8/18/13 5pm
This is my day list. I use it every day. Today I updated and prettified it. If you’re trying to make one and want customized bullets, use Word instead of Publisher.
My day list has been so helpful for me. I have memory problems and things an average person would have no problem remembering slip my mind and run away. Like somehow it’s a trap and they finally escape. So awhile back I decided to make myself a list of things I need to do every day to remind me. I put it in a page protector (clear plastic cover) and mark off each thing with a dry erase marker as I do it. I made a space on my wall to hang it last night because I keep losing it. My day list gets me through the day.
The day list has helped me keep up with self-care when I’m really depressed and make sure I come back to basics when I’m manic or agitated. I find that when I’m doing better I don’t need it as much and when I’m doing exceedingly bad I don’t even remember I have one. Thankfully, my psychiatrist reminds me.
I feel accomplished when I do everything, which is pretty rare. I am grateful it reminds me what to take with me. I made it. I love it. I’m proud of myself.
Recipe for making your own day list:
Ingredients – 1 sheet protector, 1 sheet of paper, pencil or pen, 1+ dry erase markers
- Think about what you NEED to do every day (not what you think you SHOULD do or what someone else thinks you SHOULD do).
- Write those things down in an order you are most likely to do them.
- Place the paper in the sheet protector.
- Put the list in a place you’ll see it every morning, next to a dry erase marker.
- Use. (Do a task, mark it off, erase marks at the end of the day.)
- Revise as needed.
- Celebrate your accomplishments!
Just a note – some people think my list is stupid. My mom doesn’t get it. She hassled me about it at first. Why do I need a list? Can’t I just remember that? Honestly, no. I’m glad I kept using it. If it works for you, do it. Let me know how it goes. :)
© Michelle Routhieaux 2013
Writing Towards Happy 
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A motivating discussion is worth comment. I believe that you ought to write more
about this issue, it may not be a taboo subject but generally
folks don’t discuss these issues. To the next! Best wishes!!
thanks Michelle. It is not stupid. I appreciate your sharing. I have two small children and I too forget the simple self-care stuff that other people think are “duh” things. We only have so much emotional energy in a day and making lists and routines like this help us not expend what emotional energy we do have on these simple things, that are not always simple to remember, but when done create a foundation for everyday that lets us have more time and energy available to live life more fully. Im working on creating routine lists for all of the basic things, like meal planning and night routines. Anyway, good for you. Continue doing what works for you. There are more of us out there than you may think. Im not a writer and don’t often leave comments, but I sense a somewhat kindred spirit needing validation. God Bless :)
Thank you for this… I can’t express how grateful I am… I’m crying right now because it’s 4:30am and I’m already a mess… Thinking I was crazy as I Google “What do i really need to do every day”… I have tried to ask others for help with this but they just don’t seem to understand how I can forget to do “simple everyday tasks”… or forget that I have done them… so thank you, a hundred million times, thank you!!!
You’re so welcome! I just saw this comment and it makes my day. I’m glad I could help and I appreciate you sharing with me. We’re all here to help each other. :)