Don’t know about you but I live by a list these days. I started doing this years ago when working outside the home, being a wife, a mother and an active community and church member all caught up with me and I missed an important birthday meal with my family.<\/p>\n
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This morning, when I heard Toby Keith sing a country song – That’s The Next Thing on my List <\/em><\/strong>– I <\/em><\/strong>thought about the multitude of lists I keep now. His is a cute little song about a man who has a list of “things to do today” under an old brass paperweight.<\/p>\n \n I chuckled as I remembered the “Honey Do” magnetic refrigerator lists I had just given my sister to use in her house. I suppose her husband will not appreciate seeing that every time he goes into the refrigerator for a drink, but they compliment each others’ strengths and weaknesses so they will probably laugh at it as they cross things off the list slowly.<\/p>\n \n Since I don’t have a “honey” at my house, I wanted to make sure they were put to good use somewhere. After all, we likely all have lists of things that need to be done, could be done, should be done and even one for what we wish we could get done – but probably will not do anytime soon.<\/p>\n \n During this time of year, people often make lists of New Year’s Resolutions. I figured – since I already have several lists – all I have to do is prioritize the ones I have.<\/p>\n \n With that in mind, here are a few thoughts about lists and what they are and are not good for.<\/p>\n \n 1. Lists help us keep important tasks in front of us. You know, things like doctor and dentist appointments, things we need to get at the grocery, and picking up the cleaning. They also help us remember important dinner engagements when our day has been so busy we might forget.<\/p>\n \n 2. Lists help us remember that we can always prioritize the important things in life. Most of the time we can never get to all of the things on a list. Toby Keith reminds us in his song that going for a walk, saying a prayer, taking a deep breath is often more important than most anything on a honey do list – especially if your honey does it with you! I like all the examples he gives, especially the one that says he will “start livin’, that’s the next thing on his list.”<\/p>\n \n 3. One thing not to do with a list is to let it control you and your life. It would be very easy to do, especially if you have lots of lists like I do.<\/p>\n \n 4. Don’t set unrealistic goals on your list so you can never accomplish them. If you do, you set yourself up for failure. After all, most are not absolutely necessary…it would just be nice to do if you can get to it sometime.<\/p>\n \n 5. Be careful not to downplay the list your spouse leaves for you. Making light of things on your spouses’ list can get you in BIG trouble if you’re not careful. Just be sensitive to the fact that something appears on a “honey do” list more than once. If this happens, just ask her or him if that can wait awhile and be prepared with a good reason. Let me say here that using the excuse – every time – that you are going out drinking with the boys and shopping with the girls is NOT a good idea. That puts up a big red flag.<\/p>\n \n 6. Every once in a while, help your spouse out unexpectedly with something that is usually not on your list but his or her list. Help wash dishes, help wash the car, sort the clothes….all very good ideas to help keep the stress low and the cooperation going.<\/p>\n \n 7. If all else fails, offer a nice kiss, a firm hug, a little bouquet of flowers, or anything else that shows you care in your own special way…then offer a plan for getting those things done on the list and STICK TO IT!<\/p>\n \n 8. If you’re single and make lists, it’s important to make sure you have a place for taking care of yourself on your list. That walk, a call to a friend, a nice long, soothing bath…just do something special for you to unwind. It will help things get done more efficiently.<\/p>\n \n 9. One last thought. If you know someone who has an overwhelming list of must dos, offer to help out. Everyone can use some help from time to time. What a great way to help when someone needs it the most.<\/p>\n \n My wish for you today<\/strong> is that you evaluate your list or lists and whittle it down to manageable and achievable items. If you need to keep several lists, that’s fine…as long as you don’t let them control you. Remember, a list is made of things you have to do, but also of things you should do to make the world a better place.<\/p>\n \n Joellen<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Don’t know about you but I live by a list these days. 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