What’s your to-do list like? If you’re similar to me, it’s overflowing non-stop. I thought life was supposed to ease up as everyone got older, but I find that this is a myth.
I used to be the person who had to accomplish EVERYTHING in ONE DAY on that list. And that meant no matter what. I could stay up an extra hour or two to get tasks checked off after the family went to bed. I didn’t notice a difference the next day. Now if I’m off an hour of sleep, forget about it. I’m toast. I’m done for the day before it even starts.
This is a picture of my to-do list from today. Now, I would have enjoyed diving into delusions of grandeur and accomplishing every single task in the 5-hour window that I assigned myself. Finally, I have accepted that this is not only impossible, but also unnecessary.
Have you heard of the concept of putting the big rocks first into a bowl? Many have, but I also think it is a good reminder to hear it again! I had heard it years before, but I haven’t embraced it until the last 12 months.
It removes the load of stress being carried around on the shoulders. It makes the day seem brighter.
The concept of adding big rocks first, then pebbles, then sand was popularized by Stephen Covey in his book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” This popular story is used to illustrate the importance of prioritizing big tasks before smaller ones to ensure that important goals are achieved.
A teacher walks into a classroom and sets a glass jar on the table. He silently places 2-inch rocks in the jar until no more can fit. He asks the class if the jar is full and they agree it is. He says, “Really,” and pulls out a pile of small pebbles, adding them to the jar, shaking it slightly until they fill the spaces between the rocks. He asks again, “Is the jar full?” They agree. So next, he adds a scoop of sand to the jar, filling the space between the pebbles and asks the question again. This time, the class is divided, some feeling that the jar is obviously full, but others are wary of another trick. So he grabs a pitcher of water and fills the jar to the brim, saying, “If this jar is your life, what does this experiment show you?” A bold student replies, “No matter how busy you think you are, you can always take on more.” “That is one view,” he replies. Then he looks out at the class making eye contact with everyone, “The rocks represent the BIG things in your life – what you will value at the end of your life – your family, your partner, your health, fulfilling your hopes and dreams. The pebbles are the other things in your life that give it meaning, like your job, your house, your hobbies, your friendships. The sand and water represent the ‘small stuff’ that fills our time, like watching TV or running errands.” Looking out at the class again, he asks, “Can you see what would happen if I started with the sand or the pebbles?”
This is now how I tackle my to-do list. I definitely still need to write things down because I have a tendency to forget when I see the next shiny object in front of me. But I like to keep reviewing it, and I keep refocusing on which are the rocks, the pebbles, and the sand.
I focus on the rocks. And I only choose a few of them at a time.
Everything isn’t a fire that needs to be put out immediately. And I deserve my hours of rest.
Enjoy the following from a post from the Young Living Europe Facebook Group:
Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? Don’t forget to take care of yourself!
Here are some essential oils to bring balance and calm to your week, one day at a time.
Monday – Peppermint: Start your week feeling refreshed! Add a drop of Peppermint to your hands, rub them together and massage your neck for a relaxing experience.
Tuesday – Orange: Brighten up your day with Orange! Add a drop to your favorite lotion and enjoy its uplifting scent as you moisturize your skin.
Wednesday – Young Living Stress Away®: Midweek tension building up? Mix a few drops of Young Living Stress Away® with a carrier oil and treat yourself to a soothing massage and enjoy a peaceful moment in your day.
Thursday – Clarity: Need a pick-me-up? Add a few drops of Clarity to a warm bath with a carrier oil and let the invigorating aroma refresh your senses. The perfect way to reset and refocus for the rest of the week!
Friday – Frankincense: As the weekend approaches, take a mindful moment with Frankincense. Add a drop to your palms, rub them together, and cup your hands over your nose to enjoy the earthy aroma.
Saturday – Joy: Add a few drops of Joy to your hands, rub them together, and gently place your hands close to your heart. Let the uplifting floral scent fill you with happiness and positivity as you embrace the weekend!
Sunday – Valor®: Unwind before bed by applying Valor® to the bottoms of your feet or the back of your neck.
Get started using essential oils for your emotional balance today!
The Pink Lily Pad and Two Tadpoles 