A different perspective on art

This YouTube video is simply amazing.

Special prayer

I've often commented on how amazed I am about the generosity of some people, and how blessed we are to have the Internet, when it's used properly, of course. Today I discovered the most amazing website. Called TweetYourPrayers.info, anyone in the world can send a prayer via Twitter to this site and they will print your prayer, along with many others, and hand-deliver them to the prayer wall in Jerusalem, for free!

My first instinct was to jump on my Twitter account and send a prayer. Now would be an especially good time to do that since I put an offer on a home today. But, I haven't been able to send a prayer yet. Even though it's free, and presumably I could send as many prayers as I want to, there's something incredibly sacred about this ministry. I refuse to just send any prayer to be placed on that holy wall. I'm going to have to think long and hard about what my prayer will be. The fact that I feel that way reminds me how blessed I truly am.

A clean plate

I'm big on to do lists. Unfortunately, I'm much better at adding things to my many lists than I am at crossing them off. Yes, I have completion issues.

One thing that helps is to remember to "clean my plate". At least once each week I identify at least three things that I can do that week that when finished, will be completely removed from my list, at least for the time being. In other words, I know that there are recurring tasks, like vacuuming or doing laundry that are crossed off my list one week, only to be added back again the following week. And then there are finite tasks, like taking that big bag of clothing to Goodwill or purging my home office files that I don't have to do often. Getting at least a few items "off my plate" each week gives me a much-needed sense of accomplishment. Now I just need to learn how NOT to fill those newly empty spaces with new tasks.

Waste those time wasters

When I think of procrastinating, I think of being lazy - not doing what needs to be done. However, I'm beginning to realize that excessive busy-ness can also be a hallmark of procrastination. It's a subversive form of self-denial that enables us to trick ourselves into not doing what needs to be done because we're "too busy". Hence, we can avoid "the work" and the guilt we would otherwise feel for not doing it.

Have you ever had days where you've been busy all day long, but at the end of the day, felt like you haven't accomplished a thing? I think what matters most is figuring out what's important, and spending the bulk of our time and energy focused on those things, and letting the other stuff go. Not only will we feel a great sense of accomplishment, but I for one will probably feel a much greater sense of satisfaction knowing that I've spent the day with my goals and my efforts in alignment. For some great tips on letting go of the need for busywork, visit Zen Habits.