Making a life list

Making mud cakes at kinder

A couple of years ago I was in the midst of a big career decision. Two paths lay ahead of me and I had to choose - and fast. It was one of those times that I didn't know which way my instinct was pointing.

My husband is a wise man - he knows never to tell me what to do - so he suggested a way for me to reach this decision by myself.

And so it was that I came to write a life list, one that set out my priorities. I love a list at the best of times, but even I snubbed the idea at the time. I mean, I know what's important to me without writing it down! Still, I went along with it because there weren't any better suggestions going around.

Writing a list can provide such clarity. I wrote down how I wanted to spend my time over the next few years, and then figured out which of my career options suited that lifestyle best.

I'm in the need of a new life list. Not a "five year plan" or anything concrete or formal, and not even one that lists any goals as such - but one that sets my priorities and reminds me to focus on what's important.

That's all it might take to clear my mind once again.