Things to do

I love making things to do lists. I keep it posted in colored markers in my home checking off tasks as I complete them. Something that I started doing is noticing when certain things that I need to do stay on the list without a check mark too long. If something is there uncompleted for a week then I need to pay someone to do it. This inspires me to get it done or create a job for someone else. The other thing I do on my board is create categories like HEALTH, FRIENDS, HOME...under these I put things you probably wouldn’t see on other people’s list like shower, water, nap, walk...I have lived with depression cycles for a very long time. One of the first big signs that I’m headed into a cycle is neglecting showers. Showers are hard for me when I’m depressed. Getting out of bed is hard when I’m depressed. This might sound strange to some of you but depressed or not there is something really annoying about walking by my board seeing shower unchecked. Sometimes I’m able to make a deal with myself and take a quick shower and then I can get back in bed. That actually works sometimes. Nap is on my list everyday because I also experience manic cycles. The mania is scarier to me than the depression because I have so much energy and I can’t seem to control it. It feels like someone has taken over my body AND THAT BITCH HYPE! Taking regular naps whether I’m sleepy or not remind me to slow down. I put necessary but simple things on my list too like check mail. Some days I’m too overwhelmed or sad or anxious to do anything on my list but the Virgo in me needs at least one check mark so I take myself downstairs to check the mail. If you are a list keeper I encourage you to have fun with your list. Make it pretty. Messy boards don’t make me want to cross tasks off. Include big and really easy things. Again, have fun and get it done. If you can. Mostly, be gentle with yourself.