So every year I make this list. We’re all guilty of making lists for tout et n’importe quoi and I’m the first to know that it can become a little ridiculous. In my case they are about the admin things I have to catch up on, the money I spend monthly and roughly on what, things that I should do in London and “things that I like” wish-lists (which makes me sound dreadfully materialistic, thank you Pinterest and Etsy!).

Now the list that I’m talking about is the one that lives in my underwear drawer.

It has pretty much been the single big motor of change in my life and I sat down to write it on the morning of my 22nd birthday on November 18th 2009. Starting with:

1. Break up with boyfriend.

2. Do not pursue Phd.

3. Move abroad (to an English-speaking country).

I wrote the list when I was really unhappy and well, I am not anymore. I guess there is a simple philosophy at work behind using a symbolic day to take a few hours and think about the little things (and the big things) that would really make you happier.

The list keeps your secrets, your shame, your regrets and your desires to itself. It is a promise that whenever you feel angry or bored or down, you know the things that would take you one step closer to who you want to be so that the only thing you have to do is to pick a number and make it happen. The list keeps you on your toes.

If you’ve never had a list, then give it a go. I promise it will make you a happier person. From the first one to a few lists down the road, you will get to know yourself better. I’m not talking hippy bullshit, you’ll just feel more strongly about the things that you want at any given time, however little or big, because you will have allowed a space for them in your mind.

I hope you had a lovely weekend and if you liked this article and want to be updated of new posts on Hecticophilia, please consider giving a like to my Facebook page to follow new publications easily or add my blog to your Feedly or Bloglovin reader feed.