April 27, 2024

 

As you begin a new week, consider normalizing a new kind of to-do list. Often our lists focus on tasks to ensure we meet work demands. What if your list also included things like balance, peace or health?

How might your life, health or perspective change if your list included the things you need to operate optimally?

 

In the weeks to come, consider including you, your needs and at least one of your wants!

With an eye toward sustainable leadership, growth and health, include:

 

-daily meditation 

 

-affirmation 

 

-love

 

-hope

 

-gratitude 

 

-peace

 

This may feel lofty, idealistic, or aspirational, so let’s operationalize it!

This week my daily to-do list included:

 

-beginning my day in prayer and meditation (daily meditation)

 

-concluding my day in gratitude for all the grace, gains and gifts of the day (gratitude)

 

-surrounding myself with loving people, thoughts and practices (love)

 

-being hopeful by remembering the ways that my efforts pay off when I try and my ability to change my situation (hope)

 

-sitting and sleeping in silence; no tv, no radio, no distractions—just me, my thoughts, and my spouse, in the quiet of our minds and home (peace)

 

This work week, I accomplished this to-do list each day and substantially increased my productivity!

 

By beginning my day in prayer, I successfully centered each day in empowering beliefs like “I am well able,” “all things are working for my good,” and “I was made for such a time as this.”

 

By concluding my day in gratitude for all that happened and all I accomplished, I was gifted a list of accomplishments each day. It empowered me to shift from saying “I had to” to saying “I got to.” As a result, I began owning my day instead of feeling like it was owning me.

 

By surrounding myself with loving people, thoughts and practices, I began insulating myself from people and conditions that were previously crushing. 

 

It was like having an umbrella during a storm. It neutralized the people who willfully prod from their insecurity, while empowering me with a counter narrative for my fears. I couldn’t believe I had been isolating all these years and missing the benefit of leaning in—leaning into my safe places and support!

Similarly, by reminding myself that I had survived 100% of my yesterdays, I began to thrive; thrive from the power of realizing my efforts matter and make impact.

 

Imagine remembering each day that you are the kind of person that can go from dropout to doctor! It’s a game changer!

 

This week, when I sat in silence I began to notice things. 

 

I noticed my breathing. I noticed my husband’s eyes, his smile, and his exhaustion. I noticed the beauty of our home and the life we are creating. I noticed how I made someone feel, when I asked them if they were still showing up as the mother their children had needed when they were toddlers. I noticed that I hadn’t heard from my friend in two days so I called and discovered they had lost a former spouse. 

I began to notice life, the people in my life, and me!

 

With the gift of this new to-do list, I pray you discover you too!

 

Happy 2024!