Do you create “to-do” lists? And if so, have you ever added something to the list that you’ve already done just so you can check it off? I sheepishly admit I have done this! I love lists, and if you do too then this activity is one you can really get behind.

I owe a debt of gratitude for this idea in part to author Emily P. Freeman. Some of the list ideas you’ll find here are lovingly borrowed from her podcast “The Next Right Thing.”

Lists are a fantastic and easy way to record memories from the past month. They can be used to track progress towards a goal, or simply help you check in with your inner self. Here are just a few “list” ideas to take with you on your next Personal Retreat Day. (Yes – I’m making a list of lists. Of course I am!)

• A “What I’m Into Now” List – This is a fun list of things you enjoyed the previous month: movies you watched, TV shows you’re bingeing, books you’re reading, new recipes you tried and enjoyed. Maybe you discovered a hidden hiking trail or checked out a new restaurant in town. Quickly jot down those fun things. This gets your brain warmed up and helps you appreciate life’s enjoyable moments.
• A “What I’ve Learned” List – No matter what your age, you should always, always be learning! A friend of mine has a saying, “If you aren’t learning, you’re dying.” Look back over the past four to six weeks and think about what you’ve learned. It could be an interesting fact you learned from reading a book, something you learned about a friend, a new skill you’re developing, or a profound life lesson. My favorite thing about this list is it gives you an opportunity to turn something negative around. For example, I recently finished a huge work project that I mostly hated: the hours were extremely long and tiring, and I felt underqualified, overwhelmed and unappreciated. After the project was finally over, I made a list of all the things I learned from the experience. To my surprise the list was quite long and I was able to look back on the job with fresh eyes. I realized I had learned a ton! Now instead of complaining about how horrible the project felt, I choose to recall the takeaways that I can incorporate during my next work opportunity.
• A “Life Filling/Draining” List – Reflect on the past month: what were the activities, people, and events that seemed to breathe new life into you? Conversely, what things sucked the air right out of the room? Divide a sheet of paper into two columns. On the left, jot down those things that sparked energy and joy — things that filled your life bucket. On the right, take note of anything that drained you. There’s no need to deeply analyze this list, but perhaps you’ll notice patterns. Reading through it may (or may not) motivate you to make some changes.
• Other List Ideas –  The three prompts above are certainly not exhaustive. I keep a daily gratitude list (I jot down a minimum of three things I’m thankful for each morning). If you have a word of the year (or quarter, or month), try listing ways you’ve seen your word manifested in your life. A few months ago I wrote a blog about keeping a joy list. I like to review it periodically and add new things that bring me joy. Writing and sharing about Personal Retreat Days is certainly on that list!

Activity Cheat Sheet:

1. Choose a list from the ideas above that really speaks to you today
2. Spend no more than 10 minutes to list your answers
3. Take the list with you on your next Personal Retreat Day and review the answers. Did anything change?

One more thing before you go: Find me on Facebook or Instagram and give @personalretreatday some love!