As the year supposedly winds down and many of us are already in holiday mode, the to-do list seems as long as ever. Work tasks excluded, my latest list includes spring cleaning of my home, my laptop and making time to update all my info, aka my life, to a new phone. My self-induced to-do list anxiety may be an inherited condition – my father, who is in his 80s, still has a lengthy list too.
I know many others feel the same sense of overwhelm when they look at everything that must still be done. So how do you not let your to-do list become a source of stress in and of itself? I happened upon the wise words of Chris Bailey on the Time and Attention podcast, who acknowledges that the list is a reality and we never get to the end, even in retirement. Sounds daunting, but he speaks of acceptance and not stressing over it. Rather, he says, we must “prioritise our tasks just enough so we can identify what is most important in that moment then cultivate a presence and a calm mind to handle that task.” His calm voice did make me feel a little better.
The other thing I must do is make my yearly trifle. It’s so good, so I don’t know why I only make it at Christmas. Everyone thinks theirs is the best trifle but of course, my family knows that our mom’s is the best, and an art in itself – the recipe must be perfectly followed if we want to channel those childhood memories.
The name trifle comes from the Old French “trufe” (or truffle), meaning something of little importance, a bit like the to-do list as this time of the year. Yet, I realise that my trifle strategy could perhaps help me in approaching my list.
So here are my trifle tips:
Don’t procrastinate – Buy those tinned pears now before they are sold out.
Everything in its own best timing – Make sure to buy the freshest cream closest to trifle date, avoiding the inevitable ‘only whip left on the shelf’.
Have the right ingredients – Sourcing the right Swiss roll is important, as is the correct brand of custard.
Pay attention to the task – Mixing the custard is an art and when I have tried to multitask and lost focus, the custard has quickly turned lumpy or burnt.
Know when to let go – Don’t overwhip the cream or it turns to butter (I can’t be the only one that this has happened to).
Apply special touches – Flake and strawberries are winners for the topping.
The most important of all is: Don’t skip the merry, I mean sherry.
With a to-do list as multilayered as a trifle, I must remind myself to just stop and breathe, and that the most important thing to do is just be in the moment this silly season.
Mindful Musings
What the world was musing over this past week
Stanford shining bright
Checkers did something Xtra special for the community of Stanford after they were hard hit by the floods in the Western Cape. Share in the joy by watching the video or better yet, go visit.
Photo Credit: Checkers
Life is a box of chocolates
Chocolates are always the go-to gift but are all your favourites accounted for?! The homework has been done and remember: diets start next year.
Festive procrastination fun
Apparently most people take at least 30 seconds to solve the illusion and find the festive dog. I didn’t beat the clock. Have fun.
Photo Credit: Lords and Labradors
