My mother used to sing songs all the time and they used to annoy me, but now I use the words from those songs and treat them as wise words. Sometimes we don't hear messages until much later; sometimes we hear them when it's too late.

Life Choices

This weekend can be like any other weekend in your life or it can be special. It's your choice. I'm about to give you a gift assignment. Quick, don't think, grab a pen and a slip of paper, yes, an old envelope will do. Write down 5 things you want to do with your life between now and when you pass on to the next life. Don't cheat. You have to write 5 things!

Achievements

Done? Good. Now, write 2 things you always wanted in life and actually got. If you don't think you got them, you've been aiming way too high and so you need to substitute 2 great things you did get in life and trade them for the 2 you wanted. Life's tough, get over it.

The Great Plan

Now, go back to the 5 things you wrote before. You had better start planning to get those things done because life is short. Put that little list in your pocket or handbag and keep it there (Yes you can take it out when it's time to wash clothes or clean out your bag etc., but you have to put it back when you can.)

The Great Unknown

Each time you achieve one of those things on your list, you might think you're doing well because you can tick one off. Nah, you're wrong! This assignment is about to get harder. Each time you achieve one thing on your list, you have to add another thing to replace it. Soon that grubby little slip of paper is going to get tired looking and you might get tired of it being a constant reminder. You might even rather put that list in a drawer and get on with life, right? Do it. Put it in a drawer. Years from now when you come across it, you're going to have a little laugh and look back at that weekend as something special, not like all the other weekends.

Some of you, who keep the list going, might even achieve great things. This is where the fun begins. Who will have the longest list of crossed-off items? Print or photocopy this article and keep it with the list and when you think you have the longest list, call Oprah (or similar). You never know, you could end up motivating a whole lot of people to get out and have wonderful goal-orientated lives. Go you!

James Jeremiah 2006