I love making lists. I also love thinking about the future. And while the latter is not necessarily a bad thing, it's sometimes difficult for me to focus on the present and truly live in the moment.
But how does my love for lists relate to my tendency to think too far ahead? Lately, I've found that I can make lists to help me notice and enjoy what I'm doing right now.
When I first started making lists, they were primarily to-do lists. I wrote to-do lists specifically for homework. I wrote a list of books I wanted to read, one of movies I hoped to watch, along with others of songs I wanted to arrange and cover. I still keep these lists, along with a list of music recommendations I've received from other people, a list of writing ideas I get throughout the day, and another of tech-related projects I'd like to devote some time to later on. And of course, I have a shopping list, a wish list, a list of scholarships and internships to apply for, a bucket list... the list goes on (pun intended).
A little over a year ago, I decided to make a list that was distinct from the rest for the following reason: it wasn't a checklist. The list was, by nature, meant to get longer rather than shorter. It was a list of things that make me happy.
It is important to note that many of the items on this list are not actually tangible, material "things." Some of them are, but others are not. Some are people. Some are places. Some are memories, experiences, or ideas. Here's an excerpt:
- discovering new music
- libraries
- spending time with family and relatives
- jamming with friends
- iced coffee
- long, scenic drives
- logic puzzles
- biking fast on a hot day
- the feeling you get when you finish debugging your computer program and it finally works
Over time, I began to realize that my "Happy List," as I like call it, was helping me focus on the present. It was most helpful when I took the time to write new list items that were making me happy at that very moment, or things that had made me happy throughout the day.
An alternative list I wrote more recently is a list of things to look forward to. This one is a bit counterintuitive. How is it that a list of things to look forward to helps me stay mindful and present? I'm not entirely sure, but I think it has something to do with being more conscious of the list items themselves. For instance, my list isn't simply composed of unusual, unique, and/or momentous events far away in the future. Instead, I try to include "smaller" things that I know will happen very soon, such as going out for a meal with a friend, petting my dog, and enjoying a movie night with my roommates. Once these items are on the list, I tend to notice them more than I would have previously, especially while they are actually happening. I regard them as "list items," and appreciate them immensely in the moment.
An additional benefit to both of these lists is that they have allowed me to realize how truly fortunate I am. I have so much in my life that makes me happy and many wonderful things to look forward to, and for that I am beyond grateful.
So if you find yourself caught up in the busy and fast-paced nature of college life - if you find it difficult to live in the moment or remain consciously appreciative of the good things you're experiencing right now - take a break and make some lists. It doesn't take long, and while it might not work for everyone, there's a good chance it'll work for you.
