing better than writing one in my opinion 🙂 Lovely post and thanks for sharing with the #bestandworst
    Helen Gandy recently posted…Our Week!My Profile

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      January 16, 2016

      Hi Helen, and thank you! Nice to meet a fellow list maker – cheers!

      Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      February 7, 2016

      You’re welcome! I would be lost without my lists- that’s the truth. Thanks for commenting. It means a lot!

      Reply
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