Positive Thoughts, Positive Life

The Power of Lists

Many of my class members approached our first serious poetry unit with trepidation and fear. The word "poetry" appeared to have negative connotations, as if it were some unrelenting force destined to make everyone fail English. Needless to say, not one person failed that unit, but the distaste towards it sparked curiosity within my teacher. Of all the teachers I have had in the past, none have approached fear of writing with such an effective solution. In all my schooling years, there has been a misconception that to express feelings through poetry, one must have a keen sense for words and rhythm. My English teacher (who shall remain nameless for privacy reasons) made us all write a list as the very first task in our unit of poetry. She told us to write a list of ten things we know to be true. The task seemed simple enough, yet I understood immediately what she was trying to do. The power of lists was undeniable in that moment. You see, organising things into a list is essentially sorting through the complexities of the mind. Lists give perspective. In regards to our task, those who felt they lacked a natural flair realised that in fact, they could produce a list of 10 solid things that carried deep emotion and meaning. Essentially, poetry writing is just that. In applying lists to the greater context of life, I have found meaning and clarity in many situations. People use writing in the form of a journal as a technique to relieve stress and emotion, which appeals to most but not all. Journal entries can seem too personal as a first step, which is where lists come in to play. If you are ever feeling down, create a list of ten things. The title of the list will differ depending on the circumstance. To start off with, a list of tens things you know to be true can get the creative juices flowing and create a sense of perception. Particularly when all you want to do is break down and lose control of the waterfall waiting to break through your eyes, a change of perspective is required. By writing what you know to be true, it reiterates the things that are real and the things you are living for; the little things that give life an undefinable nature. It's all about getting a feel for your emotions and understanding how to tackle them. To any cynics out there: try this method of lists before you dismiss it. Anyone can write a list and string together a few words. The best part is that it can be as detailed or as brief as your heart wishes.

There is no right or wrong way to write a list, so feel no pressure to write something sophisticated. When you write for yourself, nothing else matters but the way it makes you feel.

Ten Things I Know to Be True:
1-Someone is always better off and worse off than I am.
2- The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
3- There are 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week and 12 months in a year.
4- The laughter of my family members brings me a feeling of joy that cannot be surpassed by anything else in this world.
5- Actions speak louder than words.
6- It is easier to forgive than it is to forget.
7- Growing up in a world in which technology is so prevalent has its disadvantages.
8- Drinking a mug of hot chocolate on a chilly winter's day is the most comforting feeling ever.
9- Looking through a photo albums is much nicer than scrolling through photos on an iPhone.
10- The Lion King is still the best Disney movie and probably always will be.

As a follow up, we were asked to construct a list of things we should have learnt by now. This list was perhaps more important for the future, when outlining the things we still had not achieved but needed to. This is a great list to write when you feel a little lost and disoriented. Here is mine:

10 Things I Should Have Learnt By Now:
1- When the volume of my headphones is too high and damaging my ear drums.
2- Real friends make an effort.
3- Things happen for a reason and sometimes that reason is unknown.
4- Movies do not depict real life.
5- Even the greatest things come to an end.
6- Watching one more episode inevitably leads to five more.
7- What is important today may not matter tomorrow.
8- Avoid having 20 minute showers.
9- Success is so much more than a number on a page; it's a life journey.
10- It is 100% okay not to have all the answers.

All in all, try this method to get thoughts and feelings that may be holding you down off your chest. The title of the list is dependent on your current situation, but the purpose will always be to find a sense of wholeness with yourself. To get started, try to write a list for each of the two topics above. Trust your instincts and do not cross something off once it has been written; your brain thought of that for a reason. Take time to reflect on what you have written afterwards. You can write a list of ten things in regards to anything, so there are no limits.

Best of luck, friends!