We all know it’s time for the Naughty and Nice List.
And no one wants to be on the Naughty List this time of year. We all want to be on the Nice. But I think there’s a lot to be gained by looking at that Naughty List. The characters that end up there are flawed, and probably a little more interesting than the perfect ones on the Nice List. Yes, I may have ended up on the Naughty List once (twice?) in my life.
Instead of putting people on a Naughty or Nice list, what if made lists of experiences?
It’s part of my nature to be optimistic and look on the bright side of things. My list of Nice experiences came very quickly.
I like to tackle tough challenges here and there. So in the spirit of the season, I decided to make a second list and name five bad things. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? They are my Naughty and Nice Lists for Writers (and Life)!
It was a little hard at first, but when I really focused on things that bothered me and then tried to analyze if these bad things offered me any positive outcomes, I had some ideas.
I’m not a big believer in the old adage “everything happens for a reason.” But I do believe I can learn something from every experience, even – maybe especially – from bad ones.
So that’s my challenge today. After reading my five good and five bad things that make me thankful, I challenge you to write your own lists and share them. Even if you’re not a writer, pick an area in your life and think about the good and bad and how each are so important.
The Nice List!
- Sharp pencils and blank paper
- Generous friends and family
- Long runs
- Hot coffee
- Sequels
The Naughty List!
- Writer’s Block – because I wouldn’t have it if I wasn’t a writer
- Spelling Errors – because they give editors like me a job
- Bad Days – because they usually make better stories than perfect days
- Traffic jams – because I can brainstorm ideas
- Tough critiques – because I can do better
What would be on your Nice and Naughty Lists?