Photo by Jon Curnow
Our expectations as mothers influence our outcomes. But most of us struggle with expectations, especially when it comes to ourselves. We expect so much and when we don't live up to it we feel like failures.
I talked about this before in what ended up being the most popular post I've ever written anywhere. So I know I'm not alone.
I think if we're able to redefine our expectations we'll change our lives and #choosingpeace will come more naturally.
So let's talk to-do lists. A to-do list is a physical representation of our mental expectations--what we hope to get done in any given day.
As mothers, many of our daily tasks--wiping noses and settling sibling squabbles, preparing meals and playing on the floor--never make it to our to-do list but occupy much of our time. As a result, we desperately need margin built into our lives...and our lists.
I add margin to my life by only putting six things on my to-do list each day.
Here's an example from Monday:
1. Read to the kids
2. Laundry
3. Dinner - Mexican Lasagna
4. Work on outline for upcoming article
5. Write draft of this Steady Mom post
6. Edit & schedule one post for Simple Homeschool
In addition, I have an area on my list I call "quick takes." These tasks take no more than five minutes, but I jot them down so I won't forget--examples: needing to email someone or calling to schedule a doctor's appointment.
I also like to write what I plan to do in the evening after the kids are asleep. I will in essence make that a seventh item, but only something short or usually personal. On today's list it is to look for stocking stuffers online; other times it might be to prepare something for our homeschool the following day.
I leave room for inspiration at the bottom: a Bible verse I read that morning, an inspiring quote, or a list of gratitude. I need that continual fuel to stay positive.
We talked about supporting each other on the journey to peace, and this seems like a great place to start. Would you join me on the road to #choosingpeace by redefining your to-do list?
I've created a hashtag on Twitter #choosingpeace and we can encourage each other by sharing our to-do lists there. I'll be posting mine each morning, and I'd love to invite you to follow me and do the same.
If you're not on Twitter, you can always leave your redefined list in a comment on this post.
We want peaceful lives, and we get them by not allowing the urgent to crowd out the important. We get them by redefining what is enough and by letting go of control.
We gain peace in our lives by redefining our to-do lists.
I have created a PDF version of my to-do list format for you to download. It's plain and simple, but perhaps it will help you as it has me? Do you have a way you typically do your to-do list that works for you? Tell us about it!
