1. Ask an unscripted question.
2. Don't Complain.
3. Count Something.
4. Write Something.
5. Change.
Two years ago I moved to San Francisco for to change. This has been a successful task so far. I am happier, healthier and more fulfilled than I have felt in years. It was a long road to get here and I regret few things that have brought me to this stage in my life. Because with great change comes great responsibility...or something like that.
And here I find myself working my way up from the bottom of Dr. Gawande's list. I am writing something. A high school English teacher once told me that she would like to edit the first book that I write. I feel like I have had a propensity for this since a young age but never honed this skill. Thus, it has fallen by the way side. Encouraged by my fiance's career path and Dr. Gawande's book I have decided that it is indeed important to write. This will keep my mind working and paying attention to details in the world that my otherwise have been passed by. It is for my own good. What I write, "...need not achieve perfection. It need only add some small observation about [my] world." This according to Gawande...
So that leaves three items on my list of things to better myself. I have not decided what to count yet, but I have a few ideas. I could count the number of miles that I run in a week and try to increase that number in a timely manner. I could count the number of books that read or the number of times that I listen to the new album/MP3 that I just purchased. Counting, according to Gawande, is a way to learn. And learning, in my mind, should never stop. So, I suppose, counting and writing about counting my ward off early onset dementia.
As for complaining, I have not quite got this one figured out yet. Everyone complains. Or "vents". How could you not? Does not it make life easier if there is someone on the other end to listen to your issues? Anyway, I have made a commitment to this list, therefore, I will try my best not to complain.
And finally, asking the unscripted question. Another on going struggle. Some people just don't want to talk. That's okay. I have a problem with wanting to be everybody's friend and getting hurt when I realize that that is not possible. Some people just are not interested in at least being kind to one another. But I will try to keep the conversation going when I can and hope for the best.
