For those of us who have a touch of (or more than a touch of) obsessive compulsive disorder or like to be organized in general, writing lists is a wonderful practice that can fill a need for order. Lists can organize your shopping trip, they can help you keep your thoughts in order, or they can help you make decisions by listing pros and cons. Top Tens have become very popular lists recently and you can find Top Tens for nearly any category on a Google search. These lists can have value for your health, entertainment, or aide in decision-making.
For example, did you know that Raleigh, North Carolina is in the United States’ Top Ten best cities to live in? And that fatty fish such as salmon and herring are in the Top Ten best foods to help arthritis? How about the carnivorous olinguito, a tree-dwelling mammal in the Amazon forest, making the Top Ten newly discovered species for 2013? Visit TopTenz.com for fun lists like the Top Ten Jobs Technology has Made Obsolete. Personally I like the lack of need for a “Pinsetter;” the people hired to set up bowling pins at the end of the alley!
According to Every Day Health, being a caregiver for medical patients is in the Top Ten most stressful professions and can lead to anxiety and depression, along with food service, teaching, social work, healthcare, maintenance work, accounting, sales, office work and the performing arts. A list like this might help a young person determine the kind of professional education they choose. Top Tens for successful marriages include forgiveness, commitment, affection, compatibility, and fighting fairly… easier said than done!
As I prepare for a short vacation, I am writing a list of responsibilities at home that I will turn over to my 19-year-old son. A list increases accountability: Once the items are crossed off the list, there is a sense of accomplishment and reason for celebration! If not, in this case, I will return to a mess and have to make a list of ways to reduce my stress and anxiety as I prepare to discipline the young man and return my home to its previous condition!
