Remember that blogger’s book club I joined? From Left to Write? Well, even though I don’t read much beyond Captain Underpants these days (yes, that’s really what I’m reading with Big), they haven’t given up on me. This month’s book (which I received a free copy of as part of the club) seemed perfect for me: Take the Cake, A Working Mom’s Guide to Grabbing a Slice of the Life You’ll Love. Plus it was a quick read (and far more applicable in real life than a superhero who fights the evils of wedgies). I learned some really practical tips—like dividing my to-do list into quadrants (e.g. family, house, me and work) and being sure to check off at least one thing in each section every day—and it inspired the following post. Thanks to M.F. Chapman and From Left to Write!
To dos. They can seem never ending (especially when you don’t do them). So when I have a day to make a major dent in that looming list—which is oh-so rare and oh-so coveted—my expectations for myself are high. Last week I had one of those days. I started out with a list of goals (in my head) and ended with, well…pretty much the same list. Everything took longer than I anticipated and most things didn’t even get started, let alone done. By the end of the day, I felt defeated and frustrated.
Then I made a list—well, two of them actually. (And no, neither of them were to-do lists.) Here they are:
Things I Didn’t Do Today: (because, let’s face it, these were the thoughts plaguing me)
• Make an official to-do list
• Go through/organize my personal email (sorry if you’ve been waiting for a reply from me…for months)
• File the paperwork that’s piled up on my dresser the last few months
• Write Christmas thank you notes
• Update our family website with Christmas photos, etc. (yep, I have a family blog too)
Things I Did Do Today:
• Saw my baby wiggling around and listened to its heartbeat
• Wrote 2 posts for Using Our Words
• Donated clothes and toys to a local shelter and watched as families in need immediately flocked to them to provide for their children
• Made a homemade dinner (afraid this isn’t an every day occurrence in our house) and enjoyed it in the company of good friends as we listened to our children laughing and playing together
When I thought about what really mattered, I realized I had accomplished a lot. I’d done something for my family, for myself, for my community and for my friends. Ah, balance.
I know I’ll always have a to-do list that I can’t quite conquer (or write down). It’s my nature. But I’m hoping that I’m always ok with pushing it aside to enjoy life’s sweetest moments.
Brittany Erskine says
January 4, 2011 at 1:36 pmLove it, lady!! You rock and inspire me 🙂 Best to you and the wee ones for the new year!!
Amy says
January 4, 2011 at 10:24 pmSince you’re one of the friends who has every right to have given up on me, I appreciate this more than you know. Look forward to tossing my to-do list aside to get together with you soon, my friend!
Amy Nelson says
January 4, 2011 at 2:48 pmI really like breaking the list down! What a great idea!
Amy says
January 4, 2011 at 10:24 pmI know! It makes perfect sense, but I’d never thought of it myself. Definitely my favorite tip from the book.
Jodie says
January 4, 2011 at 3:48 pmgreat reminder for thinking about what we DID do today (planned and unplanned) versus the list of unchecked boxes :)!
Amy says
January 4, 2011 at 10:26 pmI still can’t help but envy you since you actually accomplished all the things on your list the other day…how, oh wise one?? Yes, I know, focusing on what I DID do.
Tracy says
January 4, 2011 at 5:46 pmI love your list of what you did do today … so much more important than the little stuff we make into such big stuff! I need to recognize more of the meaningful things I’ve accomplished rather than the “stuff” I didn’t get to check off the list today! Thanks for your continued inspiration!!
Amy says
January 4, 2011 at 10:27 pmI’m the master of turning little nothings into huge overwhelming things that I can’t seem to conquer. Shifting my focus has definitely been refreshing. Maybe it will even stick…
M.F. Chapman says
January 5, 2011 at 11:59 amFantastic. It is truly about living your best life, and sometimes it is about realizing that which you value the most. I lost three friends this past year and have never been more aware of the importance of each day. Glad to see others who value it. Thrilled you got even a little inspiration from the book.
Best
MF
Amy says
January 6, 2011 at 11:05 pmI’ve had some major things put life in perspective over the past few years too and agree with you. Thanks for sharing your book to help moms like me!
Shannon says
January 5, 2011 at 1:05 pmI,too, was inspired by the four quadrant system. This morning, I realized how woefully disorganized I am. Hoping that I can get a better handle on it.
Amy says
January 6, 2011 at 11:06 pmNo doubt you’re better off than you think. I hope you get to a place you feel great about this year!
Linda S. says
January 5, 2011 at 5:47 pmSometimes when I look at my list and see very little crossed off, I’ll think of something I did that wasn’t on the list. Then, I’ll write it down and cross it off just to feel some sense of accomplishment!!
Amy says
January 6, 2011 at 11:07 pmThat’s too funny, Linda. I do the same thing. It’s amazing how I can get my work to do’s done, but the home ones are a bit harder. I guess it’s good that I get distracted by the little things…it’s just a matter of embracing them too!
Thien-Kim says
January 5, 2011 at 10:51 pmTo do lists can be positively evil! A few years ago, I attended a seminar and the speaker said that women love writing long to-do lists that they’ll never do while men create short ones so they can finish it.
I think that what you were able to do was more important than what you didn’t get to yet.
Amy says
January 6, 2011 at 11:09 pmWhat a funny spin on to dos. My husband would be the first to agree. He’s always shaking his head asking why I decided I “had” to sign up for something (as he’s laying on the couch relaxing, watching ESPN). Thanks for the laugh and good thoughts!