If it hasn’t started already, it will be soon! This time of year, there is always that bitter/sweet feeling of sending kids back to school! While I am sad to see summer come to an end, I am excited about routine and daily consistency. While I am longing for more lazy mornings and family travel, I am looking forward to more time to feel organized with life. It is inevitable for every mother or father to think of that TO DO list that has been waiting all summer long!
That ever-present TO-DO list is constantly in the back of my head, on paper, on a sticky note and flashing in front of my eyes at times. A few years back, when I had my first day “alone” with both kids in school, I was so excited to get started on my 24 line TO-DO list. When I looked at the clock and realized it was time to leave to pick up the littles, my list was still long! WHAT? How could that happen? I had so much alone time!
Of course, I was thrilled to go and see the smiles and feel the little arms wrap around me but I must admit, I was disappointed that my to-do list did not get shorter as the day went on. I remember talking to a good friend who had experienced the same feeling disappointment when her list remained long. To this day, I remember her advice when I am feeling overwhelmed with my list. 
She gave me the advice that in order to feel accomplished, chose one very important item on your to-do list each day and focus on getting that one thing accomplished. Everything else is an extra added bonus when checked off the list. Although it is challenging not to get disappointed with only a few things checked off, I try to remind myself, if I got one thing accomplished, it was a good day! So to all the moms and dads who are anxious to get to that to-do list, set yourself up for success and feel accomplished with that one CHECK MARK!