My Not-to-do list

There is a great article in the newest Real Simple magazine called "What's on your not-to-do list for 2009?" It made me smile, because I love list making! This one is the anti-list, or anti-New Year's Resolution list. I can fall easily into the trap of being over-listed, and overly task oriented. Classic example took place last week as we were Christmas shopping with all the kids; I, with my list, barely looked up to see the smiles on my kids faces, or the cool things they were pointing out to me. About 1/2 way through I reminded myself to live in the moment - so I did! Yes, I still got the stuff on my list, but I looked up from it to enjoy the view and accomplish the more important part of the day - the experience of being with my family.

The women who answered the question had some great ideas, things that made me smile and laugh and think! Here is my not-to-do list for 2009, some serious...some not so much:

5. I will not eat blood sausage or blood pudding, despite any peer pressure otherwise.

4. I will not be afraid of left turns.

3. I will not do my homework during the busy family time of day.

2. I will not eat the same thing for breakfast everyday.

1. I will not speak before pausing to breath, think, or chill!


What is on your list of not-to-do this year? Whatever it is, I hope your New Year is great, full of promise and optimism. Some may say this year is started off in crisis and bad things, but we already knew it would get harder in this world, not easier. I say this New Year is started off with a lot of potential for good and opportunity to serve and grow!