9 + 1 Things You Need To Do Today

Apr 30, 2018
4 min read

I'm a list gal. It keeps my head on straight and I need a semblance of order to get things done - walk the dog, do the dishes, clean the toilet, eat chocolate - wait what?

I love going deep when I write, but just as much, I want to be honest. I got a lot on my plate and adding 9 + 1 other things has already turned me off from reading the next few sentences. Hold on. You're already doing number 1!

1. Read something. It's a well-documented fact that reading not only increases your knowledge, but also mentally stimulates you, expands your vocabulary, improves memory, concentration, and focus. It also strengthens analytical thinking and it's free. As I would tell my fourth grade class: travel anywhere in the world, talk to anyone you please, just go grab a book and grow your expertise. And... a lot of my class wanted to true Garfield experts... we had fun!

2. Smile. When's the last time you smiled at yourself in the mirror? HuffPost wrote a fun little article on why smiling is good for you. Primarily, smiling reduces your stress. Think that list of 'to do's' is going to eat you up? Smile. Show off your teeth. Anthropologically, smiling brings people together - it's a sign of approachability, trustworthiness, and positivity. Smiling helps us emotionally, mentally, and intellectually. A smile can brighten your day and more so, it is contagious. Smile at someone - it may be the only glimmer of human community they get today.

3. Stop and smell the roses. Literally. Take a moment and appreciate something around you for a moment. God fills our day with small, yet powerful reminders of His love and care for us. I always thought I was appreciative of creation until I started teaching Kindergarten. Those little five year olds would stare wide eyed and full of wonder as we learned about some of the most 'common' things that we grownups take for granted - like a sunrise or sunset: light from a star hitting the atmosphere and clouds as a precise moment with colours exploding and constantly changing before our very eyes. When you smell a rose, you really are experiencing the compounds of cis-rose oxide, rose ketones, and class of compounds including beta-damascenone, beta-damascone, beta-ionone, terpene compounds including geraniol, nerol, citronellol, and farnesol. Ok, I didn't understand any of that, but the point is "wow!" - stop and smell the roses! They are so uniquely and dynamically created by an amazing God who loves to brighten our days with the simple yet, astounding things.

4. Unplug. Do a x-minute technology blackout a day. No television, phone, computer, radio, etc. Unplug yourself from the constant buzz that will never disappear unless you make it disappear yourself. We need to engage with real things again. We need to realize we are addicted to technology and we need to remind ourselves who is in charge (you are). I don't need to say more, but it's crazy how hard it can be. Look someone in the eye instead of retreating to your phone screen, have a face to face conversation instead of texting, read a book or play a game instead of watching the next episode of whatever. Just do it.

5. Say thank you. Practice gratitude by simply saying thank you. There is an opportunity ever day to say it. Gratitude is a powerhouse when it comes to finding joy and peace. Don't be overcome with all your things to do, but rather realize how blessed you truly are. God has given you life and breath and purpose. Thank Him for it. Thank your bus driver for the safe ride or your pastor for their leadership and sacrifice or the postman or your spouse or your parents. Say thank you today.

6. Speak life. Tell yourself something positive. I am strong and full of life. I am amazing. There is no one like me. I am so good at holding my tongue. I am a child of God. I am called. I am purposed. I am here for such a time as this. I am loved. I am creative. I am a cool cat. I am fabulous. Look yourself in the eye and tell yourself that you’ve got this! You are your greatest ally and your worst enemy, so choose to be your greatest ally! Get in your corner and encourage yourself today!

7. Move. Get up offa that thing! Shake ‘till you feel better. Yes... thank you James Brown. But, now that we have that song stuck in our heads. Put some funky music on and dance through a song. Or walk the stairs to your car or park your vehicle the furthest from the grocery store door and get moving. Release some endorphins and feel better.

8. Family and friends. Give your mom a call; write a note to your grandpa, text a friend a word of encouragement. Spend a bit of time a day supporting, loving and connecting with your friends and family. A few words and minutes go a long way. Loneliness can sneak up on us so easily; so don’t cut yourself off of what is truly important in life because you have a big to do list.

9. Pray. It's powerful. It's needed. It's important. Jesus wants to hear from you today. Start the conversation because goodness knows He can’t wait to tell you something awesome. Tell Him about anything, purpose your thoughts towards Him, give Him your full attention and let Him tell you "I love you so much. I am with you." If you ever feel condemnation, tell the devil to be quiet, and ask the Father what is His heart towards you, His thoughts – because there is no condemnation in Christ (Romans 8:1).

I cornered my brother and sister-in-law and asked them what is one thing everyone should do every day. These were their responses:

+ 1. Austin – Look for a way to be grateful in the moments where you are struggling with a negative situation. Look for the positive and good in the person or situation you are dealing with and think positively. Lesley - Eat a bite of chocolate. Celebrate the small delights around you!

I hope you’re encouraged in your day to day with a few small, but significant things ‘to do’! – AKS xox

P.S. Here is a free download list I've designed special for all you who love writing your to do's down!