Step Two.

Before we go further with the list, there is another list I need to get off my chest.  All the things I do, the choices I make, are informed by a few basic principles:

I love making stuff.

I believe that just because I love making stuff does not entitle me to make whatever stuff I want.

I wish everyone who wanted to make stuff could make stuff.

(I'm pretty sure I've used the word "earnest" to describe myself.  It fits here, no?)

So, back to Monday....  First I made a list of all the things I want to do.  I noted the items I was already doing.  (I wrote "DO!" next to them, as in "Hooray for me!"  A * would work nicely for normal people.)  Then I made another list -- of categories I could divide my first list into.  Most of the items on my original list fit into the following groups:

• traditions
• family
• marriage
• home
• correspondence
• personal

You might use some of these, you might have others.  I suggest keeping the categories to six or less, so you can keep better track of them.  (Plus, you may end up having some sub-categories, which could get a little overwhelming if you're not focused on the big picture.)

I was glad I'd written my original list in the front of a notebook, because I was able to use the subsequent pages for my categories.  I wrote a category at the top of each page, and then under it:  Do and Do More.  For example:

Again, I lived with the list for awhile before making any changes.  We all make choices, and those choices can be narrowed by our circumstances -- my need to live creatively fits inside a life with two kids, a very old house, and a 16-year-old small business.  Some days I only have time to dwell, not do.  So I let the list sit for awhile.  I eventually added Do Later for the things that weren't as important to me, or were more difficult to fit into my current life.  (Mailing baked goods once a month to surprise friends is an awesome idea...but not one that's going to happen anytime soon.  I'm okay with that!)

Go back to your list.  Divine some categories.  Give yourself a * for what you're already doing.  Then go for a walk, see if the peonies are blooming yet, make dinner and forget about the list until tomorrow.  (Yes, there's more!)

Comments

[Jessica]

Hmmm, great ideas. Organize my organizing - fantastic! Who knew lists could be even better. Now I want to know where you keep your master lists.

[Kristan]

You are inspiring me to get organized with my creative thoughts. Like you, I love to create, mostly quilts, but need some sense of where I am going with my ideas.

I once suggested to my husband that we start some house project or another. His answer was, "Most definitely not." I asked why, because in my eyes we were not overbooked or particularly focused on one thing at the moment. His answer, "Because I have so many things I am working on in the back of my head."

Sums up life with two small kids.

An idea journal is a blessing. Thank you for getting me started!