Life List

This is my 100th posting! (I guess if I were a sitcom, I'd be hosting a party!) I have kept a scrap of paper on my desk since May -- I am going to document that scrap of paper today on my blog and then discard that scrap of paper! (Yeah! A portion of an ounce leaves the house!)

Ann Nicole Nelson, who died on 9-11-2001, left behind a "Life List," which her parents were grateful to find and which they have generously shared with the world. When I first heard about it, I assumed it was a "To Do" list -- which I have: see the monarch migration in Mexico, see the Northern Lights/Aurora Borealis, see the swallows in Capistrano, etc. -- but it really is more about the "To Be" list -- the person you want to be, not just things you want to do.

I am working on 3 papers that tie into narcissism and commonality of experience (or lack thereof). Narcissists want specific things for themselves (and I'm guessing these are not stellar character traits). How 'bout wanting to be the best you can be for others? How 'bout wanting the best for others, period? Warren McWilliams' book Christ & Narcissus is a good resource for me today.... Donald Capps' The Depleted Self has also been helpful....

I'm feeling less selfish and narcissistic as I pursue my reading list. Hopefully, as I let go of past anger and look toward the future, I can be a better self for others. That is Item #1 on my new Life List.