Reeinlisted

My planner and I got along better today than we have in many months. Last night at Giveback, Dr. Shutz said structure was the brain injured person's best friend. He also had some sage advice about actually using the planner as a guide to your day.

For me, lists add structure. I have not really used my lists much since we moved. So many things are different here that my lists needed modifications. Today, I did that. My morning list ensured I had myself and my house taken care of before I ambled away to start some other project. No more discovering half way through the day that I have not combed my hair, or made the bed, or gotten dressed or any other morning routine thing.

I also put new batteries in my visual timer and it has really helped me stay focused and also cued me when it's time to take a break. After 15 to 20 minutes, I begin to lose concentration and my efficiency fades or I just wander away from the task at hand and go off to take a nap or play video games.

Well today, with weekly, monthly and quarterly home care lists all revised and printed and my Morning List back in place, I feel on top of things for the first time since I came here. I also took Dr. Shutz's advice to schedule free time for playing, or whatever I want to do.

Almost everything in my planner is done. I was careful not to make empty promises to myself by overloading the day with more than I could ever do (my usual habit) and yet I got quite a lot done. In fact, I had some extra time so went out and raked our leaves and swept the street for about half a block.

I almost hate to admit what a huge difference a bit of structure makes for me. The rebel inside me still wants to convince me I am well enough to wing it, but that's a lie and today proves it. I will happily embrace my lists and strategies from now on and look for new ones to make things work even better. I deserve that and so does Richard. God has a plan for my life and I want to be available.