"21 for 21" List

[abasket]

Not a “to-do” list but a “Happier Want To-Do” list.

I’ve done this for the last couple of years. I make a list of items (19 for 2019, 20 for 2020…) of activities that will make me happier in the coming year. Not the crap you need to do but don’t want to do but the items that will make you smile and enrich your life.

Based on this: Instead of a New Year's Resolution, Write a “21 for 2021” List | Gretchen Rubin

NOT a New Year’s resolution!

Some items I’ve had on my lists in the past:
Try a new haircut
Bake both a sweet and a savory pie
Visit all the local MetroParks
Read 20 books.
Read 2 Young Adult novels.
Try 3 new ice cream shops.
Take a new exercise class.

I’ll be working on my 21 for 21 list probably after Christmas. But posting this here now to draw in others. 2020 was of course marred and stunted by COVID - but I’ll be reviewing my 2020 list soon too.

I actually write mine out, add some decor to the list and print and laminate it so I have it handy to refer to. I put a calendar reminder monthly to review the list so I can feel happy about those accomplished. I’ll admit in 2020 I didn’t review so much because it would make me sad to see what I missed the opportunity of doing!!!

You may very well likely not accomplish all the happiness items on your list - that’s fine! But even if you “do” 10 happy items that’s 10 new happy memories that you made happen in your life!

Feel free to post any or all the items you include on your list on this thread if you like! Remember - this is NOT a to-do list. If painting your house doesn’t make you actually gain happiness it should not be on this list!

[bajamm]

Thanks for starting this, @abasket I have started to formulate my thoughts and will try to get back here to write them out.

[FallGirl]

Likewise. I’m working on my list and will post when I am finished.

[FallGirl]

Ok here it is:

Run a marathon- seriously
Continue making healthy lunches
Meditation- going to try again
Less wine- dry January
Row 3X /week
Meet up w/ college roommate
Visit Nantucket or the Vineyard
At least one event with friend
Race in NYC
Social event w Running Buddies
Watch 10 movies
Listen to 6 new (for me) musical artists
Clean out dresser- as a start
Donate work clothes
Volunteer work at garden
At least 3 DC attractions (new)
Create playlist
Go through old photos
Meet up w cousins
transition to new email address

[VaBluebird]

Sorry, but mine is 21 “survive” entries.

[abasket]

Love your list @FallGirl!!

[abasket]

My 2021 List!

#21for2021 Happiness List !!!

ALWAYS HAVE A BOOK READY ON KINDLE

BUY WHAT I LOVE “ASK MYSELF - LOVE, noT PRICE?”

family airbnb trip

CONTINUE TO BUY CURATED SECOND hand

make better use of lunch hour

grow something new (sweet potatoes)

Make a 2019 and 2020 photo book

explore joining a book club

Run/walk to pburg and back!

TAKE MY MOM TO A LAKE OR AIRBNB

more dinner at the table/outside

take a cooking/food related class

EXPLORE A NEW CITY IN MICHIGAN

Complete a beach glass project!

Make a will <3

get a spring pedicure

trip to cuyahoga valley state park

explore bread baking

Complete health care visits: pap/mammo

20. refresh bedroom/kitchen

21. REDUCE STUFF FOOTPRINT

2021 Inspirational word: “lighten up”

[bajamm]

21 for 2021

1. Have an eye exam (scheduled for New Year’s Day at an eye clinic with 5 docs and one is working!)
2. See a dentist (it’s been 5 years)
3. Get a physical (it’s been 4 years)
4. Make a will. (I’ve already asked a person to be my executor)
5. Travel to see my daughter
6. Research the next vehicle we want to buy
7. Go on a week long road trip, just driving and stopping when and where we want
8. Read more non fiction (probably history and biographies) (gotta get my eyes fixed first to make it easier to read)
9. Intentionally pay less attention to the news
10. Enter more info on a health app on a regular basis. Just to keep track of health and nutrition.
11. Become more creative cooking in the crock pot
12. Take more walks (at least 30 minutes 3-4 times a week)
13. Bake more desserts (healthy yet delicious ones)
14. Work towards cooking ahead for 3 -4 meals a week
15. Foster more in depth communication with my siblings
16. Write more handwritten notes instead of always texting or emailing (at least 2 a month)
17. Listen to my mom tell her stories over and over and over with joy instead of judgement
18. Take a day off every quarter just because, not for vacation or a doctor’s appointment
19. Stop and talk with people more often. Have a real conversation with the cashier at the store or the receptionist at work.
20. Read more spirituality and philosophy like Henri Nouwen and Kahil Gibran
21. Enjoy the new normal at home with both kids now out of the house.

[ClassicMom98]

Several of mine are carryovers from last year because of covid

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1. Starting Jan 1 - Do a strict 12 week diet reset plan so I can be a few # lighter for…

2. Race (not complete) a 5K in April. This assumes my ATs can hold up to fast stuff

3. Read 25 books

4. Update will

5. Complete 3 new hikes

6. Send younger S to study/intern abroad in May/June (Covid permitting)

7. Pick-up younger S and do a European summer vacation (Covid Permitting)

8. Book a cabin at a state park and hike with the family in October

9. Run a longer race (10 miles-half marathon in the fall) in Older S’s new area

10. Go up to the top of the Washington Monument and/or (Covid permitting)

11. Do the White House tour (Covid permitting)

12. Fall cleaning – at least 3 rooms and all closets/drawers

13. Renovate bathroom

14. Compliment/encourage one person/month at the gym (once masks can come off)

15. Organize digital pictures from 2020

16. Teach H how to do our financial stuff

17. Begin to learn German – just a little, so our trip to Vienna in 2022 is easier!

18. Volunteer in some capacity for a local race

[ignatius]

I’ve looked at this the last couple years but never taken the time to do it. I guess first on my “21 for 21” list should be to make a 21 for 21 list.