It is almost the beginning of the second month of the year, and as the time passes faster than bearable, I’ve gotten into the habit of making sure I take care of business. Anyone who knows me or even sits next to me in public is aware that I govern my life solely by the use of to-do lists. I make them for every day, every week, every month, and every year. Also for special events or occasions. There’s just too much to be done in the amount of time given (even though time is an illusion, it feels too real most days), and my lists keep me on top of things. Therefore, I wanted to start sharing my lists in hopes that I can inspire some action or influence for your own life!

P.S: It’s important to keep in mind that not everything will be crossed off the list. This doesn’t mean I have failed, and it doesn’t mean that I am lazy. It means that I am human and time ultimately wins despite our desire to be in control. And especially in 2018, I’m trying to accept this.

 

1. Send Valentines.

Crucial for the month of February, this tradition has carried on from childhood, and sending out homemade cards to my loved ones is a way to express my love and flaunt my creativity (humbly joking, of course!)

 

2. See my family.

Even though I just spent winter break at my home, it’s been about a month since I’ve seen my parents and brothers, and despite the busy weeks of college, I miss my family.

 

3. Go to an art museum.

This has become a monthly resolution in 2018, especially after the discovery of my passion for art history (my minor study in college). There are thousands of art museums across the area, and I hope to find the collection of my favorite pieces some day.

4. Yoga.

Before college, I was in the habit of going to yoga once a week. However, in a new area with a new schedule, I haven’t been able to keep up the practice and there are days my body grudgingly reminds me. This month, I would like to take a few hours to stretch and connect to what I once had on the mat.

 

5. Contact an employer.

I am looking for a paying job this summer when I come back home, and it’s a bit frustrating to do this when I’m away from home in regards to the whole application and resume process. But I am determined to find a fit (and if you know any positions that you could recommend, please shoot me an email).

 

6. Pay my parking tickets.

I don’t wish to comment on this.

 

7. Drink more green tea.

As a coffee addict, it’s nice to give the teeth and stomach a little break every once in a while.

 

8. Organize my socks.

In the winter months especially, I could care less if my socks match when they are hidden underneath my boots. Therefore, my sock draw (and the area beneath) appears as if a tornado just blew through.

 

9. Stop making excuses.

In the last year especially, I’ve come up with many ways to justify my resistance to do something. Being an adult means that you stop making excuses and start making changes, and I need to learn how to convince myself to stop pretending to be a victim. Time to wake up and make the magic happen rather than sit around and wait out of fear.

 

10. Treat myself.

One of the most important items on my list, because in 2018 I want to show more self love. As a young woman, I’ve undergone series of insecurities and negative self-talk, but as a 19 year-old, I’m learning to love everything from my green-polished toenails to my blonde hair.

11. Read 5 books.

As a writer, reading is both enjoyable and necessary to succeed in this field. My goal every month is to read at least 5 books outside of my class work, so if you have any suggestions please leave a comment or email me!

 

 12. Reduce distractions.

In the month of January, I spent every Monday free of social media. This cleanse helped me catch up on work and refocus my attention to what matters in my life, and I recommended this to anyone who is looking to clear their head of any unnecessary thoughts.

 

13. Address my fears and worries.

My anxiety has caused me far too much stress recently, and in the month of Feburary, I am going to address the underlying matters and try to understand what exactly I am so afraid of. To quote my idol, Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s:

Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds?

Paul Varjak: The mean reds, you mean like the blues?

Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you’re getting fat and maybe it’s been raining too long, you’re just sad that’s all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you’re afraid and you don’t know what you’re afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?

 

14. Make brownies

I have truly been craving some rich, mouth-watering, chocolate cake squares, and without a kitchen and an allergy to bakery products, I am holding out until my next visit home (unless my mom can somehow send brownies in the mail?? I might have to Google that possibility.)

 

15. Check my to do list but don’t let it control me

In conclusion, I will attempt to wrangle everything on this list, but life doesn’t follow any list or rules, so if all else fails, I won’t make an excuse and rather accept what is.

Wish me luck in this upcoming month!

 

Yours Truly,

Madeleine Rheinheimer