100 Things of Joy

I'm very big into lists as some of you may know.

One list that has gotten me out of some very dark places is my 100 Things of Joy List. I've been actively making these lists since 2010. It's similar to a gratitude journal, experiential wish list or happiness tracker.

Sometimes it takes a day to write down 10 things or a month to write down 50 or even half a year for a full 100. When you're climbing out of a tunnel it's hard to rush the race to the light.

Write down something or someone that makes you excited about life.

If it's something, do it.
If it's someone tell them.

If you have trouble thinking about what to add, congratulations you're in the explore phase. It's your job now to explore your boundaries, open your heart, and cultivate the awareness around what you resonate with and what you're meant to do.

When you complete a list, you're now in the exploit phase. If you don't have time for the things on your list, it's time to remove or reduce things not on your list from your life.

Every two to three years try to rewrite the list from scratch without looking at the prior list. Unless, you feel lost and need a map to guide you.

There will come a point in time where what took months to write 100 things, will take days, and then minutes.

Why keep a list?

When you're in a really dark place, you can literally forget what joy feels like. You'll need clues, breadcrumbs to remind you where to go. More than a list, you'll need people to support you along that journey. A list is a good first step in how people can help you and how you can help yourself.