I do not have to...

Some of us are obsessed with making lists, and some of us tend to avoid them.  Lists can help us feel more organized and productive, and at other times, they can make us feel defeated and overwhelmed. They can provide us with a sense of self-worth or can they can lower our self-esteem.   Some of us even create items on our lists (even after we have done them) just so that we can cross them off.

Whatever our relation is to making lists, we can create an endless number of "to do" items:

grocery shopping lists

school supplies lists

timelines

list of recommended art supplies

books to read

wish lists

travel packing items

new years resolutions

important telephone numbers

gratitude lists

phone calls to make and to return

daily priorities

pros and cons

25 random things about me

honey do lists

intentions

things to do before I turn (whatever that magic number is)

a how to ~ step by step

blogs to visit

Yes, we all have the desire to accomplish, to organize, to be productive, to acquire, and to succeed.  Most of the lists we create, reflect what we believe, we “have to do”.  But ~  what if, seriously, what if ...  we do not have to?

Today, I invite you to create a “do not have to” list.   I’ll share first.

I do not have to ….

… figure out my past

… always understand what I am feeling

… have just one favorite color

… dive head first into the water

… know what comes next

… smile when I am feeling sad

… be understood by everyone

… explain myself

… finish what I start

… share when I don’t want to

… know all the answers

…  be the best

… say “yes” when I don’t want to

… love my hair ~ everyday

…  feel responsible for how others feel

… apologize when I feel I am not sorry or wrong

Now, it’s your turn. Make your list and see what you 

discover.