My To-Do List Will Never Be Done - And That’s Okay
Last week, I wrote about chasing a feeling and how life can feel perpetually just out of reach. This week, I want to explore the idea of completion - of checking off every box on your to-do list. Because let’s be honest— as a society we are obsessed with it. There are whole platforms like Notion, Trello, and Microsoft Planner dedicated to helping people get stuff done.
My toxic trait is making a completely unhinged to-do list for myself and then feeling frustrated when I cross off 2-3 items at most. Sure, there’s something cathartic about ticking a box and the deep satisfaction of finishing something. But lately, I’ve noticed my to-do lists never seem to shrink. In fact, they only seem longer. And usually, this correlates with an uptick in stress in my life.
I think know stress drives me to make lists as a way to establish some semblance of control. But the lists often become useless because I never come close to finishing them. Here’s the thing: if you are like me, your to-do lists are never finished. There’s always one lurking in the shadows, waiting to steal your Saturday morning or swallow your after-work routine—all with the promise that this list will finally get you organized and get your sh!t together.
As Jack Nicholson says in The Witches of Eastwick—one of my all-time favorite movies—“You wash the dishes, there’s more to wash tomorrow.” Sure, in the movie he’s literally the devil trying to convince Cher to eschew her domestic responsibilities and sleep over, but he’s not wrong about the dishes. Some things in life will never be done. Yet we tackle them like they can be. And that’s how frustration and overwhelm creep in.
I enjoy a clean house, but not at the expense of my limited free time and energy. At some point, it’s okay to say: this is good enough. The floors don’t need to sparkle, the laundry doesn’t need to be folded immediately, and the dishes can wait until morning. The same goes for your to-do list. It’s okay to cap it at two or three things instead of trying to do everything in a single day. Doing a few things well—and then resting—often serves us far better than exhausting ourselves in the pursuit of “caught up,” a state that rarely exists anyway.
As we start 2026, many people start plotting the whole new year - new me. If this is you and you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by everything you think you should be tackling this year, I’m here to say—put down the pen and paper, close out your Notes app, and take a beat. Ask yourself: what’s driving the need to accomplish everything right now?
To help, I have my Let It Go List, which I first shared back in 2022. It’s a simple tool that helps you sift through all the things floating around in your brain, and categorize them as important or something to just let go - at least for now. While my priorities have shifted since creating my Let It Go List, much of the advice still rings true. Check out the full post and grab the free download here.
How long is your to-do list? Are you going to let some things go in 2026?
2026: Are We All Just Chasing a Feeling?
As we enter the deepest part of winter in the northern hemisphere, I find it’s a good time to slow down and take stock. I’ve been reviewing my finances, my work and school schedules, and the long list of upcoming tasks. I’ve also been plotting a fun—but frugal—2026.
My post–nursing school bucket list includes:
Binge-watching PBS period pieces (Wolf Hall!)
Enjoying leisurely lunches with friends and family
Planning an actual vacation where I leave the state of Maine—not just a few days off from classes
Organizing my cupboards (for reasons I can’t fully explain, I’ve been longing to do this all year)
Trying new seasonal recipes
Creating a new painting every month
Reading a new book every month (recommendations welcome)
But the thing I’m most looking forward to in 2026 is simplifying my life and no longer having to balance work and school. I long for the days when I’m not studying, or thinking about studying, or feeling guilty that I haven’t studied enough. The closer I get to the end of my nursing program, the more I fantasize about the glorious, simple, cottage-core life waiting for me on the other side.
And then, all at once, I have to remind myself that what I have right now is good. That it’s okay to be happy, content, even joyful in the present, even if life feels messy. I don’t need to delay my happiness until some mythical endpoint where all my stressors politely pack up and leave me alone among my flower beds and journals. Because that day is not coming.
There will always be something to worry or fret about. At least for me—because that’s how I’m wired. Maybe it’s because I’m an eldest daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter (the trifecta). Or maybe my tendency to overthink stems from past trauma I’m only now able to start processing.
Whatever the reason, I’ve spun this tale in my head before: Life will be great when… That way of thinking is deeply ingrained in my psyche—I could walk it blindfolded. But I’m old enough now to know that I cling to bright, shiny futures not because they’re true, but because they’re familiar. And familiarity feels safe.
It’s easy to outsource our joy to the future. To hide in planning mode when what we really need is action. As long as we idealize what could be, we miss out on what is. And friends, I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to let go of that old way of thinking.
If you want to simplify your life, it probably requires action—not just thoughts. Want your home to be easier to care for? You likely need to declutter. Want to get your finances in order? You have to sit down and make a budget. Tired of feeling like you’re spinning your wheels? You may need to be honest with yourself about what’s working, a little less honest about what you wish were working, and move accordingly.
For me, the life I long for often feels perpetually just out of reach—I can almost brush it with my fingertips. And while I’ve gotten better at taking action and rethinking what happiness and peace actually look like, there are still days when I feel frustrated that I’m grappling with the same old problems. But maybe that’s just life. Isn’t there always something—or someone—that becomes a thorn in your side? If I’m not careful, I could easily fritter away the rest of my days waiting for perfection.
And maybe the work, now, is this: learning to stop waiting. To stop treating peace like a reward I’ll earn later, once I’ve finished becoming who I think I’m supposed to be. Maybe a simpler life doesn’t arrive all at once on the other side of an ending, but in small, imperfect choices made right here—while things are unfinished, while I’m still learning, while the cupboards are half-organized and the future remains unknowable. Maybe this moment, messy and incomplete as it is, is already asking me to stay.
Do you ever feel like you are chasing a life that always feels out of reach? What helps you stay grounded in the present, while still looking forward to the future?
Following Winter's Slower Pace
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Winter isn’t just a season; it’s a reminder to pause, reflect, and restore. In a world that’s always rushing forward, winter gives us permission to stop and breathe. It's a time to nurture our bodies, minds, and spirits, preparing for the growth and energy of spring. In the same way that plants rest and animals hibernate, we too can use this time to regroup. Winter reminds us that rest is a natural part of the cycle. Just like the earth takes time to prepare for spring, we can give ourselves permission to rest without guilt.
Here in Western Maine the winter is lonnggg. And cold. And dark. It naturally invites slowing down (it also invites seasonal depression, so it is definitely a balance). Over the years I’ve cultivated a pretty good mindset about winter. I focus on all the things I enjoy about the season, like the holidays, sitting by my woodstove with a cup of tea, watching the winter woods from my sitting room window. So while there are still days when I struggle with Winter, most of the time I can find peace and calm in the stillness.
The Spiritual and Physical Benefits of Slowing Down in the Winter
Quiet moments during winter give us space to think about what’s working in our lives—and what’s not. Slowing down allows us to let go of what no longer serves us, making room for fresh ideas and growth. When life is quieter, it’s easier to connect with ourselves. Whether through meditation, journaling, or simply sitting with a cup of tea, we can use winter’s stillness to find
It’s not just your spirit that benefits from slowing down—your body and mind will thank you too.
Physical Rest: With less daylight, winter naturally encourages us to sleep more. Lean into that! Quality rest gives your body a chance to recover and recharge.
Mental Clarity: Slowing down helps clear the constant mental chatter. Taking time to unplug and focus on simple tasks can reduce stress and boost creativity. For me this is often cleaning up the house or working on a creative project. Honestly, writing out ideas for Mabon House is one the best ways I unwind and quiet my mind.
Emotional Renewal: This season is perfect for reconnecting with yourself and loved ones. Cozy evenings spent journaling, reading, or talking with family can help you feel recharged emotionally. I definitely journal and write more in the winter. )These are my absolute favorite journals). Spending time with friends and family is a little trickier and takes more planning, as all my kiddos live away from home now. So I set a goal of seeing them at least once a month. I always feel better after visiting.
Tips for Connecting with Winter’s Slower Energy
If slowing down feels unnatural, here are a few simple ways to embrace winter’s rhythm while balancing work and family obligations:
Make Your Space Cozy: A warm, inviting home makes it easier to relax. Add soft blankets, candles, and warm lighting to create a space that feels like a hug. If you’ve seen my house on Instagram you know that I love a cozy vibe in winter.
Practice Journaling: Spend 5–10 minutes a day jotting down your thoughts. Ask yourself questions like: What am I grateful for? What do I want to let go of before spring?
Mindful Eating: Winter is the perfect time for hearty, nourishing meals. Focus on warm soups, stews, and seasonal vegetables to fuel your body. My crockpot is my best friend in the winter and makes it easy to have a good meal prepared after work.
Move Gently: Yoga, stretching, or even a slow walk outside can help you stay grounded. Movement doesn’t have to be intense to be effective. I do most of my movement inside during the winter. I like to practice yoga in front of my woodstove or walk on my 10 year old treadmill while listening to music. Over the years I’ve let go of the idea that I need to exercise for at least 45 minutes to an hour in order for it to “count” - whatever that means. Now I strive for 30 minutes a day on most days. And this can be broken up into smaller chunks, like a quick walk at lunch in the parking lot (if it’s not too icy) or busting out 20 minutes of housework in one go. I keep it simple.
Preparing for New Beginnings: Intentional Goal-Setting
Even though winter is about rest, it’s also a time to dream about what’s next. Use this season to lay the groundwork for the year ahead.
Set Intentions: What do you want your spring to look like? Use this quiet time to think about your goals and how you can align your life with them. I know that my spring is going to be very busy with nursing school and work, so I want to spend time now reigning in my stress and learning to be okay prioritizing some areas of my life over others.
Vision Boards or Planning: Create a vision board or jot down ideas for what you want to accomplish. This process doesn’t have to be perfect; it’s about dreaming and getting inspired. I like to use my Wheel of the Year planner or a pretty notebook to sketch out the things I want to be, do and have.
Simplify: Use winter to declutter your home, schedule, or mind. Clearing out what no longer feels right helps create space for what truly matters. Again, because I know I will be extra busy this spring and summer, I am trying (somewhat unsuccessfully TBH) to simplify as much as I can - everything from my wardrobe, to my kitchen cupboards, to aligning my finances. I know that if I can take care of at least some of these things now, life will be easier later.
Winter may be cold and dark, but it’s also a season of quiet beauty and restoration. By embracing the slower pace, we give ourselves time to rest, reflect, and grow. When spring comes, we’ll be ready to bloom. So grab a cozy blanket, light a candle, and let this season remind you that slowing down isn’t just okay—it’s necessary.
Are you slowing down this winter?
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The content provided above was developed in collaboration with ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI. The initial ideas and concepts for the piece were provided by me, and ChatGPT assisted in organizing, formatting, and refining these ideas into the final written post. While the AI contributed to the structure and clarity of the content, the core ideas and creative direction remain my own.