First Things First, Part 1: #1 On My To-Do List

first things first part one number one on my to do list

One way I cope with my ADD is to have a short TO DO list every day. I learned this from the book ADD Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life (which BTW, has a bunch of great tips). Since we ADDers are so easily distracted and tend to have a poor concept of time, authors Kolberg and Nadaeu recommend that we not plan to do any more than 5 things in one day.

For years I have followed this wise advice and limited my daily TO DO list to 5 items or less.

And #1 on my list never changes:

TO DO:

Be loved, and listen

Be loved

What do I mean by “be loved”? It means intentionally opening my heart to receive the love of God. Reminding myself that He knows me better than I could ever know myself—the good parts and the bad—and loves me exactly as I am, and where I am. And intentionally opening my heart to receive His love.

Not always easy

You would think after all this time of studying, writing, and speaking on this topic this would be easy. Some days it is. It is like walking through an open door into a bright familiar room. But other days receiving God’s love is like trying to pry open a heavy door that is bolted shut. It takes effort and persistence.

It changes everything.

So what makes me keep at it? Why is it so important to accept the fact that I am treasured by the most important amazing person in the universe? Because when I do, it changes everything. When my heart connects with God, and I recognize and embrace His love for me, my whole perspective shifts. I go from being needy, to being filled. From feeling insecure to knowing I am safe. From drifting to moving with purpose. From loneliness to companionship. From dissatisfaction to contentment.