Last week I read an article that suggested writing a “done” list at the end of each day before identifying the 2-3 priority “to do” items for tomorrow.  Ok, I’ll bite.  Over the last several months I have been trying all sorts of organization and efficiency habits, so I decided to try this one as well.

I started writing down what I had done at the end of each day, sometimes being silly but always trying to include all of the things that I felt good about accomplishing.  My items ranged from “took my Dad to get his first COVID shot” to “knitted on my first scarf ever…6 inches to go” to “gave a parent advice about helping her child poop in the potty.”  I tried to appreciate how each of these things brought joy to me, even in a small way.  My Dad lives with me and taking this first step towards his health and safety is such a major relief.  I learned how to knit in December, and I love it.  It helps me focus and relaxes me and I have almost finished a scarf!  And I LOVE talking to parents and helping them with these normal developmental milestones.

As you can see, I really got into this “done” list idea.  Then I started thinking about how I spend a lot more time thinking about all of the losses I have experienced and those close to me have experienced because of the pandemic.  I decided to make a Pandemic “Done” List.  The losses we have experienced are real and painful, and I don’t mean to minimize that.  However, I am suggesting that making a pandemic “done” list will show you how strong and resilient you are, where you have found pockets of joy amidst the chaos, and help you prepare for the next year.

Here are some things on my list, big and small.  What are some things on yours???

-Collecting trash in my neighborhood and on hiking trails
-Taught virtual dance classes to raise money for charity
-Got a bonus year with my child who did college from home
-Learned how to knit
-Dug up my front yard and planted new shrubs