Morning To Do List

Do you ever start a discussion with someone after you've already had the first part of the conversation in your own head? You assume that the other person knows exactly what you're talking about...until you notice their confused stare. It suddenly occurs to you that maybe, just maybe, their mind reading powers were temporarily turned off. And maybe, just maybe, you should begin the discussion again. From the beginning.

Well, that's sort of what happeed when I began explaining the different elements of my Morning To Do List. I jumped right into the "how" without discussing the "what" or "why" of it all. So, let's rewind and begin again. And this time, let's start at the beginning.

Some people think routines are boring, restrictive, confining. I, on the other hand, think they're freeing. If I follow the same basic plan every day, then I don't have to think about it. And honestly, folks, one less thing begging for a share of my already short memory is a blessing. Enter: my Morning To Do List. This list, which you can see at the right side of the page, contains some things that must be done every day, and other things that simply help my world go 'round if they are done every day. Most of them are things I would do even if they weren't written on a list. But now, I don't have to think about them. They've just become routine. That's how I like it. I've got more than enough excitement during my day.

When I first started doing a Morning To Do List, I typed it out and put it in a plastic page protector. Every morning I would cross off each item with a dry erase marker as I went along. Even though I don't need the list right in front of me anymore, I still find it helpful to glance at the box at the right side of the page, just to be sure I didn't miss anything. You may have other things that need added to your list. Do you need to pack lunches or walk the dog? Put them on your list.

If you need some ideas and tips on a few valuable morning tasks, here's my personal list. It can also be found through the Getting Started link or on the right side of the page for a quick reference.

MORNING TO DO LIST
--Quiet Time
--Drink Water
--Dressed, Make-Up, Hair
--Make Bed
--Kitchen and Dishes
--Wipe Up Bathrooms
--Start Laundry
--Water Plants
--Early Meal Prep

That's what works for me. You can read more ideas over at Works For Me Wednesday.