Small Doses

I usually start making a mental to do list before I get out of bed in the morning. It almost always contains more items than I can accomplish in a day but I do love crossing off completed tasks.

Life is essentially lots of to do lists. And it just keeps coming at you. Get through one task, there’s always something to fill it’s spot. It just doesn’t stop. If it stopped would we be dead or just living in limbo? It can seem overwhelming, especially if you find yourself in a vulnerable state.

There are times when I wish the craziness would slow down. Sometimes it’s just about trying to deal with a difficult co-worker but it can also be about figuring out how to process major issues with humanity. One minute you’re checking Facebook to find invite information for a play you want to attend, when you see a post about another lunatic shooting into a crowd of people.

Terrorists attacks, a world filled with anger and hatred, innocent people suffering, makes me fecking sad. Is it naive of me to believe that it doesn’t have to be that way? Probably. Why do I get to make to do lists with things like; dentist, food shopping, mow lawn? Some unlucky soul is fleeing a bombed out war torn city with small children in tow. Sigh.

It is because this world is so utterly insane that if you have the opportunity to concentrate on being your truest self, you really shouldn’t put that shit off. If you’re not living in a war zone, have a decent job, food to eat, your health, and shelter then take advantage of your situation.

The things we focus our attention on can shift our world.

Well, that seems stupidly apparent! Of course your world will change if you focus your energies differently. You start exercising and eating healthier, you feel better and have fewer health problems. You choose to budget your money and build up your savings rather than spending, you reach your goal of buying a house sooner.

Making daily lists to remember the tasks you need to complete are a great way to accomplish immediate chores but why not sneak in the life changing habits too? If you’re trying to learn a new language, starting to exercise again, wanting to practice your art, add those to your list.

I know, I know, “There’s not enough time in the day,” but really, that’s just an excuse. What if instead of watching an episode of something you decided to exercise? It doesn’t have to be fancy, do sit ups or lift some hand weights. Use that language app while you’re waiting for the train or do some writing during your lunch break.

Whatever it is you have been wanting to add, it can be done in small doses. You don’t have to devote your life to it. Physically put a practice on one of your lists and you have the added satisfaction of crossing another thing off.

Obviously, you still need to prioritize. If there’s a pressing matter, take care of it. Don’t be a flake and put off important obligations to focus on “improving yourself.” Use the time between necessities, fill it with steps towards a passion instead of dead air.

Most of us find a large portion of our lives taken up with the daily grind but trust me, you can find fifteen (or more) minutes somewhere in your day to practice what’s important to you. Inject some sanity into this messed up world by working towards your goals and dreams. That’s what I’m going to do.