Downsizing at the beginning of the fall/school year is a god thing (I will be doing this later, but for us here in the Argovian countryside, school began this morning). 

Sometimes it’s time to downsize and also to look in new directions in our life. Maybe it’s time to make a list or two to remember what’s really important.

To be or not to be- 

to do or not to do.  

We do have lists, don’t we?

“Most of us have a to-do list...But do you have a do-NOT list?

There's tremendous value in creating a list of habits and behaviors you commit

to staying away from.  Your not-to list sets the non-acceptable standards in your life.”

- from Akash Karia and his LinkedIn page.

My lists:

Here are some of my NOT-to-dos:

·       I will not insult someone, even if I think they are wrong. NO Victim/Savior/Attacker triangles for me.

·       I will not spend time and emotional energy on people who don’t want to learn.

·       I will not make fake excuses for myself and will be transparent about my needs and wants.

·       I will not do things that drain me terribly, either emotionally or physically (well, now counting good exercise)

We need I wills, too:

·       I will take care of myself and be responsible for myself and my actions – and reactions to situations.

·       I will listen to others and show them my utmost respect.

·       I will remind myself of my values and live by them-

·       I will continue to work on myself and 

·       I will spend time each day with God in prayer.

What are some of your to-dos and NOT-to-dos?

Make your lists and keep them short.  Make sure they reflect your “whys”, your values.  Make sure you really mean it. Write them down and put them in a place where you can see them.  Maybe you have a vision board- make sure they show up there.

Maybe you need to journal about this and then make your lists.

Or maybe you want to doodle, paint or make photographs for your lists.  Be creative.  Take some time because this is more important than what’s next on your other “to-do list”.  I promise.

When you have questions, contact me.  When you have answers, tell me .

Enjoy the process and have a great week!

Next week it will be more about downsizing and following the most important thing: your why.

Patricia Jehle                 patricia@jehle-coaching.com