The TO DO List….

Many people rely on to-do lists to structure their day and maintain balance between work, home, and life in general. Even those disciplined enough to awaken without an alarm clock often make lists. For many, these lists serve as gentle, subtle reminders. They don’t scream or nag every few hours, demanding to know whether their tasks have “been done” yet. If an item is forgotten, the list doesn’t roll its eyes as if the trash were deliberately ignored. The list just sits there—dumb and quiet—standing silent sentinel, waiting to be noticed, like the trash not taken out.

The list understands its role as a quiet savior. It rejoices in its purpose and basks in accolades upon completion. It can be added to, deleted from, or left to linger like a dear old friend, gently pointing out that the blueberry muffins you planned a week ago have never seen the light of day, much less the oven light. And still, it reminds you that the trash is waiting for help walking itself outside to the curb.

There are suspected plots brewing among the “unlistables”—that is, those who do not make lists. It seems the human trait of forgetfulness, when managed properly, can carry unlistables through entire lives of missed birthdays, unsent Christmas cards, forgotten anniversaries, and unpaid bills. Evidently, forgetfulness runs rampant among certain people and is even forgiven, much to the dismay of listers. When something is brought to their attention, the simple shrug and “I forgot” should just be recognized as the missing link in their overall DNA. Hopefully that’s it.

Thankfully, basic instincts override the forgetful tendency. Eating, sleeping, and remembering when a favorite show airs remain high priorities for the unlistables and rarely need reminding. Again, thankfully for the survival of the species, the mental list remembers these things—albeit “favorite shows” remain skeptical in the drive to keep mankind alive. Like clockwork, these activities arrive and are enjoyed daily. Bathing and grooming also rank high for most, but if neglected, there’s usually someone nearby to point it out—and counseling available for those in more dire need. Just be warned: counselors may suggest they make lists. Just saying.

Others are openly hostile to lists, often “forgetting” them immediately after making one—though it’s suspicious whether they’ve ever truly even tried. Mere mention of list-making can and has been known to provoke instant irritation. Note that attempting to help by creating a list for them only invites more contempt.

Truthfully, cut to the chase: list makers look down on the unlistables. There—that underlying question has finally been answered once and for all. There is no real mutual understanding or pretending between the two. List makers see unlistables as willy-nilly, seat-of-their-pants hooligans who are one missed task away from doom and bringing the end to civilization as we know it. Unlistables view listers as OCD, manipulative goody-two-shoes trying to score points when a list is made and followed to completion. When the two clash, the unspoken tension of self-righteousness hangs in the air, certain its own system will stand unwavering.

Alliances can still be formed with a bit of wit and partisan grace. Not everything can always go as planned. Reaching across the aisle to understand the perceived enemy is best. List makers should remember that while lists help accomplish tasks, be gentle with yourself if the oven never sees those blueberry muffins. It will be okay. Maybe bake something not on the list instead—like peanut butter cookies. Don’t gloat over your accomplishments; let your success stand on its own merit.

And be gentle with the list-challenged. If they had their own lists, they wouldn’t need you anyway, would they? Maybe they have a list, just written down somewhere else and in a different way.

As for you list-shirkers: don’t throw a hissy fit when a list maker reminds you of your role in keeping the wheels turning—especially when life starts to smell a little too much like a trash can that’s been right under your nose for a few days.

Next we observe those who neither list nor unlist, but those who followers of both…FUN!!!