This American Life

This American Life is a pod cast that my friend Di introduced me to. I love it. I just listened to episode #831 on "lists."

One of the stories was about a young college man who had a list taped to his closet door. Here is the list:

16 principles to live life by
Goals for success


1. Make a commitment
2. Be unselfish
3. Create unity-Come together as never before
4. Improve everyday as a player person and student
5. Be tough
6. Be self disciplined
7. Do it right
8. Don’t accept less
9. Give great effort
10. Be enthusiastic
11. Eliminate mistakes
12. Don’t beat yourself
13. Expect to win
14. Be consistent
15. Develop leadership
16. Be responsible

When I first heard the list, I thought about how positive it was.  How constructive.  How organized and driven the young man was.

His brothers commented on the list.  Evidently the brother that made the list took his own life.  They blamed the list.  Too much toxic positivity.  No room for error.  No grace.  No enjoyment.  They said it was guilt laden and unrealistic.  They said that there was no room for being vulnerable.  They said that they wanted nothing to do with his list.

So I wanted to say that after listening to the brothers respond, I agree with them.  Sometimes we hold ourselves to unrealistic standards.  Much of the list is good, but the lists in our lives ought to include more things like...

• it's ok to cry
• be creative
• celebrate the day
• smile
• make a new friend
• value people
• forgive everyone including yourself
• share love

It's a beautiful, guilt and pressure free day in God's world, be sure to see the good.