Being an oldster, I need to write things down if to remember duties, ideas, dates. Actually, that’s not the only kind of reason I make my little lists. Lists have always been with me, and maybe it’s because there’s so much satisfaction in checking off things that get done. Each check mark is like a pat on the back, a moment of self praise, an imaginary kiss of appreciation.
In addition to the lists of day-to-day tasks, how about the longer range planning? With my tai chi teaching, I make a schedule and try to forecast which days I will and won’t be on hand for my classes. But damn–no matter how carefully that kind of schedule gets detailed out, along comes the unexpected switcheroo. Maybe it’s a pulled muscle that sends you to the doctor, a family member or friend who announces she can come visit on just that one particular day, an opportunity that presents itself for a conference or meeting or workhop that’s oooooo so irresistible.
So my date book is full of cross-outs and erasures. Kinda cool, if you think about it. Surprises and possibilitites always around the corner.
