I'm a big fan of lists.
Every Sunday (sometimes Monday morning) I make a list, as I mentioned in this Instagram post, because it helps me be more productive. This year I'm going to make a slightly more fun list, a list of things to do this summer.
The idea is similar to a bucket list —a list of things to do before you die—you might remember the movie from quite a few years ago. But the end is the end of summer, not the end of life.
Although there are still a few days until summer starts, we have already begun adding things to our list, and we have done it in the following way.
1- Each family member makes a list of 10 things they want to do
2- With each list we make a master list*
3- We decorate the list to make it look prettier
4- We hang it in a visible place - for example on the refrigerator
5- When we don't know what to do, we look at the list and see the options
6- Once we have completed the activity, we mark it on the list
*When making the master list you can eliminate activities that are impossible, for example my children wanted to go to Paris and London this summer, something that is not going to be possible.
Having a to-do list eliminates the need to think in the moment, which makes the day easier. Also, in the summer, or when we're on vacation, it's quite easy to get stuck in a rut, something I don't mind doing occasionally, but I don't want to do every day, however tempting it may seem at the time.
Since the whole family has contributed to the list, it's easier to convince everyone to do something that only one member wants to do, because there will be a day when what one wants will be done.
Having a list doesn't eliminate spontaneity, because if we do something that's not on the list, we can add it once we've done it. For this reason, it's good to leave space on the list somehow, allowing room for adding activities.
The final list, with all the activities checked off, can serve as a reminder, especially if you go further and write something about how you enjoyed it, and/or add photos.
These are some of the things we already have on our summer list:
- Kayak Excursion
- Go to the beach
- Have a picnic
- Invite our family over for dinner at home
Have you ever made a bucket list for summer?