A List-less Life

For years, I lived my life by the calendar.  The calendar would be booked several years ahead, sometimes, with conferences to attend.  With weddings at which I was scheduled to officiate. With trips I needed to take.  With graduations and a host of important life events.   Whatever was on the calendar happened.
And I would have lists, too.  I would make my to-do lists and check the things off.

Now, I find myself going into a new year without any projects, without any lists.  At first, that was a scary thought.

Having lived by a list of things to do,  a calender of things to happen,  projects to complete,  dreams to envision,  goals to accomplish,  over time,  that became a total way of life.

The other day there was nothing at all on the calendar.  I did have a rather long to-do list, though I generally don't even make those any more.   But because I did make that list,  I found myself pushing, pushing, to make sure I got it all done.   I ran about half a dozen different errands around town,  went grocery shopping,  did laundry,  etc.   By the time I needed to start making dinner,  I realized that I had not yet folded the clothes, and had stressed myself right into a headache!   I have not had a headache in years,  though I used to have frequent migraines back when I was working.

What I am discovering is that there is really a different way to live.  It is more in the moment.  I know what needs to get done in a day.  I can usually take my time.  If there is somewhere I need to go,  I do that.  I can fill up a lot of time reading on my Kindle,  or playing games on my Ipad,  or doing email on my computer.  I enjoying cooking and reading recipes.  There are a few TV shows that I enjoy.

Life can simply unfold, and will, even without a filled up calendar or a long list of things to do.
And that is a very lovely thing.

I could spend a whole hour just sitting quietly drinking my pot of coffee.   And  I do!

Now is the time to savor it all.  To reflect.  To be happy.   And indeed I am!