We all make all kinds of lists. For years now, I’ve listed cool stuff I’ve done in my life. Items are not in order, jotted down as they come to me. Below is a sampling.
Living for three decades in a small woods like a private nature preserve, filled with Michigan plants (trillium, snowdrops , jack in the pulpit, ferns, hepatica and more).
Watching Northern Lights. For the first two times, clouds undulated like lava lamps, one in orange, the other green. The third was rainbow veils so thin you could see the stars.
Making four trips to Hawaii for the Maui Writers Conference and being named the 1998 nonfiction success story. Getting to interview well-known authors in Maui, including Elizabeth Berg, Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson, John Saul and Terry Brooks.
Taking two lifetime trips in two years: three weeks in Greece and Turkey. Camping on Isle Royale with my son Ronnie for eight days, where we heard wolves and saw a moose.
Taking my horse, computer and printer to Venice FL, spending two winters in a condo on the Gulf of Mexico, writing and editing the “cranky” book and riding my horse.
Working with NASA three times, where I watched a working centrifuge, stood under a Space Shuttle and got to observe astronauts working on a Hubble simulation.
Being flown to New York City, ferried around in limos for national TV appearances and radio interviews, being featured in a pile of magazines and newspapers, including a USA Today cover story, thanks to my Why Is Everyone So Cranky book.
Competing in national and global women’s disc golf championship tournaments and setting a world record distance throw in my age category, which I held for several years.
Taking a private tour of the White House where I got to meet and shake hands with President Clinton and dine in the Capitol with members of my group.
This is a sampling of my still-growing list. I share this subject not as any kind of boast, but to highlight the benefits of savoring your adventures. Make your own “Cool Stuff” list and capture the enriching experiences you’ve accumulated before you forget them.
© 2026. Leslie Charles, Speech Coach, Speaker, Author, Funeral-Life Celebrant. leslie@lesliecharles.com