Mama Zen, that’s a really great point, that also has a lot to do with balance: “Claiming those things is not the same as insisting on having them all the time.”

Meagan, I think that attitude—I’ll get back to living my own life when my kids have grown up—is fairly common among mothers. But you’re exactly right: “that mindset put my kids at odds with my sense of self.” I also agree that kids need to see self preservation modeled by us. It’s an important part of teaching our kids to respect other individuals and to stick up for themselves.

Dave, just imagining all the people out there claiming what they love is really inspiring. I feel like I see so much restlessness and unhappiness around me—so many people longing for something they don’t know how to find or do anything about. If all of this sharing and honesty can give more people hope and fulfillment, I will be ridiculously thrilled.

Jessica, I can really relate to some of your love list items. Thanks for sharing them with all of us. (Also, I just wanted to let you know that you often put a smile on my face.)

Joy, welcome to Halfway to Normal! There is a lot of good energy, even more so now that part of Lance’s great community has joined us here. It’s great to hear your perspective on doing things for others, and also to know that while we should all have a desire to reach out to others, it’s OK for people to go about that in different ways, to different degrees.

Lance, yeah, that deep peace is pretty amazing, isn’t it? I think it really comes when I’m in harmony with who God created *me* to be, and I’m interacting with the world and others around me in a way that honors who I am.

bridgeout, I have loved watching a community of people come together around this idea, each finding their way here along a different path. Thanks for jumping in, and sharing your link.

Tabitha, great! Thanks for letting us know.

http://www.ichoosebliss.net/2009/09/love-list-project.html

And one that I don’t think is selfish or wrong – because we’re better when we’re more connected to who we truly are – and that stems from this place of love. So – have I felt guilty before for loving something? Sure. And I think for me, part of that is as a parent, and am I neglecting my kids by loving something, in the moment, other than them? If I think more broadly, though, that’s a good thing – because I come back to them, or to whatever, refreshed and filled with love and goodness – which is, again, a good place for me to be.

Kristin, thank you for continuing the discussion here…

Your love list idea is so inspiring. I am visiting you through the Jungle Of Life site, and it was so heartwarming to read what everyone loves. Lots of good energy:)

I think you were blessed to have such a Mom. I identify with your mom completely. Lots on my love list are things I enjoy–such as cooking–but absolutely love when it pleases someone else. Often my goal in life is to put a smile on another’s face, and that is the ultimate happiness for me. Genuinely. I have a lot of balance in life so often take time for myself or to indulge in things that solely make my heart happy. But the best for me is to watch my light shine through someone else. I want my children to grow up knowing I love them wholeheartedly, and my friends and loved ones to know how special they are, and I think the best way to show that is to exclusively do things that make them happy even if it involves sacrifice on my part.

Thank you for an inspirational idea. I can’t wait to watch my love list blossom, and to introduce it to my young children to make their own.

there’s just too much to love.
What a great post

KT, you know that for every one that is posting, there are probably many others that are doing this on their own. I love that one individual can positively impact (and cause positive changes) in so many people – simply through the “these are my thoughts, what do you think?” writings that you have done in the past and that your #lovelist is doing now.

I love that it doesn’t take Washington, the IOC, or a vote . . . it takes one person to put that first foot forward — this time it is your foot.

Oh, and I love that people we normally call simply “Mom” and “Dad” are the foundations to make our steps happen – a tip of the hat to Mom-KT.

The Exception, that’s a great point—that we are teaching our kids, by example, how to nurture themselves. Even better if they can learn to do that guilt-free! Your love list is absolutely lovely. I know this isn’t the point, but I can relate to everything you’ve included. :) Thanks for sharing it with the rest of us.

jenx67, are there people out there who *don’t* want more time in their lives? :) So…first we need to figure out how to section off some #lovelist time every day or week, then we need to be ready to use that time in ways that fulfill us and make us more of who we are. Let’s start with an easy goal: 2 hours this weekend. Are you in?

Meredith, your mind works a lot like mine does! You are spinning a story, but it’s a true one. If we don’t take care of ourselves first, we’ll have a hard time being present for others. (It’s like that oxygen mask rule on airplanes!)

Katie, I think your husband’s ability to benefit from your benefits is a really healthy sign (and it goes both ways, of course). Not only does it bode well for a happier home and marriage right now, it says a lot about how you will be able to grow together and offer mutual support as you inevitably change as individuals. If kids ever become a part of your family, they will benefit, too! (I’m loving your blog posts, btw.)