Most mothers have an ongoing "to do" list--that catalogue of tasks needed for family life to run well. I have a notebook bursting with them and always have. It sometimes amazes me to find a ten-year-old to do list and see that the items on it could have been written this morning. It goes on and on.
About a year ago, I changed my approach to lists in two ways. The first was that instead of writing "to do" as a heading, I would write "Accomplishments for [day, date]." Somehow or other, the word "accomplishments" has such a positive connotation that my lists feel a bit more worthwhile. The second and far more significant change is that I began creating an entirely separate daily list for Beauty.
It occurred to me that my lists would always include tasks like "make dental appointments" or "clean out girls' closet," but there was very little in them to satisfy the heart. By creating a daily list called "Beauty for [day, date]," I added some planned beauty to each and every day. Most days, the Beauty list would be very simple. It might say, "Light a lilac scented candle" and "Gather a bouquet of flowers for Our Lady" or "Take a country stroll." Other times, it would include a project like "Can strawberry jam" or "Have a picnic in the woods." Whatever it was, it would always be something we might not have remembered otherwise--the kind of activities that everyone loves but always leaves for a someday that too rarely comes.
Here are a few examples:
"Arrange flowers for teatime centerpiece."
"Bring friends to visit Sagamore Hill."
"Can fresh peaches from the farm."
"Have tea and hot cross muffins by candlelight."
"Take photos by the rhododendrons."
"Put up the Easter Egg tree." (Looking at this photo from last year, I realize that it is only a few days until Easter and our little Easter Egg tree remains in the garage. Perhaps it should go on the Beauty list for tomorrow.)
Beauty for Tuesday, April 11, 2017
- Make potpourri from anniversary roses.
- Decorate mantel for Easter
- Gather forsythia and cherry blossoms.
Great way to approach "work". We love wrapping up the day with Barry's Decaf for our late teatime.
Posted by: Mary | April 11, 2017 at 03:27 PM
Thank you Alice. I love lists and am ALWAYS making them to keep myself organized (lately it seems very difficult to remain focused on goals & organized; too many constant interruptions...😂). I can totally relate to all that you said...but I never thought about adding that special touch "Beauty"!! That is a wonderful idea! Ok if I can put it into action starting tomorrow that would be great🙏🙏 I'll keep you posted
Posted by: Suzanne | April 11, 2017 at 03:32 PM
Love this idea, tasks seem more pleasant the way they are worded. I have tons of BEAUTY ideas in mind now. THANK YOU.
Posted by: Eileen | April 11, 2017 at 09:20 PM
This is a wonderful idea and I am inspired to do the same in my own life. Thank you! <3
Posted by: sarah | April 12, 2017 at 03:40 PM
Ah, you just reminded me that I forgot to put out the Easter tree. New job -- many distractions!
Posted by: Barbara | April 13, 2017 at 09:51 AM
This is beautiful
Posted by: Hawi Moore | June 13, 2017 at 01:51 AM
love this idea
Posted by: fridah kivuli | June 30, 2017 at 08:54 AM