avatarTree Langdon

Summary

The article "Does a List Define a Life" by Tree Langdon is a reflective piece where the author shares a personal list that reveals unique aspects of their life, relationships, and interests, inspired by a challenge from writer friend CR Mandler MAT.

Abstract

In "Does a List Define a Life," Tree Langdon delves into the significance of lists in their life, not just as a tool for organization but as a means of self-expression. The author, at the invitation of CR Mandler MAT, crafts a list that diverges from the typical To-Do format, instead offering a window into their personality and life experiences. This list includes running away from home at 16, a penchant for prepping due to a childhood in the Canadian north and current residence in an earthquake zone, simple joys like crunching fall leaves, and the profound excitement of receiving a truckload of topsoil. Langdon also touches on past relationships, a youth spent experimenting with psychedelics, and a life-changing injury on Mount Ida. The article concludes with an open invitation for other writers to take up the "Random List" challenge, demonstrating the author's desire to connect and share stories.

Opinions

  • The author expresses a deep love for list-making, viewing it as more than a practical task but a form of personal narrative.
  • There is a sense of self-discovery and reflection as the author evaluates past choices in relationships and life paths.
  • The author values preparedness, influenced by their upbringing and current environment, indicating a pragmatic approach to life.
  • A sense of nostalgia and contentment is conveyed when discussing the simple pleasures in life, such as the changing seasons.
  • The author seems to find joy in the unexpected, such as the excitement over topsoil delivery, suggesting an appreciation for the foundational aspects of life and growth.
  • There is a theme of resilience and learning from past mistakes, particularly in the context of choosing life partners.
  • The invitation to other writers to share their own lists shows the author's belief in the power of storytelling and community among writers.

Writing | Relationships

Does a List Define a Life

#5 Is: What Unusual Thing Excites Me.

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

A while ago, CR Mandler MAT, a lovely writer friend of mine, invited me to write a list.

I don’t think she knows how much I love lists. Usually, they are in a To-Do format, a document that details the endless aspirations, wishes, and tasks that I invent in the middle of the night.

I am frequently forced to triage my lists.

Otherwise, I may be overwhelmed to the point where I get nothing done at all. When I triage, I ask myself, “What is the one thing that absolutely has to get done today?”

This one is a challenge. A random list of personal traits, my life, trivial facts, and whatever lights my fancy is a bit of a different list for me to write.

It reminds me of a game we used to play in high school.

Truth or Dare.

If you’re inspired by this idea, you’re invited to join as well. Please tag me if you do because I would love to read about you.

So here goes.

Random, with no filter.

  1. I ran away from home when I was 16 years old and never went back.
  2. I’m a closet prepper. Growing up in the Canadian north, we always had boots, a sleeping bag, and food in the car, just in case. Maybe a bit of whiskey, in case you were stranded in a snowstorm. Living in an earthquake zone has only reinforced this tendency.
  3. I love to crunch the leaves in the fall and will walk out of my way to find the best ones.
  4. I’ve chosen a long-term partner three times in my life. The first two times I discovered a major flaw in how I chose a partner. The last time I made a fantastic choice. Third time lucky.
  5. It’s a bit unusual but I actually get excited when we have a truckload of topsoil delivered to our property.
  6. I’ve worn out 3 shovels, actually used them until they broke.
  7. When I was young I experimented a lot with psychedelics before I settled down.
  8. I met the love of my life in kindergarten.
  9. I studied Forensic Anthropology at college.
  10. I broke my arm at the top of Mount Ida on Crete. I figured the gods smote me because I stopped to pee.

To a few of my writer friends, it’s your turn if you dare to take up the Random List challenge.

Sumera Rizwan, Agnes Laurens, Dew Langrial, Robert Trakofler, Joe Luca, Eli Snow, Geetika Sethi, Kate Lynch, Susannah MacKinnie, Sharon Hurley Hall, QuadConjures, Kiran Yasmin, Aamna I. Rizvi, Bridget Cougar, Shivangini Patel, Shannon Hugman, Maria, Glad Doggett, Karen Madej, Ajay Gupta, B. A., Paroma Sen, Danell teNyenhuis Black, Audrey Dixon, Sameer Verma, Amy Pierovich, Dr. Fatima Imam, Dr Mehmet Yildiz, Dr. Preeti Singh, Thewriteyard, Dr John Rose

CR Mandler MAT’s list

Tag me @treelangdon or add a message to this post if you’d like to connect. Find me on Twitter, Quora, and Facebook.

I write to inspire and make connections. If you’re interested, sign up here.

Writing
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