November 15, 2016
The Other List
“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” — Socrates
Preparing for a trip recently, I found myself overwhelmed with an especially long to-do list.
As I plowed through each task, diligently checking off the completed items, it suddenly occurred to me that many activities I consider essential — the kind that make my heart glad — never get jotted down the way that stop the mail or water the plants do.
So for fun, and as a break from the more mundane jobs I was tackling, I turned over the to-dos, and on the other side of the paper, created The Other List.
- Kiss my husband. [Repeat!]
- Dab some lavender oil on my wrists, pausing to rub them together and inhale the soothing scent.
- Cuddle my dog, my faithful companion who gratefully leans in when I slow down and hold her close.
- Spend five minutes stretching.
- Send an I am thinking of you text to a friend.
- Light a favorite candle….or two or three.
- Laugh with my kids. [I listed this twice.]
- Turn on some music. Sing….loudly!
I’ll admit that yes, sadly, there are days when these simple, wonderful things do not happen amongst all of the ceaseless to-dos. Regularly consulting The Other List as I tackled my ordinary docket of chores, anticipating both the action and the ticking off of each sweet entry, brought me immense satisfaction.
It also helped me to ensure that another day did not slip away where I hadn’t taken the time to …
Sing
Cuddle
Laugh
Kiss
Stretch
Love
Or appreciate the many, many small joys of our human journey.
Socrates, wise man that you were, I’m listening.
Will you join me?
Suzanne Walcher’s busy Midwest life includes her husband, two children and sweet Gracie dog. Besides writing to-do lists, she shares her thoughts at www.privetandholly.com, capturing moments that are beautiful, ordinary and often, in between.
Tell us, what will you write on your Other List?
Diana Foster
April 19, 2023 at 4:25 pm
Truly coming to visit Bella Grace for inspiration.
Susan
April 19, 2023 at 4:25 pm
I have a Thanksgiving to-do list a mile long, but I am starting my Other List right now!
Tisa Hosford
April 19, 2023 at 4:25 pm
Rolled my hand into a fist, then popped up a finger for each–sing-cuddle-laugh-kiss-stretch–when my whole hand is open, there’s your last one–LOVE. Thanks for the inspiration!
Suzanne
April 19, 2023 at 4:25 pm
I am so happy that you found
inspiration here, Diana! Thank
you for your sweet words!
xo Suzanne
Suzanne
April 19, 2023 at 4:25 pm
That’s the spirit, Susan!
Happy Thanksgiving!
xo Suzanne
Suzanne
April 19, 2023 at 4:25 pm
Tisa, your comment really
made my heart sing! I love
how you grabbed each idea
with your one sweet hand : )
xo Suzanne
Paula Turenne Molnau
April 19, 2023 at 4:25 pm
Thank you for this.
As I am trying to become organized in an effort to be a list writer (I tend to have the lists in my head-where they swim in an order of their own); this was timely to also include these in my lists!
Linda Dresselhaus
April 19, 2023 at 4:25 pm
So lovely! I think “the other list” should be the important list each day, the rest is busy stuff! Thank you for the sweet inspiration, Suzanne!
Suzanne
April 19, 2023 at 4:25 pm
Paula, start with a short “Other
List” and soon you’ll be addicted!
Good luck!!
xo Suzanne
Suzanne
April 19, 2023 at 4:25 pm
It’s always a balance, isn’t it
Linda? But I love the idea of
starting with an item on this
list, first : ) Thank you for your
sweet thoughts!
xo Suzanne
Brenda @ It's A Beautiful Life
April 19, 2023 at 4:25 pm
I’ve created ‘other’ lists too, but not nearly often enough. Thanks for a beautiful pause in my day.