"Life isn't long enough to do all you could accomplish. And what a privilege even to be alive. In spite of all the pollutions and horrors, how beautiful this world is.
Supposing you only saw the stars once every year. Think what you would think. The wonder of it!"--Tasha Tudor



Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Keep Calm and Carry On.

What do you do when you have a million things that need doing? Because I have so many things that I like to do and that need doing (like work and daily chores) I can easily slide into a state of chaos faster than you can say Corgi pants. Add to the mix something that is worrisome or a situation that I keep mulling over in my head or am anxious about and I can freeze like a deer in the headlights and easily bring my entire day to a standstill, accomplishing nothing. When I have lots to be done, I like to make a list for the day. I'm a big list maker. Somehow, the act of writing down my 'to do' list frees my head up to think about the task at hand.

Some days my list can go on and on. Not even if I were a super woman robot could I ever accomplish everything on that long list. But I still make it. It helps me to put things into perspective. At the very top of the list, I write down whatever has been heavy on my heart and could cause me to worry. So I have my list. Then what? I take that first thing at the top and pray about it. I promise to do what I can about what I can, and put the rest into God's hands. Then, I take a good long hard look at the list and find the one thing that I've been dreading or putting off and make that number one. I make it the first task to get out of the way and number the rest of the list by priority for that day.

From there, I just start chipping away at my list, one task at a time. I know I can get a lot done, just not all at the same time. One foot in front of the other, one task at a time, what needs to get done gets done. What doesn't get done will have to wait for another day.

I love the vintage WWII British "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster. I think what makes it so appealing to so many people is just that. It reminds us to stay calm and keep going. Take care of your loved ones and yourself and keep priorities in perspective. Keep moving calmly and purposefully from task to task and things will get done.

Have a happy day my lovelies. Carry on. -CS ^..^

10 comments:

ClassyChassy said...

Now THAT is a GREAT SIGN! And our Corgis would love to remind us to add the word OFTEN after the word CORGIS! Thanks for today's 'gem'!

Karen in Maryland said...

Very well said.
I like the new picture in the banner.
My son and I enjoy things British and he will love that sign. It should be the motto for our homeschooling.
Our 5 month old Corgi pup seems to be in a constant state of I'm starving. Yep she is rather fond of food. She watches us very closely when we open the big white box and I know she is planning a break-in at her first opportunity.

Anna M said...

Love the sentiment. I am also a list maker, one for weekly chores and then I do daily ones as well. I could get lost in the myriad of things that need doing around here, lists help me focus.

Feeding Corgis is something we would NEVER be allowed to forget. Nose poking always reminds us it's dinnertime *g*

Chatty Crone said...

What a good idea about praying before you do your list!

Whosyergurl said...

Love this post. I saw a t-shirt w/that logo on it but it was too spensive! Maybe I can find a cheaper version?
I make lists too...constantly have them on my desk, in my purse, checkbook, wallet & find it helpful to have a little notebook in my purse to write stuff in...like a book I'm looking for, a wine I want to look for, a thought, my log ins & pass words...I know, don't do that...but I can't member them if I don't!
Plus, I like your version of FEED CORGIS.
Chelsea has been bored w/her food as of late...she is doing the big shed, so maybe that is part of it? she is only 10 months old so we are still learning about her...first we did eucaneuba (sp?) & then Iams...if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear from you.
hugs, Cheryl in IN
Whosyergurl

Whosyergurl said...

p.s. OOPS...Chelsea is doing her big SHEDD as in losing all of her winter bunny fur...not the big shed as in the back yard. giggle.

Susan said...

I make a daily to do list-sometimes I only cross off a few items.
I feel that the list helps me organize and prioritize--which helps when you are feeling a bit overwhelmed! :)
Time to start on my first item of the day--
1. Irish=bath!

Ivy@PaperElixir said...

Thanks for the reminder :) Don't we all need that from time to time? Especially with a new baby on the way, I'm sure there'll be many days that I'll need to remind myself to "comb hair/bathe/put on clothes, etc and carry on"... :)

Cathy Santarsiero, "The Christmas Corgi" said...

Cheryl, I sent you an email re: Chelsea :)

Dances with Corgis said...

Um, hold on a minute. Are you trying to tell us that you AREN'T a super woman robot? Because you had me fooled. :P

Wonderful post, thank you. I too am a fan of the list method. Although sometimes I get carried away and spend more time listing than doing!

Fantastic sign btw!