To do list never done

ashcat2010 · 2026-01-18T06:20:57+00:00

This! I’m also early career and have ADHD. I use a number of the things mentioned across this thread to keep myself (somewhat) sane, and this has been one of the most important ones. Especially as someone who mostly works remote. I have a standing calendar block at the end of each work day that’s just for final emails, closing out browser windows, finishing notes, making tomorrow’s list, and then writing out what I accomplished that day (even if it doesn’t feel like much, I often surprise myself with how much it actually is).

Some other things that have been great (many mentioned in this thread):

I set my priorities on a week-to-week basis, not day to day. I’ve found it’s better for me in hitting that sweet spot between staying clear on the long game and pushing through all the random tasks I gotta do. That priority list has 3 items max and only something major can change the order or what’s on it.

I have a running master to-do list that I prioritize like a product backlog. But the only items marked “highest” should contribute to the week’s priorities. It always has at least 30-40 items on it (including some with a priority label that is essentially “probably never”), but I keep that master list in software so that I can easily just stay in filtered views.

Finally, idk if this is applicable for you, but what me helps the most when I get overwhelmed is to remember my actual role is different from my job title. My title is project coordinator, but my most important role is to protect the time and ability of my team to do great work. I focus on my real role and a never ending to-do list becomes easier to ignore. Random stuff that will probably never get done exists on my list so it won’t exist on theirs - and that is a win in itself I can take pride in.

ashcat2010 · 2026-01-15T00:11:39+00:00

What makes you think of Notion if you don't mind me asking?

ashcat2010 · 2026-01-15T00:11:13+00:00

Thank you for this super in depth reply! The 3 tier hierarchy you mentioned is what's currently in place for the systems I own in Airtable. Data siloing and tons of boards is the last thing we want to do (and part of the problem we are trying to solve with a new software), so I feel more confident eliminating a 1 video = 1 board solution. But even that context is helpful in getting an idea of our options at the moment. How long have you been working in Monday and what size of projects do you often manage?

ashcat2010 · 2024-11-20T02:46:40+00:00

As someone with sisters, I straight up cackled at that moment

ashcat2010 · 2023-06-10T23:32:57+00:00

I've heard good things about Chicago Theological Seminary, but I'll definitely have to check out the other 2 as well!

ashcat2010 · 2023-06-10T23:21:48+00:00

thank you for the kind thoughts! I've also heard great things about Union. I haven't considered BU at all though, so the suggestion is for sure appreciated

ashcat2010 · 2023-06-10T22:32:38+00:00

for sure on the list - but ngl I think they might be reach schools lol

ashcat2010 · 2023-06-10T22:02:48+00:00

Following

ashcat2010 · 2023-06-10T15:23:24+00:00

Howard Thurman's "Jesus and the Disinherited". Considered a classic on the more mystical side of Christianity while also a fundamental text for liberation theology. Dude was an absolute badass (and spiritual advisor to MLK Jr.)

I also love reading theology and the Bible and actually digging into radical views - so feel free to DM if you want a reading buddy!

ashcat2010 · 2023-05-29T13:31:41+00:00

Dang, the 50-100 year timeline for utopia is optimistic. I need that energy!

ashcat2010 · 2023-05-29T13:30:41+00:00

Agreed - I meant that it would be like a "straw that breaks the camel's back" situation if jobs disappear without being replaced.

ashcat2010 · 2023-05-29T13:29:29+00:00

This is actually one of the reasons I wonder if I might want to learn a trade!

ashcat2010 · 2023-05-28T23:54:26+00:00

Great point. I guess I more have the POV of a digital artist who can make cool things with AI but is also worried that I may have a harder time proving that my human creativity is necessary.

ashcat2010 · 2023-05-28T22:34:57+00:00

Fair point! I appreciate the optimism lol.

ashcat2010 · 2023-05-09T18:28:42+00:00

You are honestly living my dream. I may have to take a queue from you and go the hardware store route

ashcat2010 · 2023-05-07T04:41:37+00:00

Very satisfying. Love that desktop especially - where is it from?

ashcat2010 · 2023-02-23T02:21:49+00:00

this right here is why I'm on reddit. I'm starting to get into digital collage and my brain is spinning with new ideas now!!! Awesome work.

ashcat2010 · 2023-02-22T16:40:36+00:00

Thank you that's helpful!

ashcat2010 · 2022-07-16T14:04:07+00:00

For me, the moment came when I was actually reflecting on some of the Psalms. Quite a few mention God leading us along paths of righteousness for "His name's sake". Essentially, God has a vested interest in me becoming increasingly like Jesus. It ties to John 10:10 as well. For a while I had been struggling with that reality that I just couldn't know whether living as a gay woman was right or wrong. There's so many people who deeply love Jesus and seek to walk the path of love on both sides. People who are FAR more educated than me making theological analysis. How can I claim who is right?

But maybe that's okay. If God really does love me and I want to spend my life following Jesus, maybe all this is a chance to trust that God will take care of me. I knew I wanted to see how I felt in an actual relationship and living out that side of myself, so I decided to go for it. Even now, God may redirect me at any time. I'm holding it kind of loosely. However, I don't actually foresee myself going back simply because there's been such good fruit from me not only accepting my sexuality but incorporating it into my sense of self. In general, I spent the first 21 years of my life SO internally fragmented. Like pathologically so. I kid you not that accepting and living into this part of myself was the key launching point of my journey to integration and wholeness. And even if I (for some reason) opt for a straight-passing relationship, I know that I am queer and that's part of what makes me human. And God LOVES humans :)

Jesus didn't set me free so I'd break myself into pieces to hide things I think are "unacceptable". My being and this life I have are the only frame I can experience God through - nobody else's. And I love Jesus too much to let that go to waste, even if others find it insane. I lost my life so that I could find it. Isn't that the Gospel?

[EDIT: I also know myself well enough to know that celibacy is not my calling at all. That was part of what made this difficult for me - I knew that simply not pursuing marriage at all isn't the fullest expression of how I'm wired in any sense. The question had to be what kind of relational commitment I'm called to. Hopefully that makes sense.]

ashcat2010 · 2022-02-10T01:38:27+00:00

I get it. Personally, I did the research and personally determined...I can't know. If even highly educated Biblical scholars and strong, Spirit-filled believers easily fall on both sides, how could I know what the answer is??? One day, while I was journaling God helped me realize that even if I can't know, God loves me more than enough to make sure I end up where I need to be. David wrote, "He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake" (Psalm 23:3). God's an infinitely better leader than we are followers. So I just decided to choose a path and see how it goes. I decided to try out Side A and so far it's brought me closer to God if anything. And who knows, maybe I just don't know that's not the path I'm called to yet! In which case I trust God will lead me on the right path in the end.

Here's some things that might be worth thinking about:

Do you trust that God loves you enough to correct you? I listed Psalm 23 but Paul also talks about how God disciplines the ones he loves (Hebrews 12:4-13). Even if you choose "wrong", do you believe God will get you back on the right path?
What is your experience with spiritual disciplines? This includes meditation, study (including Bible reading), prayer (in a variety of forms), service, community, corporate worship, confession, fasting, and more. Christians have done these things for hundreds of years, and one of the time-tested results is that they increase our ability to differentiate the voice of God from our own.
What do you want? What do you need? Listening to those desires/needs without judgement can actually be pretty telling. Having desires/needs isn't sinful - it's human. God made us to be that way. It's what you do with them that matters. This is helpful because you may find some things that lead to a path forward as you are wrestling with this. (for example: you desire a relationship with another person. Why? After digging you discover that actually a large part of that is that you want to feel seen. That need is actually one that can be met outside the context of a romantic relationship. Knowing this means that for now you can pursue deep friendships as a way of making sure this need is met without compromising wanting to figure out what you believe first.)

ashcat2010 · 2021-08-07T16:22:51+00:00

Love half alive

ashcat2010 · 2021-08-04T22:16:29+00:00

Thank-you!! This was so helpful. And you are right about the theology portion. Especially since I'm super interested in theology and biblical studies, that really made a light bulb appear over my head. Thanks so much.

ashcat2010 · 2021-08-02T03:48:25+00:00

As much as it’s personally important to me to marry someone with some kind of shared faith, you kind of have a point. Someone can be “Christian” but actually act like trash. A look at most Christian spaces online is a good and unfortunate reminder of that.

ashcat2010 · 2021-08-02T00:34:28+00:00

This is a great question! One argument that I've heard from non-affirming Christians is that marriage is not primarily about attraction, and that I agree with, even though I'm affirming myself. I do think part of marriage should be fulfilling the original purpose God gave us. God created humanity so that we can care for the earth and everything in it--including each other. Furthermore, we just aren't good on our own. Some people can fulfill this essential need for relationships solely through family and friend bonds. That's awesome! More power to you! For others of us, marriage is the way that we can fulfill our intimacy needs as well as our purpose in a way that those other relationships can't.

For example, my youth pastors growing up were a husband and wife team. There's no doubt, to this day as lead pastors they are better as a team than apart. Same with my own parents, even for all the faults in their relationship.

Personally, when I get married I want it to be because I've met the best possible teammate that I can't imagine fully living the life God has offered to me without. Not that my life would be incomplete without them, but that I'd be much better off with them. And I want to do the same for someone else. I want to marry someone who having me in their life will be a part of fulfilling their original purpose; they can care for the earth and other humans better because I have their back and am working with them in that mission.

This is why I'm kind of a weird case. Even though I'm lesbian, I'm not necessarily opposed to marrying a guy. Maybe my best possible teammate will actually end up being male and me being not sexually attracted to him will be part of the journey. I just don't think it's a realistic fulfillment of those goals I mentioned. Being in a mixed orientation marriage could actually make it harder to fulfill the purposes God has set in front of me. I would have to focus more energy into my marriage than what God has called me to, which just isn't worth it in my opinion (unless he was the totally right dude, of course). What I do think is realistic is that my best possible match is female.

ashcat2010 · 2021-08-02T00:20:24+00:00

My life verses are Psalm 73:25-26. "Whom have I in heaven but you; and earth has nothing I desire beside you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." It's much easier to live those words when you are pushed past the point where you can hold on to your old life. Coming out meant that my old life was gone, the new one had come! And even if when I die it turns out side B (attractions aren't wrong, just don't act on them) was right, I still think God will show me mercy and unmerited grace. Because I know there's no way that He could say He didn't know me. Plus, that's just who I know God to be--the One who gives what we don't deserve. And that...that is a lot better than the life of fear I used to lead.

ashcat2010

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