The pressure of the undone

I look at the weekend ahead, at Saturday and Sunday in which I have a few things that I must do, and  a mile long list of what I think I should do.

I should clean up that mess from painting a room last weekend.

I should get around to balancing the checkbook.

I really need to find the time to purge a few cabinets and drawers.

I want to just sit down and read a book and remember that we are supposed to rest at times and that it’s okay.

It is these tasks ( and a thousand other examples) that run constant loops in my head, never quite getting from the “I really need to do” list and into my actual day.  The result is a continually open tab in my brain, a little anxiety every time I pass the messes that need cleaning, a feeling of shame that I can’t do it all. Frustration.

I finally found something that helped me- maybe it will help you too?

Make a list of ALL THE THINGS. Consider breaking it down into categories that fit for you. Some category ideas might be: projects around the house that need doing, things I need to organize, personal things I was to do (writing, some new recipes I meant to try, etc.), or relationships I want to find time to invest in. Writing it all down gives it a place to go instead of running a continual loop on that open tab in your brain.

Next, pray for some perspective and choose one item to consider and to -possibly- add to your to-do list.  Consider these questions:

Is it something I really want to do?

Do I have the resources to do it?

What has been holding me back?

Can/should someone else be doing this?

Based on the answers, choose either to do it, or  make a separate list for projects that you will do later.  If you are going to do it, break it down into small action steps and add it to your planner. That’s how things get done.   If you need to do it later, once you put it on that separate list, you can release that feeling of shame and pressure about the undone. You are realizing your limits, you have made a decision about your time and resources and you are taking action.  Maybe you have decided that, in fact, you do not want or need to do it. Cross it off my friend.

There is power in intentional thought and planning. We aren’t meant to do it all, or even do it all right now. I think the best kind of weekend is a blend of the different things- a few to-do’s, worship and rest, and investing and connecting with family. We are living an actual life. Happy weekend friends!