I can't imagine my 56th birthday being more brilliant. Spending an entire day in the company of my husband and son while having their undivided attention - no Sports Center, stock tickers, political arguments or social media - was something I was more than looking forward to.
In our family the birthday girl or boy chooses how they want to spend their special day. More times than not I've wanted to do something cultural in Manhattan. So I gave my husband a list of plays I wanted to see, and he and my son took care of the rest.
We went to the small theatre-in-the-round, the Barrow Street Theatre, to see the creative and interactive one-man show, "Every Brilliant Thing." The play is about a young boy growing up who does his best to distract his suicidal mother by creating a list of joyful things that make life worth living.
This hour-long play stars the charmingly funny Brit Jonny Donohoe who creates a character that is bright, funny and engaging, something that's not easy to do considering the subject at hand. Yet Donohoe handily succeeds.
As an emotionally damaged boy who never stops searching for a happier life, we, the audience, interact with the story according to the lines and roles Donohoe assigns us when we first take our seats. His poignant and honest depiction of how suicide affects a family makes us laugh and cry as we remain ever hopeful that both mother and son will survive intact.
(Not to give too much away, but our favorite brilliant thing on the character's list was, "Christopher Walken's voice....and hair." Ha!)
Like any dedicated blogger, as I sat and watched the play my mind began to race. How could I write about brilliant lists for my blog? Then it dawned on me: Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone would create their own brilliant list? A list that would make them feel happy to write and joyful to read?
Your list will never be finished, because as we age and experience more and more life lessons, we add our positive experiences to our brilliant list. Just like the main character in the play, there are thousands and thousands of reasons why every brilliant thing we love - everything that makes our heart sing or brings a smile to our face - makes a positive difference in our lives.
So on days when you're having some self-doubt or perhaps feeling a little sad, you'll have your brilliant list to comfort you. It will serve as a reminder of the things that matter most - the simple joys that make life worthwhile.
Here are some things that are on my brilliant list. In the comments below I'd love to read what's on your brilliant list. Remember, there is no right or wrong. It's whatever feels brilliant to you!
What's on your brilliant list?
Oh this is so beautiful! Made me tear up. I love your brilliant list--it is brilliant. You have inspired me to create my own list, and that will take some thought. There were several on your list I would use on my own, such as the sound of my son's laughter. The ocean. And the way it feels to write a beautiful sentence or paragraph or piece. ( plus my first cup of coffee in the mornings...the taste of honey, standing barefoot on the grass.....ok , off to make my list) hugs!
Beautiful list and beautifully written, Cathy! What a wonderful take away from a night af the theater. I loved recalling these same moments, same favorite things and as I read, my own list started
forming. My five grandkids certainly light up my life brilliantly! I would also add riding my bike, rock and roll music and long morning walks. Well done, my friend....the best writing elicits response!
This is such a lovely idea. The older I get gas – the shorter my own list becomes. In a great way…
Hi Cathy and Happy Birthday AGAIN! It sounds like you had a lovely day AND received great inspiration for this blog post. I love the idea of a "brilliant list". I'm sure it was fun and inspiring to create and now, like you said, you'll have it to pull out and refer to forever. I think I might take on the idea while I'm doing my journalling this morning. Thank you. ~Kathy
I love your family tradition and your special day sounds lovely. The list makes great reading!
Sounds like a perfect day. And a terrific play. On my Brilliant list? Haven't got one. As long as my friends and family are all healthy and well, I'm happy.
I MUST see this show!I absolutely adore your list. Yes, on the cat's eyes, homemade chocolate ice cream and Nat King Cole! I have too many to add here (made a list of 99 in a previous blog post), but for starters: making popping noises with that bubble wrap stuff, getting caught in a rainstorm without an umbrella and collecting snow globes.
What I love most about posts like this is that you get a little window into the loves of your readers, too. I am enjoying the other comments as much as the post. 🙂
What a great idea! I think I will keep a list on a word document....remind myself everyday what is good in my life. I do it mentally, but writing it down is a great idea.
I will return to my computer latter today to compile my list...because I think this is amazing. Thank you!!
Love everything on your list, and I felt the same way about the show. I thought of you before I even left the theater and I am so glad this is the show you got to see on your birthday.
I LOVE this idea Cathy!!!
Kudos to you, Cathy! And, Happy Birthday. You have such an uncanny knack for reading my mind, it's almost scary. I am a list maker. Mine are usually goal-oriented or lessons learned and I even have a bucket list. I don't like to admit it, but I have a Honey Do List. It is a mental list - if I put it on the frig, that would not go over real big. I have to say I really like this kind of list. It's thoughtful, funny and real. I think I will work on mine today...thank you, as always.
Mary Sypawka
So wonderful that you're birthday was fabulous and inspiring. Such a great list you've created. I especially love this: "The first time I saw Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music." I agree... though I'd amend it to say "EVERY time I watch Mary Poppins with my grandsons at my sides." (They surprisingly LOVE Mary Poppins. And Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, too!)
What a great idea! We should do this every day, every week! That way we would be mindful of those things that make us happy and make us smile. As I gave it some thought, the list is too long and grows by the day. But top of it would have to be: my daughters laugh, my kitties purring, the sound of the surf, the smell of rain, my wonderful man's heartbeat and breathing rhythm, old movies on a comfy couch in front of a fire with home baked cookies, the soft quiet sound of snow fall and the smell of dinner cooking when you walk into the house. Brilliant!
The show sounds fantastic, and I love this list. It's kind of like a gratitude list but I like the idea of it being "brilliant!"
What a beautiful idea! On my list?
Sunrises, sunsets, and easy breathing :)! And of course my amazing, inspiring friends!
This play sounds amazing. And I love your list. I started something similar in idea, one day when I was feeling down. It is a short list of things that make me feel better - acts as a reminder of what to do as a pick-me-up. It includes tea (Bengal spice), chocolate, candlelight, my favourite perfume, coffee on the deck, a good book, etc. I'm with you on the husband snuggling, ocean, girlfriends, lesions, writing, vacations, peace - most of it really! Awesome!
Oh Cathy, first of all, happy birthday!!! We are almost the same age! Second, it is just so *you* to go to a play and brainstorm an idea for your blog. And then go ahead and write up a fabulous one so quickly!!
And...I just love your list. As I was reading it, I was nodding my head at about every second or third item! Just goes to show how much we all have in common. I love the way you encapsulated so many aspects of our world.
Keep up the great writing! I'm so inspired! Miriam xo
Happy, Happy Birthday! I agree there is no better way to celebrate a birthday than to spend it with your family.
Was the show about suicide?
I love every single entry on your brilliant list!
I love what you have on your list!! <3 I should totally do mine!!
Hi Cathy, I found your blog through 1000 voices speak and am glad I stopped by! What a great idea for a brilliant list! I enjoyed reading yours and now am off to think of my own. 🙂
Happy Birthday!!! 🙂 🙂
Loved your post!! I'll have to do some serious thinking before I can come up with a list of my own...!!
Loved the idea though! 🙂
Awesome post Cathy....LOVE IT!!
Oh yes, I could love Carole King's Tapestry album again. That brings back the early 1970s faster than anything to me. I feel the earth move under my feet…..
Here are some things I would have on my "brilliant list":
One of the greatest gifts I was able to offer our world, are my children. MY 25 year old daughter and my 21 year old son.
The sound of their laughter and overall health and happiness.
The beach, the sound and smell of the ocean. The feel of the sand on my feet
Though I like animals, I have to admit ,dogs are really my favorite.
Reading books which I don't do as much as I should
Sunsets
Travelling that I don't do often enough.
Fall foliage
My luck in my true blue friends I'm very fortunate to have many. Having one is very lucky in life.