Sometimes, things you spot at a thrift store just grab your attention and you have to bring them home.
I was browsing the book selection at a local thrift store – something I don’t do very often – and I spotted the spine of this book “The Next Thing On My List“. I almost laughed out loud right there in the thrift store aisle. A book about lists? It felt less like a coincidence and more like a quiet little nudge from the universe. After all, I make lists for everything – groceries, weekend plans, projects, ideas, even lists of lists. If it can be written down, it probably already is. Of course I picked it up! When I did, I spotted the words “an adventure” on the lower-right corner of the cover. That sealed it. I’m ALWAYS up for an adventure, so I knew I had to buy this book.
There’s something magical about finding a book you know absolutely nothing about. No reviews, no recommendations, no expectations – just instinct. It’s a kind of literary blind date. A leap of faith – the literary equivalent of saying “why not?”. And every once in a while, that leap lands you somewhere wonderful.
This time, it really did.
I ended up reading the book in just over a day, completely pulled in by the author’s witty, engaging style. The words felt light but meaningful, clever without trying too hard. The characters were warm, funny, and relatable in a way that made them feel like real friends.
Beyond the humor and charm, the story carried something deeper. It gently nudged me to think about my own life – the things I’ve done, and the things I still hope to do. It reminded me that lists aren’t just about staying organized… sometimes they’re about dreaming bigger, living fuller, and not putting things off for “someday”.
By the time I turned the last page, I felt inspired in the best kind of way. Naturally, I did what I always do – I made a list. This time, though, it wasn’t errands or tasks. It was a list of things I want to do before I reach my next milestone birthday. Adventures, experiences, moments worth chasing.
All from a book I found by chance on a thrift store shelf.
Or maybe not by chance at all.
If you get a chance to read “The Next Thing On My List” (and I really hope you do), let me know what one thing you would want to do before you hit your next milestone birthday.
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