Everyday "Ought To’s"
August 28th, 2007 by Toni“One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.”Goethe
I saw this quote over at Ann Kroeker’s today. I’ve read it before. It’s one of my favorites. I suppose because I am by nature a list maker. There is something about a list that gives me focus. When I start to stray my lists draw me back to the task at hand. I derive great satisfaction from marking off each item completed and, on the rare occasion I actually finish everything, feel a twinge of regret that my list is empty.
In addition to the quote, Ann issued an invitation. Write your own version of Goethe’s words. The opportunity to create a list? How could I refuse?! 
Here’s mine.
One ought, every day at least, to receive a sticky kiss from a small child, give a passionate one away to a true love, enjoy a good meal in the company of a friend, smile at a stranger, and if it were possible, spend at least a few moments thinking with an open mind.
Love it.
Love it, love it, love it.
Thanks for participating and offering such a lovely variation on Goethe’s quote–I’m delighted to learn that you’re drawn to similar thoughts.
It’s bedtime here, so I’m looking forward to smeary, toothpaste-remainder kisses…not quite a “sticky kiss,” but a kiss from a small child nevertheless.
I love your re-write.
Love this! I love lists too. I’ll work on one when I can actually compose a complete thought. Hope you’re well.
I think I like yours better than Goethes, so rock on there. And I LOVE the challenge. I’ll work on mine and post it soon.
I’m also a listmaker. I get it from my mom. There’s nothing like crossing things off a list to get a real sense of how much you’ve accomplished. And lists help me prioritize, too. Not as much online pacman playing when I’ve got a list in front of me. Unless online pacman playing is on the list. Which it never is. Hmm.
***Julie - Thank you for your generous words. I look forward to reading your version. Also, I think pacman is a perfectly reasonable item to have on your list.
~Toni
Thanks for visiting. I LOVE your quote! I love my sticky kisses too- and the ones with my true love!
The original quote is great but yours Toni is just lovely.
Sara from farmingfriends
[…] 1st, 2007 by bloginmyeye She’s good for some inspiration lately that Toni. She posted her beautiful version of the Goethe quote below, and I promised to take a stab at it when I could compose a complete […]
Lovely idea and lovely to-do list! I played along.