Living an intentional life

What are the wildest dreams you have for your life?

When my dad was 25 he wrote a life list - those things he hoped he would accomplish in his wildest dreams.  His list included things like learn to play a musical instrument, own a truck, run a marathon, and many more.  At age 50 he had accomplished everything on the list.  It was at this point I asked him if he was going to write another list or not.  His response?  My life has already exceeded my wildest dreams, so no.  He now gives himself challenges - like running the Grand Canyon (35 miles in one day), or building a boat - but no more adding to his life list. 

At the age of 28 I followed in my dad's footsteps and wrote my own life list.  It was harder than I thought, but it was fun to think about what I wanted to accomplish and what my deepest, wildest dreams for my life were.  Some I have already accomplished - like learning to bake cakes, owning a convertible, learning to surf and hula dance.  Some I am working on - becoming a better tennis player, walking a marathon, earning a third degree.  And some will come in future years.  Each year I take out the list and think about what one or two things I want to work on for the year.  It's fun to see what I've accomplished and to think about what I want to try to do for the present year. 

I think I went through my early 20s feeling a little lost.  I graduated college, I got my Masters, I started my career, and then I didn't know what came next.  I wanted there to be more, not just this is my job and this is it, but more.  A more abundant life - not just work, church, home.  The making of this list has given me that, an abundant life full of adventures and new learning experiences.  I have been reminded this week how short life is and I am so grateful for the experiences I have already had and hopeful for the ones yet to come.  I think what I've learned from my dad is how important it is to live an intentional life.  To think about those things that you would love to be, or do, or learn, or the places you would like to go.  It's worth pondering, worth writing down, and worth going after. 

What are the wildest dreams you have for YOUR life? 

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