The Guilt List

Hey, folks.

Just so you know, writing this blog has been on my list of “things to do” for awhile now.  I’ve been mulling it over and over, and finally realized it’s time to write so I can move it from the “to do” list to the “to done” list.  Not to be confused with the “kids’ activity” list or the “grocery” list or the “fix it” list or the “stuff we need for camping this weekend” list.  Oh, and I can’t forget the “honey-do” list my really sweet husband left for me or the “housework” list or the list of “people I need to send cards to”.

Before you think I’m a freak, I don’t actually have all of these lists written out and hanging on the fridge as a constant reminder of things I have yet to do.  It’s just that these lists are constantly running through my mind of what needs to get done.  I know I’m not the only one out there who does this….am I?  Isn’t this just the way it is when you’re a parent?  Mile long lists of things to feel guilty about not doing yet?  Does it have to be this way?

Just say NO, people!  It’s time to make lists of things you’ve actually done throughout the day.  Things that you’re proud of accomplishing.  Trade that “guilt list” of to-do’s into a victory list of “look what I’ve done”!  For instance, I never made it to the jewelry repair shop to drop off my husband’s watch, but I walked to the park with my little girl and had a picnic.  (This wasn’t on any list, but it should’ve been.)  She had a blast laying on our blanket with me and looking up at the underside of the trees.

I haven’t touched up the paint on our kitchen cabinets, but I did fold and put up 3 loads of laundry.  Yay, me!  I haven’t mailed out the family group photos to my aunts and cousins yet (from July), but I did meet with a friend to plan the teacher appreciation luncheon we’re in charge of for the school.  See what I mean?  It’s so easy to feel guilty about the things you haven’t done, when you’ve already done so much.

I, for one, am not going to feel guilty about not washing the sheets today, because  I have a clean kitchen.  I will let go of the fact that my browning bananas haven’t been made into banana bread.  I am going to throw them away and not feel an ounce of guilt, because my back door window has been wiped clean of fingerprints.

At this very moment, my daughter is sleeping and I will not once think about all the things I was going to do while she’s taking a nap.   Like finish her first year scrapbook, paint a growth chart to hang in her room, register my 8 year old for guitar lessons, figure out how to teach my oldest to type with homerow keys, call my mom, take a shower and put on makeup….No!  I will not dwell on that list.  Instead, I will think about the good I have done today.  I sent my boys off to school with smiles on their faces.  I made them a great sack lunch.  I hugged my husband before he left for work.  I swept the kitchen floor.  I taught my daughter that clouds are the color white (our color of the day).

So let’s start a revolution!  No more guilt over those crazy lists.  Look at what you’ve done and be proud.  Make that “victory list” and hang it on the refrigerator.  Just don’t feel guilty if you never get around to it.