He has decided to make follow-up changes this time around. In the past, he had had a to-do list but later stopped. A waste of time he calls it. Life he said is the same roller coaster ride, it’s the same merry-go-round chase. He’s been living his life the way it comes. Now, the scales have fallen off his eyes. Reality is having a full stare at him.

Trevor lays on his bed. He’s having a hard time getting some sleep. He lays still for a while and closes his eyes but opens them wide. Sleep seems to be far away. It has chosen not to be his guest tonight. Flashes of scenes run through his mind. Some few days back he had an intimate talk with his older sibling. Simon, analytical and forthright, seldom has a length of time for anyone. He usually has a round-the-clock schedule most times of the year. It was indeed a rare moment they had together. He asked him series of questions he hardly could find answers to. He was speechless in most part of the discussion. Does it mean he hadn’t been serious with his life? Does it mean he hadn’t been analytical in his thinking? Has he been acting below capacity? He suddenly sits up like a puppet pulled by strings. He looks around as if in search of a lost treasure. He finds a notepad and a pen. He writes down top ten to-do for the year. This time around, he promises to follow-up on this, even to evaluate himself from time to time. He intends to make his brother proud. He pastes a copy each by his bedside, at the kitchen and on the door of his closet. He smiles with deep satisfaction. He picks up his phone to call his friend.

“Hello Greg!”

“Hey! Hi!” he answers. “How are you doing?”

“I’m doing just fine. Guess what?” he asks excitedly.

“I can’t. You know I’m not good at guessing.”

“I’ve decided to give it a try once more. A to-do list.”

“Wow!! Am happy you did. It sure works.”

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    Eric Radcliffe
    Eric Radcliffe(@eric-radcliffe)
    2 years ago

    Hi Thompson, goal setting is a headache for most. I liked the way in which you made the visual picture, when you describe – He suddenly sits up like a puppet pulled by the strings. He looks around as if in search of a lost treasure. A nice write Thompson.

    Katerina Bizirtsaki
    Katerina Bizirtsaki(@katerina-bizirtsaki)
    2 years ago

    That sure is an exciting approach to setting goals. Usually this process is portrayed as an exhilarating and highly anticipated event but your point of view makes this planning procedure more human.

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    2 years ago

    Oh those darned to-do-lists. Mine always seem to grow longer rather than shorter. I really liked some of the phrases you used in your story Thompson… ‘sleep had chosen not to be his guest tonight’ being one of them. I could feel the excitement in his voice, at the end, having completed his list and it had me rooting for him! Nicely done.

    Melissa Taggart
    Melissa Taggart(@melissa-taggart)
    2 years ago

    There is so much humanity in this story. We are constantly evolving and trying to better ourselves. We also have a built-in desire as humans to make those that love us proud. You showcased this perfectly. Great work!

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    2 years ago

    Wow! Amazing. Though setting up a goal is difficult, he is full of determination to make it work and to make his brother proud. What a nice story, Thompson. Hope everyone is determined to set up a goal.

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