Last week, I was getting ready to sign off the computer for the night when a video came across my feed. I have to admit I am a sucker for inspirational videos and quotes and this video has rocked me to my core. The whole idea of the video is about being in the moment and taking it all in because time goes so fast. One day we will look back and think how we would have done things differently and spend more time loving and being than doing.

Now you may be asking how this rocked me to my core. Well, during the video one lady mentioned that she wished she had written a to-don’t-do list. The moment she said it I knew this is what I needed to do for myself. So, over the weekend I created my don’t do list on a giant poster board filled with 19 things that I am not going to do.

• Don’t let me hold me back.
• Don’t try to do it alone.
• Don’t be so hard on others.
• Don’t miss out on moments with the kid.

While writing, I did not judge or re-read anything. In fact, there are few areas with words misspelled or even scratched out. When I finished, I looked at the list and read it all.

I was shocked.

My list slapped me in the face and showed me how often I am letting myself be held back and not enjoying all the moments. I started pacing the floor and trying not to cry.

I consider myself a self-aware person but yet this was like a revelation. I now have areas of my life that I need to be a little more intentional with to create new habits of attention, love, perseverance, and so on.

Now, that I have had time to let it sink in, my board has two sides. One side is my to-don’t-do list, and the other is my DO DO DO list.

• I encourage myself and push me forward!
• I ask others for help!
• I give others a break and take it easy!
• I enjoy every moment with the kid!

What does your to-don’t-do list say?