I saw a poster several years ago that had a list of movers and shakers who have helped to transform the world. The caption read something to the effect that they had the same 24 hours that all of us have to accomplish what they did. It gave me pause … and these days, I really do need it, as I considered how I was investing my hours back then. At the time, I was interviewing for a hospital social work job which I did get. When I eventually moved on, I added more tasks and diversified my work.

I was speaking with my cousin Jody yesterday and we were musing about the vast array of experiences we had that were evidenced by our lengthy resumes.  Mine is two pages and growing. I look at my daily check list/ resume that I have told myself are also a measure of my accomplishments.

While that is admirable, it is also daunting. Each day I awaken with a running list of what I tell myself I need to get done. Sometimes the companion emotion is anxiety. Not the debilitating-I-can’t-get-out-of-bed-overwhelm, but rather, the okay, woman, pull on your big girl panties and get it all done. And, make it look easy and elegant, by the way. You wouldn’t want anyone to think you are unreliable or inconsistent.

In my full to overflowing mind, there are piles of ideas, waiting rather impatiently to be expressed. Although I have never been formally diagnosed, I notice signs of what I call ‘functional mania,’ with tinges of ADHD. I can be writing one article, as I am doing now and another image will spring up that clamors to be included in another. Usually I am able to re-direct myself to the original thought. Sometimes not; given that the mental hard drive gets full and I need to create more space.

My schedule today: Social Media Magic group that I co-host every other week, writing a few articles, transcribing an interview, gym, and normal people stuff like laundry and cleaning. This is a pretty light day for me.

My friends still tell me that even after swearing I would slow down post heart attack a year ago, they see the swirling, whirling, busy buzzy woman who did too much and paid the price. I justify my current activity level, since the stress levels have dropped dramatically and most of it is so much fun, that it is nourishing. And yet …. I have maintained the ‘what if I don’t get it all accomplished?’ fear. That needs to be addressed and surrendered. Most of what is on my to-do list, is optional and not required. If I mindfully take each one as it shows up, prioritizing and then checking it off the list, then they get done, far more successfully than if I multi-task madly. One area that I have become adept at simultaneous activity is at the gym. I take books with me to read while on the elliptical and bicycle. Information seems to get absorbed as the sweat pours from my pores. I also notice staying on the machines longer, as a result ….bonus!

My to-do list today includes hugs, smiles, laughter, good nourishing food, listening to music, singing along and some other type of nurturing activity. What’s on your list?