What's Missing from your To-Do List
My husband has a strange quirk. Like most people, he gains great satisfaction in crossing off items on his to-do list. I’ve been on a roll lately, writing out long lists of chores we need to do around the house. By now, I know to leave plenty of space between each to-do item because he loves to add a bit of play to his lists. Nestled between hang window blinds and fix light switch, he’ll pencil in drink wine or pet our dog, Schnitzel.
It makes him smile to see that on his list, and he’s like a little boy, giddy with joy as he takes his pen and crosses off those tasks that bring joy, laughter and a sense of lightness to his day. Sometimes, we focus so much on our obligations that we forget how important it is to infuse our day with playfulness and positivity.
This week, I’m highlighting a poem from Tony Hoagland that does just that. I love the idea that pleasure is a thing that also needs accomplishing. Playful activities boost creativity and problem-solving skills. When your mind is relaxed and happy, it’s more likely to come up with innovative solutions and fresh ideas.
It also encourages mindfulness, helping you stay present and appreciate the little moments of joy throughout the day. Whether it’s spending a few minutes coloring, watching a funny video, or savoring a delicious treat, fill your day with moments that bring sunlight into your life.
Create a list that cultivates more happiness throughout your day!
Enjoy the poem below and let me know which word you would pencil in on your to-do list. Sunlight? A walk among the trees? A glass of wine? Listening to the birds chirp their song?
The Word
Down near the bottom
of the crossed-out list
of things you have to do today,
between "green thread"
and "broccoli," you find
that you have penciled "sunlight."
Resting on the page, the word
is beautiful. It touches you
as if you had a friend
and sunlight were a present
he had sent from someplace distant
as this morning—to cheer you up,
and to remind you that,
among your duties, pleasure
is a thing
that also needs accomplishing.
Do you remember?
that time and light are kinds
of love, and love
is no less practical
than a coffee grinder
or a safe spare tire?
Tomorrow you may be utterly
without a clue,
but today you get a telegram
from the heart in exile,
proclaiming that the kingdom
still exists,
the king and queen alive,
still speaking to their children,
—to any one among them
who can find the time
to sit out in the sun and listen.
