I am often consumed by my to-do lists and felt the deep need to pause and imagine a “don’t list” to follow in my life.
I read this old joke the other day:
A guy who goes to the doctor because his hand hurts when he moves it.
“It hurts when I do this,” he says to the doctor.
“Then don’t do that,” the doctor answers.
Which is, when you think about it, excellent advice for a lot of things.
The practice of reflecting what would be on a don’t list made me think and I hope take notice more quickly when I revert to my default mode of old habits and comfort zones. So here are some things I thought of for my Don’t List:
- Don’t say yes when I really want and need to say no.
- Don’t choose lazy and tired over fit and active.
- Don’t let my to –do’s ruin my delights.
- Don’t allow my self-talk defeat my determination.
- Don’t tolerate the world’s and my ego’s definition of success in distracting me from God’s plan.
- Don’t let my eyes revert to short-term detours instead of focusing on long-term destinations.
- Don’t listen to noisy life instead of God’s voice.
- Don’t permit my “I’m not good enough” overshadow my belovedness in God.
- Don’t let go of God’s hand.
- Don’t forget I am a child of God.
- Plus – Don’t forget to smile.
How about you? What would you add to your Don’t List?
Don’t fall prey to the “folly of the unaffimed assumption!”
Hi Jean! I love your Don’t addition to my list. Assumptions certainly do mislead and confuse, don’t they? Thanks for commenting and adding to the conversation
What a brilliant spiritual exercise, Jean, to identify some “Dont’s” for 2015. (I, too, am always making to-do lists!) Recently you commented on my blog, “You live in my head, right?” Well, today, you were definitely poking around in MY head! So many of your don’ts would perfectly match my personal list. Here’s one that I would have to add for me: Don’t let discouragement overshadow encouragement. Focus on the positive, and hang on to hope. Thank you, Jean, for a very thought-provoking post!
I like the one you added. Discouragement is the devils favorite tool to use on me so I will steal your idea and add it to my list. Thanks for commenting, Nancy
You’re not stealing! I’m honored that you find my addition worthwhile.
I really, really love this one: Don’t let my to –do’s ruin my delights. YES! This happens to me all the time. A very good “don’t!”
In fact, I think I need to make a sign!
Make that sign, Jen. I learned so much by thinking this through but now the hard work begins to practice living this way. Have a great week, Jen!
I love your list, Jean. I’m especially drawn to “Don’t let go of God’s hand” and “Don’t forget I am a child of God.” I needed these reminders, especially in my year of “wonder” as I attempt to see God’s world as a child would.
Blessings!
I learned a lot by thinking about this practice, then writing them. Now to put them into practice, right?
Jean,
I just love this. I know it is too early because the first time I commented I didn’t spell my name correctly.
Blessings,
Janis
You made me smile. which of course helped me fulfill one of the items on my list today. Thanks Janis or Jnais or whatever. LOL
Love this, Jean.
Blessings,
Jnais