Shorter list

It is always a surprise to me that lists loom larger the longer I put them off.  I remember a client years ago who was avoiding cleaning a white chair in her living room.  She was depressed.  I avoided saying what was going through my mind: Get rid of the white chair!   The chair loomed larger and dirtier the longer she didn*t clean it.  When she finally got it cleaned, she was able to do any number of things.  I often ask people what*s the one thing they*re putting off doing.  Often it*s something small.  We put a lot of energy into avoiding things.  My preparation list is blessedly short right now.  I am grateful.

The list grows shorter.

It had loomed large and larger

As I left it

On the table.

Most everything

Can be done

With the plumber upstairs,

The cat sound asleep

In the shade,

The sun having left

The living room.

Now the laundry is done.

Now the bank and credit card people

Have wished me bon voyage,

Promised no stop payments

While I am gone.

Now the backpack beckons me

To fill it

With airplane essentials.

I have found the exact right book

To journal the adventure.

It was gifted

When I was 25 years

A priest.

There is still a list

But less of one.

The plumber just finished.

The cat has installed himself

Under the new bathroom cabinet.

I consider lunch.