“The pen is the tongue of the mind”
Freeing My Mind
I’m a big believer in lists, I write them all the time. This doesn’t mean that I accomplish everything on my list, but just putting thoughts on paper, getting them out of my head can free up space. I don’t have to hold it forefront in my mind, juggling a mental to-do list and causing a distraction. Writing it down gives me a little more freedom to be present in the moment, which is really the whole point of this blog: mindfulness and positivity.
When I cross items off my list, I have a sense of accomplishment. Little joyful moments (always be on the look out for those!) When there are things left on my list, sometimes I move them to another list. Sometimes I look at them and think, why did I think that was so important? And I am able to let it go.
I write down things I want to look up or tell someone, reminders like water the plants or wash the kitchen floor. I don’t know if it’s just me but my lists are usually common sense, basic things. But without them, I’d be keeping that mental list, worrying about it and forgetting half of it. Oftentimes when I get home from work I’m a complete blank on the things I wanted to do, so lists are my safety net.
Mindful Habits, Inner Clarity
My favorite tools are simple: pen and paper. I go with what works for me. Scraps of paper at work, a steno pad, the back of an envelope.
We keep a regular monthly calendar with nice spaces for writing. It hangs in the kitchen. Do I write things regularly, no. I do try to enter events that affect others in the household. Birthdays, appointments, vacations…
I really want to be organized and I have a planner. I have good intentions. They look so nice, just waiting for me to be organized and to decorate it. But no, I don’t stay with it.
My family is used to my lists on the counter, next to my favorite chair, in the pocket of my jeans retrieved before they go into the washing machine, or not and then they are gone. (Well, not gone but just scraps of paper stuck inside the washing machine.) Another way to learn to let go.
Good Intentions
Lately, I’m trying to be a little more intentional about list-making: setting daily routines, prioritizing tasks, and even writing down small goals. Lists may not make me perfectly organized, but they help me feel a little more grounded. And that, to me, is enough.
There are so many ways to stay organized: habit trackers, bullet journals, calendars (paper or digital), reminders on your phone, or the tried-and-true notebook. On the subject of journaling, I have some thoughts in this post Journaling and Self-Expression.
Whatever method you use, the key is finding what works for you. And along the way, give yourself a bit of grace. You’re a work in progress, and that’s enough.
Make time for yourself. And always, remember to be kind to yourself.
Mental Clarity Helps with Mindfulness
How do you organize your thoughts? Are you a list maker? Feel free to share a thought, or ask a question. I’m always open to meaningful conversation.