This
year during Lent I decided to try something new. I found a list of
spiritual practices and did one each day. I enjoyed the list so
much, I didn't want it to end when Lent was over. But I wanted the
list to incorporate other aspects of life as well, not just
spirituality. I wanted to follow a list that would make life more
fulfilling and enjoyable. So
I created this list. It starts on April 20, 2014 and
ends April 19, 2015. This is a list I am going to do my best to
stick with and I'm hoping others will join me. Following the Lenten
list was fulfilling, but would have been even more so if I had been
following it with a group.
If
you are interested in joining me in the this year-long project,
here's some information before you get started.
- The list begins with “Attend an
Easter Service” but it is not an exclusively Christian list. You
will find holy days from many of the major world religions on the
list.
- You do not have to stick with the
order exactly as it's presented, but some days are date-specific,
such as August 10th's “Check out tonight's super-moon.”
Obviously life happens and you won't be able to do everything on the
list-- for instance you have to go to a wedding on the day it says,
“play golf.” If you have a completely full day or an emergency
and you don't get to that arts and crafts project, it's
understandable. If you miss a day, a week or even a month, don't
beat yourself up, just pick it back up when you're ready.
- Due to medical conditions and
physical limitations not everyone will be able to do everything on
this list (like ice skating). Please don't attempt anything you
aren't able to do.
- Each month includes, “Do one
random act of kindness.” These are for you to decide. Some
examples would include: paying the toll for the person behind you,
getting someone coffee who isn't expecting it, making your partner
breakfast in bed, etc...
- There is also a charitable
donation day every month. I know everyone is in different financial
situations, please give what you are able, even it's $5.
- Some items will need planning, so
make sure you read ahead.
- At the end of each month there is
a writing exercise. Just sit down and write anything that comes to
mind on that word. Don't edit it; just write for five minutes. You
don't have to show it to anyone; it's just for you to reflect on.
- I hope this list brings you a
more fulfilling life. Enjoy and God bless!
April
20-
Attend an Easter Service.
21-
Write about where you think this list will take you and how it will
change you.
22-
Watch funny videos on youtube
23-
Do something nice for a secretary (if you don't know one, do
something nice for someone else).
24-
Write yourself three letters, one to be opened in 1 year, 5 years, 10
years. Write where you think you'll be by that time. Ask yourself
questions.
25-
Do a random act of kindness
26-
Exercise 3x for 10 minutes throughout the day. (30 minutes total)
27-
Learn more about Passover (the Jewish holiday that just passed).
28-
Don't compare yourself to anyone else today.
29-
Buy an extra umbrella and give it to someone who doesn't have one.
If it's not raining today, save this one for a rainy day.
30-
Write for five minutes on the word: “family.”
May
1-
Learn more about May Day.
2-
Post status: “What's the funniest movie you've ever seen?”
Choose one from the replies and watch one of them.
3-
Do nothing for 5 minutes.
4-
Grab a paper and pen. Write down the first 10 things that come to
mind: What's most important to you?
5-
Happy Cinco de Mayo. Have a Mexican feast and learn more about
Mexico.
6-
Thank a nurse.
7-
Write someone a letter.
8-
Eat vegetarian today.
9-
Know that country you've heard of, know nothing about and couldn't
even place on a map? Look it up, learn about it.
10-
Play in the dirt/Garden
11-
Dance today and thank the mothers in your life.
12-
Find time to relax today, even if you have to hide in the bathroom to
do so.
13-
Pretend the power is out. Use electricity only when necessary
(fridge, medical items)...
14-
Learn more about Vesak. Meditate or visit a Buddhist Temple.
15-
Buy bubbles and sidewalk chalk.... play with them, then leave the
rest on the sidewalk with a sign that reads: “free—enjoy
spring!”
16-
Bake a cake from scratch.
17-
Write
down where you see yourself in 5 years. If you have a partner, ask
them to do the same. Talk about it.
18-
Don't multitask technology (no playing on your phone/computer while
watching TV)
19-
Learn more about those that are differently-abled (blind, deaf,
paralyzed...)
20-
Do a random act of kindness
21-
Clean out your closet, junk drawer, basement... wherever your dumping
ground may be.
22-
Put money in your savings account.
23-
Find something cool to do in the next town, city, or state. Go do
it.
24-
Play ball with friends or go to the batting cages.
25-
Pray for children, particularly missing children and victims of
violence.
26-
Pray for soldiers, veterans and their families. Pray for victims of
war. Pray for peace.
27-
Donate to your favorite charitable organization.
28-Give
urself, a grammar refresher too make; sure your using the write words
and punctuation? :)
29-
Go for a walk and introduce yourself to a neighbor.
30-
Tell someone stories from your childhood.
31-
Write for five minutes on the word: “happiness.”
June
1-
Donate diapers, wipes or formula to someone in need.
2-
Draw the Divine, then look up “God” artwork and see how other
people imagine the Divine.
3-
Think about everything you throw away today—could it be recycled or
donated? Are there reusable alternatives?
4-
Buy yourself some new sheets.
5-
Watch youtube videos that teach the basics of a foreign language.
6-
Go to the library.
7-
Host a pot luck meal and ask friends to bring a dish from their
heritage-- celebrate diversity deliciously.
8-
Notice where God is working in your life.
9-
Go outside, look up at the sky, look around and find something of
beauty you haven't noticed before.
10-
Read a best seller.
11-
Set a goal, write down the steps you need to take, start today.
12-
What's that thing you remember being bad at but haven't tried in a
while? Try it again.
13-
Watch improv everywhere videos on youtube.
14-
Go on a fancy date or a night on the town with friends.
15-
Thank the fathers in your life.
16-
No added sugar/artificial sweetener day.
17-
Learn more about where your clothes came from.
18-
Do a random act of kindness
19-
Read at a local library (either read aloud to kids or just something
to yourself)
20-
Learn more about the issues in West Virginia.
21-
Play a game you loved as a kid (dodgeball, kickball, bells out, laser
tag) – Enjoy Summer!
22-
Plant something (either literally or creatively)
23-
Leave a gift card at the gas pump.
24-
Eat vegan today
25-
Donate your old magazines
26-
Go on a picnic, look at the clouds.
27-
Watch one of your favorite shows.
28-
Go to a game-- whether it's Little League or Major League (or watch
one on TV).
29-
Learn more about Ramadan. Fast for one meal.
30-
Write for five minutes on the word: “adventure.”
July
1-
What are the funniest memories you can think of? Share one with
somebody.
2-
Buy someone flowers
3-
Go on a weekend trip. If you can't afford it, look at pictures of a
foreign country and learn more about their culture.
4-
Enjoy fireworks
5-
Ride on something you don't usually ride on (bike, skates, bus,
train, boat)
6-
Do a random act of kindness
7-
Leave your comfort zone today
8-
Take a walk, really notice things
9-
Thank your favorite teacher
10-
Drink only water as your beverage today
11-
Research the difference among: conventional, organic, and local
foods.
12-
Spend time with friends or family
13-
Say sorry for something you've done in the distant or recent past
14-
Get a map of the U.S.A., close your eyes, point. Learn more about
that state.
15-
Grab paper and pen, set a timer for 5 minutes; write down what you
are thankful for.
16-
Read “Half the Sky” or another book that will change your world
view (if you aren't much of a reader, it's now a documentary).
17-
Contemplate: If you had to get a tattoo, what would it be? Why?
Draw it.
18-
Write a letter to a child (they like the attention).
19-
Go (mini) golfing
20-
Start a DIY project (do-it-yourself)
21-
Pray for the people that are the most challenging for you to love.
22-
Forgive someone.
23-
Try a new food.
24-
No processed food day
25-
Go to a religious service outside your own faith this weekend.
26-
Host a charity car wash or other function (if you really can't plan
something like this, encourage others to join you in donating to
charity on the 29th).
27-
Watch your favorite childhood movie.
28-
Reconnect with your partner (or other close friend/family member).
29-
Learn about Eid
al-Fitr. Give to charity (perhaps the money you raised on the 26th?)
30-
Don't go on the internet today unless you absolutely have to.
31-
Write for five minutes on the word: “healing.”
August
1-
Read some jokes and tell one.
2-
Be kind to your body (treat yourself to a massage, stretch, take a
bubble bath).
3-
Exercise outside
4-
Go to a one-time ceramics class (or a Color-Me-Mine sort of place).
5-
Snail mail a birthday card.
6-
Eat a Popsicle/freeze pop/water ice...
7-
Do a random act of kindness
8-
Read the local paper and pray for the people and situations.
9-
Go to the beach or a pool (or just splash in the bath tub).
10-
Check out the super-moon tonight.
11-
Learn more about plastic island (The Great Pacific Garbage Patch)
12-
Buy something for someone who isn't expecting it.
13-
Go to the magazine rack, pick one at random. Read it, learn
something new.
14-
Use less water today.
15-
Buy a dozen flowers and hand them out to random people, say something
nice.
16-
Do something that makes you smile.
17-
Enjoy your food! Don't scarf it down or eat on the go. Savor it.
18-
Give thanks for love.
19-
You know that thing you've always been meaning to try? Get started!
20-
Ask your friends to tell you about their faith.
21-
Do something kind for a senior citizen.
22-
Move your furniture, attempt feng shui... or at least dust.
23-
Go on a day trip.
24-
Watch old family videos or pull out the slide projector.
25-
Check out stumbleupon.com
26-
If possible, find out what your grandparents/ great-grandparents did
for a living.
27-
Pull up a map of Asia, close your eyes, point to a country. Learn
more about it.
28-
You know that item that's been on your to-do list forever? (organize
box of old photos, clean the garage..) Do it!
29-
Set this as your status: “What
is your favorite charity?” Donate to one of them.
30-
Challenge yourself today.
31-
Write for five minutes on the word, “wholeness.”
September
1-
Host a get-together or take food to the one you're invited to.
2-
Light a candle. Watch it for 5 minutes. Try not to think sbout
anything else.
3-
Know that bad habit you've been meaning to quit? (smoking, knuckle
cracking, gossiping) Today's Day 1. Congrats, Good Luck.
4-
Listen to a musical artist you've never listened to before.
5-
Do a chore for a neighbor (carry groceries, mow lawn, rake leaves)
6-
Visit a historical site.
7-
Spend time with grandparents or reminiscing about them.
8-
Look into composting.
9-
Check out old files on your computer (papers you wrote in college,
old pictures or videos).
10-
Forgive your past.
11-
Try your hand at something creative like: painting, drawing,
sculpting, knitting, sowing, quilting, paper mache, scrapbooking,
woodworking, etc...
12-
Google “art” and find your new favorite artist.
13-
Talk to someone you might not have talked to before.
14-
Give thanks for miracles.
15-
Donate to a children's charity.
16-
Read
an old journal or start writing one (at least one entry).
17-
Eat breakfast food for dinner.
18-
Do a random act of kindness
19-
Take 10 minutes for yourself today.
20-
Go to a wine or food tasting (do chocolate tastings exist?)
21-
Go for an evening walk.
22-
Google “funny.” Enjoy what you find, share the laughs.
23-
Enjoy Fall!
24-
Educate yourself on racism.
25-Go
on pinterest.com and see what all the fuss is about or make a board
if you are already a pinner.
26-
Learn more about Native American history and culture.
27-
Go pumpkin/apple picking (if you live somewhere that doesn't have
this, find something fun to do in your town).
28-
Bake a pie.
29-
If you have kids, do some arts and crafts, if not, do some arts and
crafts.
30-
Write for 5 minutes on the word: “excitement.”
October
1-
Encounter an animal today (maybe not a bear...perhaps a turtle).
2-
Consider switching something to organic.
3-
Celebrate love
4-
Learn about Yom Kippur and Eid Al-adha. Pray, repent, give food to
those in need.
5-
Buy an outfit/item of clothing that makes you feel great.
6-
Donate to a foreign cause.
7-
Go somewhere beautiful
8-
Call an old friend
9-
Get a map of South America, close your eyes, point. Learn more about
that country.
10-
Practice an attitude of gratitude. Say thanks for everything you
have, even simple things like working lights and an extra roll of
toilet paper.
11-
Go to a museum.
12-
Do your best to get 8 hours of sleep.
13-
Learn more about your ancestry/culture.
14-
Get creative with food today.
15-
Learn more about learning disabilities.
16-
Pray for the people and situations in the news.
17-
Ask your friends what causes are most important to them.
18-
Think of someone who has done a lot for you. Ask them to dinner.
19-
Try a form of exercise you've never tried before.
20-
Congratulate yourself for making it half way through the list!
21-
Take a bath-- dim the lights, put on relaxing music, use scented bath
oil or salts, enjoy. (A long shower is fine too).
22-
Look for ways you can use less electricity (turn off lights when not
in the room, unplug chargers when not in use, etc)
23-
Educate yourself about Diwali and celebrate it if possible.
24-
Do an arts and crafts project or bake something.
25-
Go to a thrift shop.
26-
Check out pictures/videos of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
27-
Do a random act of kindness
28-
Enjoy the leaves...rake them, take a walk in them...if there aren't
any, look at pictures of leaves or make some leaf art.
29-
Write for five minutes on the word: “live (or life)”
30-
Play a harmless prank on someone who would appreciate it (example:
put a 7 foot blow up Santa in someone's bathroom).
31-
Dress up for Halloween.
November
1-
Rent a movie, have a low-key night in.
2-
Exercise while watching a show or while doing something else.
3-
Donate to a national non-profit.
4-
Vote.
5-
Give a kid a dollar for their piggy bank.
6-
Celebrate life.
7-
Go on an adventure outside.
8-
Have a painting party or just spend time with friends.
9-
Read a religious/spiritual article.
10-
Invest in a better pillow (or if yours in already awesome, upgrade
something else).
11-
Bake your own bread
12-
Do a crossword puzzle
13-
Check out freecycle
14-
Smile at everyone you encounter
15-
Make a Thanksgiving centerpiece
16-
Do a jigsaw puzzle
17-
Learn more about endangered species
18-
Do something silly today
19-
Read the comics
20-
Eat gluten free today
21-
Clean off/out your nightstand
22-
Go ice skating
23-
Donate to the local food pantry or soup kitchen
24-
Take five minutes to just notice your breathing
25-
Be more open minded today; put yourself in others' shoes.
26-
Teach yourself how to do something using youtube, ehow, wikihow...
27-
Give thanks
28-
Do a random act of kindness
29-
Hug your loved ones and tell them you love them
30-
Write for five minutes on the word: “giving.”
December
1-
Check out etsy.com, consider ordering something to support a small
business.
2-
It's Giving Tuesday-- donate to charity
3-
Pull up a map of Europe, close your eyes, point to a country, learn
more about it.
4-
Donate a toy to a children's home or a family in need (If you're on
a budget, Dollar stores usually have dollar toys and Toys for Tots
bins).
5-
Do a science experiment like you did when you were a kid (with a kid
is even better)
6-
Celebrate St. Nicholas Day
7-
Look at pictures/video of the universe and marvel at its
awe-someness.
8-
Set this as your status: “What was your favorite book as a child?”
or “What is your child's favorite book?” Choose one from the
replies and buy it for a child.
9-
Find a new recipe and try it out.
10-
Make sure you have some fun today!
11-
Challenge your friends to a contest of some sort.
12-
Make shadow puppets
13-
Do something silly like sing karaoke or play bingo.
14-
Look into eco-friendly wrapping options.
15-
Do a random act of kindness
16-
Pray for the people and situations on a news site or your facebook
feed
17-
Listen to a genre of music you don't think you'd like.
18-
Reread your favorite book.
19-
Eat comfort food. Don't worry about the calories.
20-
Put money in your piggy bank; start one if you don't have one.
21-
Enjoy Winter!
22-
Take a walk outside.
23-
What comes to mind when you hear the word activist? Contemplate on
your results.
24-
Attend a Christmas Eve service or learn more about the true meaning
of Christmas.
25-
If you are Christian, make sure to include Jesus in your day and have
fun. If you are not, have a nice day while all those Christians are
at their family gatherings. :)
26-
Learn more about Kwanzaa.
27-
Floss.
28-
Buy someone a meal.
29-
Don't multi-task today.
30-
Write for five minutes on the word: “health.”
31-
Think back on the past year. Learn from your failures, forgive
yourself for where you fell short, say thank you for your blessings,
take a moment to revel in the goodness.
January
1-
Set a resolution that serves you that you'll actually keep.
2-
Check out edx.org
3-
Read your friends' blogs.
4-
Use a crock pot if you have one, if not, make homemade soup.
5-
Look into classes for something you're interested in.
6-
Attempt Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi or Qigong
7-
Give someone that gift card you'll never use (maybe a broke college
student or a struggling family)
8-
Visit your local recycling center or just learn more about
recycling/upcycling/freecycling
9-
LAUGH!
10-
Do something nerdy today.
11-
Eat five servings of fruits and veggies.
12-
Do someone's chore.
13-
Meditate for 5 minutes.
14-
Make someone a meal.
15-
Go for a walk outside.
16-
Pull up a map of Africa, close your eyes and point. Learn more about
that country.
17-
Learn a new word today.
18-
Turn the heat down one degree.
19-
MLK Jr. Day-- Volunteer somewhere.
20-
Get crafty!
21-
Don't consume caffeine or alcohol today.
22-
No
complaining today.. Every time you feel negativity surfacing, replace
it with positivity.
23-
Do something local (go see a game, a band, etc).
24-
Do a random act of kindness.
25-
Go to the movies or rent one.
26-
Take the Myers-Briggs personality test.
27-
Donate supplies to a local school.
28-
Learn basic ASL signs.
29-
Say a prayer .
30-
Clean the laundry room/area (if you go to the laundromat, leave a
couple extra quarters on the machine).
31-
Write for five minutes on the word: “faith.”
February
1-
Watch the sun rise or set
2-
Watch Groundhog Day
3-
Make someone a heartfelt gift
4-
Learn more about civil rights
5-
Do a random act of kindness
6-
Wear Red, learn more about heart health
7-
Read or listen to an opinion different from your own
8-
Remember a loved one who has passed. Ask others to tell you stories
about them.
9-
Try a guided meditation
10-
Exercise for 30 minutes
11-
Call or visit someone you haven't seen in a while
12-
Make Valentines
13-
Read some quotes about peace and pray for it.
14-
Give Valentines out to everyone you encounter.
15-
Educate yourself on Nirvana Day. Meditate or visit a Buddhist Temple
today.
16-
Donate blood or bone marrow or donate money to a disaster
organization like ARC or UMCOR
17-
Eat Doughnuts or Pancakes
18-
Make time for spiritual practice today.
19-
Learn more about Chinese culture, Happy New Year!
20-
Cut down on junk mail. Cancel subscriptions to catalogs you never
use or also get through email.
21-
Know that person you've been meaning to see? Go see them!
22-
Don't shop today.
23-
Build a fort or something else that reminds you of childhood.
24-
Listen to sacred music.
25-
Watch a movie-- let someone else choose it.
26-
Ask an older family member to tell you stories you've never heard
before.
27-
Write for five minutes on the word: “regrets.”
28-
Have a themed night.
March
1-
Find a new recipe and try it out
2-
Learn more about women's issues and donate to a non-profit that
serves women.
3-
Watch a documentary.
4-
Post a message on an old friend's Facebook wall (or call, text, send
a card).
5-
Celebrate Purim
6-
Don't use disposable products today.
7-
Pick up the check for someone at a restaurant or diner.
8-
What's the funniest movie you've ever seen? Watch it.
9-
Donate time, money or items to a local charity/religious
organization.
10-
Play hide and go seek.
11-
Listen to a CD/album from your youth.
12-
Sing in the shower...go on...belt it out.
13-
Clean out your car.
14-
Go bowling.
15-
Set status, “What is your favorite book/blog/video game/movie/TV
show?” (whichever you are most interested in): choose one to
read/play/watch.
16-
Make a photo album or a DVD of home movies.
17-
Go for a walk in a park.
18-
Support a local business.
19-
Learn something new.
20-
Enjoy Spring!
21-
Play board games.
22-
Write a bucket list and check out bucketlist.org
23-
Go to a comedy club.
24-
Spring clean your facebook friend list.
25-
Educate yourself on past slavery.
26-
Do a random act of kindness.
27-
Check your blood pressure and BMI: Are they where you want them to
be?
28-
Educate yourself on current slavery.
29-
Give sincere compliments.
30-
Read a religious/spiritual magazine, book or blog.
31-
Write for five minutes on the word: “soul.”
April
1-Play
with play doh
2-
Wash someone's feet
3-
Face a fear.
4-
Have a low-key day with family.
5-Tell
someone about your faith.
6-
Educate yourself on sexism.
7-Pull
up a map of the world, close your eyes, point to a country, learn
more about it.
8-
Donate to goodwill, church flea market or thrift shop.
9-
Pull out your old yearbooks (or pictures) and reminisce.
10-
Do a random act of kindness.
11-
Go hiking on a trail.
12-
Make someone a card.
13-
Re-try a food you remember not liking.
14-
Think about the issue you feel most strongly about-- now research and
argue the other side to yourself. How did it make you feel? What
did you learn? Did it change the way you feel about the people who
hold a differing opinion?
15-
Pick a random friend and compliment them.
16-
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
17-
Watch a funny movie with a group of friends (or family).
18-
Write for five minutes on the word: “Goal”
19-
Reflect on your favorite moments from the list, how it has changed
your life and how you want to incorporate items from the list into
your life.
Celebrate!
You've completed the list!!
