Whether it’s in our head or we actually write it down, we often place much focus on our ‘to do’ list. It consists of the many tasks we have on our shoulders any given day. Sometimes it’s more of a “ Do not forget” list or a “gosh I will feel better once this is down on paper” list. And of course this list helps us to focus on what we have to do, that day. We remember it (usually) and put most of our efforts towards accomplishing that task/s that make the list.
I just wonder, how effective this list really is, at helping us to become less stressed and feel less guilty. I am beginning to think this list of to do’s, is contributing to my stress. It’s a constant reminder of what needs to get done. What is completely ignored with creation of this list, is how I actually want to ‘be’ any given day. You know, do I want to “be” in a good mood? Do I want to “be” humorous, “be” playful, and “be” joyous? I woke up one morning in a hurry to tackle my to do list so I could “feel better” that I got so much done…yet in focusing so much on what I wanted to ‘do’….I turned into a raging lunatic. I nagged and picked fights with my husband and kids. Is THIS how I wanted to ‘be’?
I was fed up with this ongoing list with items that seem to multiple faster than rabbits. I threw out my to do list one day and wrote a ‘to be’ list. I wanted to “be” stress free. I wanted to “be” playful and just plain fun.
When my list of “to be’s” became my focus, I concentrated on how I wanted to experience my day and the people in it. If playfulness and humor was a focus, my family became less stressed. Did I still have to get a few things done…of course; I don’t employ Mary Poppins! However, making the ‘to be’ list helped me focus on what I believed was REALLY important that day. Too often, as Moms, we feel more accomplished if we get our ‘to do’ list done. And truly, it does feel good, most times to run through that list.
How far will we go, to get things done? When your ‘to do’ list is creating too much stress. Pitch it. Create a ‘to be’ list. And let that be the focus of your day.
Today, the day before Thanksgiving (sheesh, I should have picked a better day for this post!) …my to do list is 14 items long….but I want to “be”
-happy
-fun
-playful
-thankful
What do you want to ‘be’ today?
