Lately checklists have been feeling good. Perhaps that is because they feel safe, and the list of what feels safe these days is limiting. As an educator, during the remote learning process, my to-do list seems never ending. When it comes to lists, if nothing else, my Type A personality is really basking in the spotlight during this pandemic. I mean that in the most self-ambivalent way possible; I needed the structure in place of my old routine. The feeling of crossing something off my daily list feels inexplicably satisfying. In a culture that values the illusion of control, which I am also subject to, crossing something off of my to-do list, illusory or not, puts me in control of how I choose to go about my day- and I’m here for it.

The weird thing about planning, however, is I’m learning that new things will always arise in my day-to-day to get done or to handle. Things that I couldn’t have projected the night before while creating the next day’s run-of-show. This seemingly small feat speaks to the planner in me, and it’s made me more uncomfortable than not. Basically saying, “you can plan all you want to, but things you didn’t plan for will still come up anyway.”

Isn’t that the true case of the reality we’re living in the here and now? And so it is, c’est la vie. I’m learning, though, that how I go about tackling the things unplanned have the biggest reward for me personally. Tackling the unplanned for things makes me feel more proud; who could have guessed that? They require more conscious thought, grit, and diligence if you know what I mean.

So, in turn, I’m saying make your to-do lists, and feel hella good about them. Feel good if you get everything done, and feel good if you don’t. Most of all feel good about how you handle what arises in spite of your to-do list; that is the real reward. At the end of the day, we are all seeking a sense of normalcy in very-not normal times. Flow and be open to whatever each new day will bring. You’re doing your best, I see you!

A loud-calling theme during this period seems to be getting comfortable with what makes me uncomfortable; and living in that space. I’ve written about this concept before, and this pandemic is really calling me to walk my talk! Let me know below if you can relate! 

Love and Light!

Xx, Sab