I remember when I made my first list. I was probably 7 or 8 years old. 

It was actually a budget. I might have had 5 dollars to my name. There were two items on the list: “comic books” and “savings.” Naturally, comic books took up most of my budget.  

I was very proud of this list. I felt like I was on my way to being a grown up, and the longer lists that went with adulthood. 

I excitedly showed my mother. She couldn’t have been more uninterested and dismissive. This was unusual for her, and as far as I know she was having a tough day that I was completely oblivious to. 

I went back to my room, deflated and confused. I lost interest in making lists. (Shows how much grit I had when faced with setbacks.) I really could have used this organizational skill, and it took me a long time to make lists and be responsible for following through. 

I’m not placing blame. It was a childish notion, and I shouldn’t have been so easily defeated. But it is interesting to think about how many positive ideas are crushed in this way. What would my path have been if my work was met with encouragement and advice? Of course, I will never know. And, spoiler alert, I turned out OK.