I don't really want to say it and maybe you don't want to hear it, but spring is here. I saw pansies and daffodils beaming low from the ground and knew it was time to stop, evaluate, and plan. You see, if we don't take a moment right away and look at the next several months, things are going to get out quickly of hand.
So get out a current calendar and get a feel from the shape, size and pattern of the next few months. Three possible major events are in the wind: holidays, vacations and summertime plans.
Then take three pieces of lined paper and title them "upcoming holidays," "vacations" and "summer." Fold each of the papers in half one way and then in half the other way. You will have four sections. Title the first section of the upper half of the paper "questions." Title the other "answers." Title one section of the lower half of the paper "things to do (to prepare)." Title the other "things to buy."
Without much thought, "questions" and "answers" and "things to do and buy" will fill your mind. For example: Will you be celebrating Memorial Day this year? If so, how? Will you be traveling? Will you need to find treats for some treasured family members? Do you need to invite someone to spend that weekend with you? What will you do on the Saturday before? How will you spend Sunday?
As questions come into your mind, write them down, making a list with generous space between each question down the left side of the holiday page. Then try to answer each of the questions (as best as you can at this early date) down the right side of the page. Then at the bottom of the page, make up a preliminary "to do" and "to buy" list.
Just as you have prepared a holiday sheet, do the same for other upcoming events. Do you need to buy new duffel bags for summer camping? (Maybe you can add that to your errands list this week.) Where will you be going for your vacation? (Maybe it is time to discuss this with your spouse and/or your children.) On and on the items go.
With your lists in hand, you can note down questions, answers and items needing attention at your convenience. If you have a planner, put these lists in them. If you work better from your fridge, put these papers on the front of it for the next few days to evaluate your desires and make plans. You will be surprised how quickly and easily you begin to use spare moments to make notations. With these simple lists, you can begin to consolidate plans and focus your attentions for a successful spring and summer season.
The pattern is always the same. Start early to plan, make initial lists to get your mind rolling, and then put items of action into your regular routine. This season can be different, less stressful, and more fulfilling. Just start now and begin the magic of being early, relaxed and on top of things.
P.S. You may want to do this "stop, Evaluate, and Plan" about every quarter. You will do it again at the beginning of summer, at the beginning of the next school year, at the beginning of the holiday season. Then the whole year can be different for you!
Marie C. Ricks is the host of Utah's new radio AM820 "Keep It Simple," Saturdays from 10 a.m.-noon. Call in at 1-888-362-1820. She is a motivational speaker and the author of the House of Order Handbook and other home organization materials. To order her products, offer comments, suggestions, or questions, go to: www.houseoforder.com. © Marie Calder Ricks