This week is the final installment of my writing your life list series. If you are new to this series you will want to go back and read the first 3 parts:
 
Part I – Discover what makes you tick & finding your identity (what you value, what excites you, and what influences you) – read here
 
Part II – Determine your goods (goals) & greats (dreams) – read here
 
Part III – Writing your life list using 10 writing prompts to get you started – read here

If you participated in Parts I-III, you should have at least 10 items on your life list. And now comes the hard part…. start. That’s right, just start. The key to starting is very simple. You must plan and then have the guts to just take action.

What do you have to lose? You already know you are worthy of your dreams. No matter what you have done, you are worthy. You don’t have to wait for anything… the perfect marriage, body, finances, etc. You will never get to that point, so again, just start.

Keep it simple and everything else will take care of itself. Don’t spend time worrying about money, allowing the critical self doubting voice (Jane), or comparing yourself to others. It prevents you from living life.

And don’t worry about what others may think, including those closest to you. I love this quote that I read from my husband tonight in the comment section of his guest post. I think it speaks volumes.

“…don’t be afraid of dreaming about things bigger. Jenny’s life list scared me at first. I saw all of these items that would take up time and cost money. As we have pursued them, it has been such a blessing for me and for the kids to see their mom have dreams and actively pursuing them.”

When I showed Jeff my 39 list, he smiled and then had the same look on his face when I told him I was pregnant with Samantha. That I need to support my wife but I’m going to throw up right now look. Considering we had just lost a considerable amount of money by walking away from our dream home, I knew he was nervous that I was now presenting him with a list of things that would require money and other resources.

The good thing about my list is that I have many items that do not require money. If money is needed for an item, I use the internet, library, garage sales, thrift stores, groupons, etc to purchase needed items needed or I barter. This is where planning is key for marking items off my list. I know that I want to go spearfishing and learn how to scuba dive this year. So I am keeping my eye out for discounts as they become available.

About 2 months ago I sent an email to a neighbor who owns a hot air balloon. I asked him what I needed to do to go ballooning, since it was on my list. My options: Pay $350 or help the work crew 3 times and then fly. I crewed for the first time this weekend and it was fabulous. So within the next 6 weeks I will likely fly in a hot air balloon for no cost other than a couple mornings of painless work and fun.

I have known this family for 7 years but never asked. He was ecstatic to share his passion for ballooning and is hoping to get me hooked. Lord knows I don’t need another hobby! Lesson learned… just ask. I probably could have flown a dozen times by now. What are you not asking for?

There really isn’t a magic formula. You are either in the game or left sitting on the bleachers. Life will keep going, with or without you.

If you take one thing away today from this post let it be this… just start. I would love to help in anyway I can.

I’m having another page designed for everyone to link to their life list on their blog. It should be ready by the weekend so get your lists posted on your blog and ready to link. Let’s inspire, learn from, and encourage one another.

Blessings sweet friends – Jenny

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