The 'Real' To-Do List

As I was card-shopping in Hallmark the other day, I came across a wooden plaque that had "To Do List" scrolled across the top of the knick-knack.  My immediate thought was "Why would anyone want to buy someone else's to-do list?"  I don't know about you, but I'm quite brilliant at making my own lists. Unfortunately, I'm also quite good at not crossing items off my lists especially as we get closer to the holidays. I digress...

Upon closer inspection of the plaque, I realized I'm not looking at a typical "To Do List".   Two words I hadn't noticed at first glance were suddently the only two words I saw. "The Real" preceded the other three and suddenly the list shifted my whole perspective and demeanor. I continued to read down the list and saw items like:

• Smile at a complete stranger
• Tell your mom that you love her
• Say "thank you" and "I'm sorry"
• Take time out to breathe deeply

And then that's when I started crying. Life is not a fu*#%)## to-do list. It's not about seeing how much you can get done in a day. It's about opening your eyes and really seeing what you are grateful for in your life every day. It's not about crossing things off a list. It's about paying attention and giving attention to the things that are important to you. If you really want to make a list that packs a powerful punch, make a "Real To-Do List".  Consider who you love and what you appreciate.  Think about the things that make your heart sing and your spirit soar. Create a list that fires you up and/or makes you humble. Write down things that you never want to cross off.  That kind of list not only will make you feel incredibly good, it won't stress you out.           

Comments

[Barbara]

Love this. What a clear sharp crisp message to the point. So easy to do. Thanks for passing that on. Lost in the muddle of day to day chaos this really brings one back to centre.

What a blessing.

Barbara

[Tracy Sedens]

Hi Lisa,

I came across your site while searching for "The Real To-Do List" plaque. I was looking for a few former "precious things" since losing our house in a fire.
I appreciate your insight into what is really important. And also as I read a few of your other posts, the pursuit of joy.
For me I have learned that true joy is found when I put
J esus first,
O thers next, and
Y ourself (myself) at the end.
There is an abundance of joy in serving. Once you lose every "thing", there is clarity that things do not bring real joy.
But I still wish I could find that "The Real To-do List" plaque again.. :)

Blessings to you,
Tracy Sedens
Sherwood Park, Alberta
Canada