Day 30: Mind the To Do List

At this point in my life, I rely heavily on my phone to remind me of everything I want to accomplish, a kind of external hard drive for the brain. Without it, I exist in a fuzzy state, and will randomly remember I tasks that were meant to be completed the day before, like the trash day I missed or laundry that was now festering in the washing machine. However, the To Do List can be used for good or evil. It can help us with our bumble-headedness, yes, but it can also become a taskmaster, requiring completion, or it will glare angrily up at you until every item is dutifully checked off. How we mind the To Do List becomes especially important during these days. If I were as productive as I was pre-baby, I would miss out on precious moments with her. Because I could get it all done today, sure, but I would sacrifice those sweet afternoon naps, her lying against my belly. I would type over her head while she tries to catch my attention with a flash of a smile. I would sweep and vacuum while she fusses in her bouncy chair. And I do that sometimes. But not all the time. The To Do List is not my task master. It is a gentle reminder of things I could do, if more important things do not present themselves.

So make your lists. Check them. Prioritize. And then let go of those tasks you can.