I often get comments about my Daisy List so I thought it was high time I shed some light on it. This is the first article of three outlining, what the hell a Daisy List is, how to create one and once you have your list, what then?
Before I begin, a little history about how my Daisy List came about. If you’ve read Sami’s Days of Her Life you’ll know I have been through the D word (you would also have seen that I’m not fond of the D word so will refer to it as the D word but just a hint, it starts with D and ends in schmivorce).
The D word was a pretty painful experience but a couple of the very cool and usually little known aspects of it is that 1. You are forced to reevaluate your life whether you want to or not and 2. You get a clean slate to start all over again. I chose to use the D word as a platform to create a more fulfilling, fun filled and adventurous life. My Daisy List is one of the ways I do this.
Now, feel free to just go ahead and develop your own Daisy List without going through the D word or some other major life crisis! It will be a little less painful that way. 
What is a Daisy List?
On first impressions you could be forgiven for thinking a Daisy List is a directory of florists or an FBI missing cows’ register. However, in this case it’s neither.
Basically, a Daisy List is an inventory of things I’d like to see and do whilst still frequenting this planet. Obviously, the number of items I tick off my list has a direct correlation to the time I have left of which is unknown, unless there is a second coming of Jesus involving a giant meteorite that I’m unaware of (or perhaps the end of the Mayan calendar but that’s a whole other story).
I was first introduced to this concept via the movie, The Bucket List (see the trailer here) where one of the characters made a list of things to do before he “kicked the bucket”. “What a great idea,” I thought, “but what a bloody uninspiring name for it.”
Being an Aussie, it didn’t take long to think of another creative term for dieing, or rather…pushing up daisies…and so was born The Daisy List – my very fun, fulfilling and sometimes crazy to-do list to accomplish before I’m pushing up daisies. I know it’s hard but please hold your applause for my immense creativity (you’ll just look plain stupid clapping at a computer).
What’s the point?
Apart from being a cool inventory to read over, a Daisy List;
-
Acts as a compass for your life so you don’t forget what you want to experience. Think of it as your own personal Lonely Planet guide for what you’d like to see and do in your lifetime.
-
Gives you motivation. It’s easy to say, I should do this or I should do that. If you’re not careful you’ll should all over yourself and before you know it you’re looking down the barrel of becoming daisy fertiliser.
-
Gives you a sense of accomplishment as you tick things off. It’s also a reminder of some great times and achievements (big and small).
-
Creates “coincidences”. Funny things happen when you put out there what you want. Doors open, opportunities arise and resources make themselves known. A tip – be careful what you ask for. I have “spend 3 months getting my body in shape” on my list and now I’m working my arse off (literally) with a personal trainer I’ve name Captain Agony!
-
Is a procrastination prohibiter. When you look down the list and see on paper (or computer) all the things you’d like to do in the short time on the planet you have to do them in, it provides a sense of urgency which can often override the “homicidal maniac of time”, procrastination.
-
Can help you uncover hidden talents, passions and maybe even your purpose.
-
Beats the hum drum. It results in a life well lived, lots of fun, great memories and no regrets.
In the next article, I’ll look at how you build a Daisy List, what should be included and how you can get ideas, so stay tuned!
How about you, have you started your own version of a Daisy List or plan to?
Related posts:
- How I Built a Daisy List & Why – Part 2 Photo by audreyjm529 In my first article (aptly named How...
- How I Built a Daisy List & Why – Part 3 Photo by aussiegall Get out the tissues. I know...
- The Daisy List: #47. Pay The Next Car’s Toll Recently I ticked off another Daisy List goal; to pay the...
- The Bucket List Movie Carter Chambers, played by Morgan Freeman meets Edward Cole, played...
- The Daisy List: #54. Go White Water Rafting What better place to tick off number 54 (white water...
Oh I loved this post and it is exactly what I need to be doing to as I feel I am stagnating and marking time. And who has got time to waste. None of us. Thank you.
Hi Lilly,
You’re so welcome. Glad it created a spark. The next article in the series might be helpful re putting the list together but let me know if you have any questions.
I’m another Sami! Sami’s rock!!
I can’t remember how I stumbled across your blog, but I really enjoy it!
I really like the idea of a bucket/daisy/Beat the Reaper list, and I’m thinking of putting together my own. It’s always nice to have something fun to work towards, and it’s a nice way to get moving and try out different things you normally wouldn’t because you figure, ooohh I can do it later.
I love the idea of the Daisy List — especially how it brings about coincidences. It’s so true. When you put what you want out into the world, it’s amazing what you come across!
Hi Sami,
With a name like that you are obviously exceedingly talented and extremely good looking!
Beat the Reaper – I love it! I’ve found that since starting my Daisy List, it really has stopped me from procrastinating (writing about my adventures on this blog also helps). It just helps put all the things you want to see and do top of mind.
Thanks so much for your comment and good luck with your list!
Cheers
The other Sami
Hey PP,
I can’t tell you how many “coincidences” I’ve had since starting the list, which is why I don’t believe they are coincidences. They’re more like opportunities I’m seeing because of what I’m focussing on.
I’ve been thinking hard about what to put on my Daisy List ever since I found your blog. I’ve even got my hubbie thinking about one!
Just today I realized that I want to experience Carnivale in Rio. Woo hoo!
And just in case I didn’t mention it before, I really enjoy your writing style. Samis do rock
I definitely agree that it makes you see the opportunities out there and stops procrastination. It also sets you in motion to achieving what it is that you want. I started a different version in a ’5 year plan’ a few years ago and ticketed a few off. I much prefer a list form rather than a “plan” though. You can’t plan for everything and when it is going to happen and a list allows you to add whatever you want, not matter how small it may seem!! The sense of achievement of ticking thing off is immense. Thanks for sharing the why, how, etc… inspires a lot more things to add for me! Wow, what a fulfilled and fun I am going to have had by the time I tick everything off…:)
Hey Ann Elise,
Thanks for your lovely comment! Glad you’re enjoying the craziness here.
Rio Carnivale would be too much fun! That’s a good one. The next article I send out will help with putting your list together so keep an eye out for it.
Hi Valeska,
I generally find that simple is best hence using a list. It’s so true that you can’t plan for everything. Life has a funny way of screwing most planning up! The great thing about having a list is that it’s fluid. You can easily chop and change whatever and whenever you want.
Yeah, I’m a big fan of the ticking off thing! Good luck with it.
Woo hoo! I’ve looked forward to this series of posts ever since you hinted that you would write it. And I much prefer ‘Daisy List’ to ‘Bucket List.’
I think I started a list (somewhere…where did I put it?) I have a sinking feeling that I started it on my now-crashed computer. Hopefully, we saved it on the hard drive.
Looking forward to reading more…
xoxo
Hey Kirwin,
Thanks! Hopefully you’ll be able to dig up your list. Look forward to hearing how it progresses.
[...] my first article (aptly named How I Built a Daisy List & Why – Part 1) of this 3 part article series, I covered what a Daisy List was and why you’d bother to put [...]
Hi Sami,
I’m enjoying getting to know you better here. I’m sure the “D” word was a difficult time – although it taken you to what seems like a pretty great spot in your life. I love the idea of the “Daisy List”. In fact, I began my blog as a direct correlation of creating a “Bucket List” after seeing that movie. As you can see…I’m not nearly as name-creative as you are!
Hi Lance,
It seems the Bucket List movie inspired a lot of people – very good thing.
Thank you! When I was in the middle of the D word, if you had have told me that by the end of it I’d be grateful that it had happened, I would have told you you were stark raving mad. So you know, you’re not mad and I am grateful it happened!
You know, I remember looking at my life after my divorce (years ago) and realizing I had a choice-I could continue reacting and trying to numb the pain or I could face my life and see what I wanted to make of it.
I am always inspired when I see people doing the same. It’s a kick in the teeth for sure-but it doesn’t have to stay that way and it seems like you are sure in the hell not letting it stay that way! I love that you call it a ‘daisy’ list!!!
Hey Brandi,
I so hear you! You have definitely made a similar choice and I commend you for it. It’s not an easy choice to make but it is the right one for sure. Whether it’s from the D word or other crisis, it inspires me to see others making that choice too. Thanks so much for your comment – it’s appreciated.
[...] sad but this is the last of the 3 part article series on How I Built a Daisy List and Why. Part 1 we looked at what a Daisy List is and why you’d build one and during part 2, we looked at [...]