Life Goals 101

A few years ago I started to think more seriously about the things I'd like to accomplish in my lifetime. At the time, I was already reflecting on all the things I had: a family that loved me, a good education, a happy marriage, amazing friends, a home, a job that I liked, and two incredible children.

It would be downright greedy to ask for more--especially when you consider how fortunate I've been, and how often I take all of these things for granted. Still, I have things, lesser things, that I'd like to do.

Here is a smattering of an ever-changing list of goals that I keep (usually in my head, although sometimes I write them down), and the items are in no particular order. Some are big, some are easy, some are inconvenient and expensive, but this is a "dream list" and it's often in a state of flux.

• Qualify for the Boston Marathon.
• Learn to write left-handed.
• Teach my children to read.
• Volunteer in Africa.
• Take archery lessons.
• Learn to silk screen.
• Attend my 20th college reunion.
• Visit the Azores.
• Complete one one-armed push up.
• Invent something useful.
• Learn to speed read.
• Take my children to New Zealand to meet their relatives.
• Read A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
• Raise a golden retriever puppy.
• Buy a place in Skaneateles, NY.
• Run a 50K race (approximately 30 miles).
• Meet Christiane Amanpour.

Everyone should keep such a list. It's motivating. It serves as a constant reminder of just how much more life has to offer, even if your life is full to the brim.