To-Feel List

This quote is from the essay "Aim Higher" by Regina Brett from her book Be the Miracle.

She doesn't just have a to-do list. She has a to-feel list and puts joy on it.

As I prepare to be away for a few days for my surgery, I've been working through a to-do list. Some things have long needed to be done, and I decided I do not want to come home later in February and see the same things NOT done. It's been a challenge since I was down with a cold for two weeks, and that sapped a lot of my strength. I have to rest a lot in between. But that's okay. I have books to read that need to get back to the library before I go.

After reading the quote, I went right to my to-do list and added what I want to feel. Here are a few examples:

Finish cleaning area by Jim's nightstand -- to feel accomplished

Do my nails -- to feel comfort

Pack for the hospital -- to be ready

Arrange sink area in a new way -- to feel joy

I went to work on finishing the area around Jim's nightstand. It had years of stuff piled up. I was able to pitch a lot of things, and some things will find new homes. I don't only feel accomplished -- I feel joy. This has been something that has been very difficult for me and I've had to take it in small bites. But today I dug right down and finished. Now when I walk into the room I won't see all the evidence of his several year decline when things piled up. 

The heart is the DOING, the rays the FEELING

Sooner or later, the change needs to be made

It may take days, weeks, months...maybe even years

We don't always see how things are changing right in front of us

I am the one left to figure it all out

Now I will work not just on the doing, but on the feeling

as I bring my heart to what needs to be done

As I continue to navigate this new world