First Things First

For your consideration…..

Today’s message is about putting “first things first”, prioritizing. I was originally looking for a nice peaceful landscape image but I simply could not resist this picture.

Initially you think what? Seriously? But as you take a longer look, you see everyone is perfectly happy. Yeah, priorities are specific to individuals and time. They are ever-changing.

Our message today isn’t just about setting priorities. It is about being ever diligent and constantly monitoring so we can make tweaks and adjustments as the time or circumstance requires.

When we don’t do that, we start to have buildup and we become overwhelmed, out of sorts, withdrawn, confused etc. We kind of get a little lost in varying degrees. We just can’t seem to get out of our own way.

Today we are just being reminded to be conscious of that life inventory we always have  going on.  What’s on that list? What must be done? What would you like to get  done? What can wait if need be?

We all have tasks or chores we dread. But procrastination is not the solution. Sometimes we just have to get in and roll up our sleeves. But sometimes the solution is “chunking it out”.

Breaking jobs or goals up into smaller pieces is a way to keep from being overwhelmed. It makes the mountain climbable. First things first, one step at a time and suddenly we are a quarter, half, three quarters of the way through and the goal is within sight. Now we are not overwhelmed. Instead we are ready to sprint to the finish line.

I can give you an example. My daughter’s high school had a lot of students who would be the first in their family to go to college if they choose to do so. To many of them college just did not seem attainable. I was a  proponent of setting up a spreadsheet for each student with their goal on it and the steps and timeline required to get there. My daughter had been given one by a mentor and it was a huge tool. There is just something about checking or crossing things off of a list that is satisfying. Those checks represent accomplishment within the accomplishment. Those checks are the pat on the back we often need to spur us on. They keep HOPE alive. The high school didn’t do it but my daughter completed hers. And guess what? She ended up exactly where she wanted to be.

What about those things on our list that don’t belong there or are unnecessary? Scratch them off, hire them out, or give them away.Don’t carry unnecessary burden.

You know the saying, “Don’t go to bed mad.” Add to that add “Don’t go to bed without celebrating what you accomplished.” That includes taking days to replenish your spirit. Our HOPEs and dreams are all attainable. We simply need to put first things first and start ticking them off. We have help available 24/7. Our Guidance is  always available. We simply need to consult it. That is the HOPE. And so it is.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take……

-Meditate/pray. There is simply no better way to start of finish your day than getting back to your center.

–Drink lots of water throughout the day. Water keeps your body moving and helps clear your mind.

-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.

-Stuck? Stop and take 2-3 deep breaths. What are you sensing you should do? Trust and then move forward.

-Make a “T” chart for every Task, HOPE/Dream, Job etc. that you have. Add a 3rd column. 1st column is a “must”, 2nd column is a “maybe” or “can wait”, 3rd column is  “can wait” or “eliminate”. Or you can make a spreadsheet if that is easier for you. Just start prioritizing and checking things off. See how great you really are.

What made me smile yesterday……

-Air conditioning.

-A glorious sun albeit hot.

-A lot of writing completed bringing back lots of memories.

-My friend, Jackie.

-Shannon and Alex both having productive days.

-My Peanut is joyous again.

Love, Blessings and Gratitude,

Chris