I used to the be the Supreme Multi-tasker

I used to the be the Supreme Multi-tasker (really — they issued me a special badge). I read novels while on the treadmill. I took notes on documentaries while spoon feeding babies and kneading bread by hand. I administered IV’s while practicing songs for church and cross-stitching Christmas gifts.

In other words, I was always distracted. Of course I did a lot of stupid things. I forgot appointments. I broke things. I stepped on dogs’ feet while cooking. I was ambitious, but I always fell short of my goals.

My mantra these days is, “I’m old now.” It sounds negative, but for me, it’s not. That’s me, claiming a privilege. That’s me, saying to the hyper-critical generation before me that I’m done feeling pressured and inadequate and rushed. I’ve been through a lot (who hasn’t?). I’ve earned my stripes. Maybe I WILL get less done in a day, but by gosh I’m going to sit in this chair and read a book without also trying to pay bills and form a boy band in my garage.

Giving up multi-tasking felt like a risky choice. Life is so very short — surely I need to do ALL THE THINGS. TODAY. But I made the choice any way. It felt more difficult than it should have, to only paint, to only write, to only clean. To only drive. To only listen to my kid talk about her day. To only pet the cat.

I mean — only pet the cat?? Without doing anything more productive? Petting the cat isn’t even on my to-do list!

Shocking end to this story — I get just as much done. Really, I get more done. Or, at least, I get more things of value done. I gave up baking bread by hand, because, as it turns out, they sell already baked bread in the store. (I’m not dissing you bakers, but it holds no value for me). I got more picky about what I read and watch. I figured out what holds value for me, and I throw myself into it without reserve. Without distraction.

I’m not doing All the Things. But I’m doing the Things that Matter . . . with All of Me.