Recently, I was watching a show on CBS called Hidden Heroes. It’s a feel good type of show – highlighting people who do good things for others. One segment featured a large oversized note set up in a public area. The words, “To Do” were written across the top. People passing by were asked to write their to do lists on the board. The usual types of tasks showed up:  do dishes, laundry, exercise, buy milk, pick up dry cleaning. Next to this note was another blank note with the same words, “To Do” written across the top. The same people were then asked to write a new to do list. But they were asked to think bigger. And an amazing thing happened. The to do list changed. These same people wrote things like, Open a Restaurant, Write a Book, Get Married, Become a Fashion Designer, Start a Business, Finish College. The new to do list reflected their dreams, not just their daily chore list.

We have to do the daily chores. As a matter of fact this blog was born from the idea that I could be mindful and present during the most mundane tasks. And if we don’t do the dishes or the laundry or pay the bills – well, we won’t go there. But do we take the time to think beyond the daily chore list?  Do we take the time to think bigger? Do we dream?

When you think bigger, what do you see? What would you do?  Where would you go? Maybe it’s something on your bucket list. I talk a lot about bucket lists here. Maybe it’s a lifelong dream you’ve had. Maybe it’s something you’ve always wanted to do but life took you in a different direction. Maybe it’s even a career change for the second half of your life.

If I could go back and do it all over again- you know, Monday morning quarterback- I may have done things differently. But I have no regrets about the path I chose.  I strongly believe we learn something every step of the way. But as I look to the second half of my life, maybe it’s time to revisit my to do list. I would love to help people understand nutrition and healthy cooking. This is something I am passionate about. But another degree? At this point in my life I don’t have the time for another education and nor do I want student debt. Not saying it can’t be done, but there are other things I can do associated with nutrition and cooking that don’t require me going back to school. And I always wanted to own a bed and breakfast.  Now this is something I would truly enjoy! A cozy cottage in a coastal town somewhere in the South. A town that is large enough you don’t know everybody, but small enough you feel like you could. A place where a bicycle is a preferred means of transportation. I’d just love meeting all the people who came to stay.  Of course, I wouldn’t mind being the next Anthony Bourdain either – traveling to various locations, just hanging out with the locals, and sharing it with the world.  Might as well put it out there.  Who knows, maybe I’ll do all three.

So, what is on your to do list? What are your dreams? What’s stopping you from writing them down and putting the first step in achieving those dreams on today’s to do list?

xoxo, Lori