Forget That Long To Do List

I was driving home from an appointment the other day, winding down a long back road, and suddenly remembered something I needed to do. I don’t have a great memory—if I don’t write something down, it might as well not exist.

So, I said, “Hey, Siri…” 

And Siri responded cheerfully as always, with a curious “Uh huh?” 

(I wish my son had sounded that way all those years when I called for him, as in: “What do you need, oh-my-favorite mom? How can I help you?” But the conversation didn’t always go that way. “Whaaaaaaaat?” he would yell back.)

I said to Siri, “Add task to ToDoist.” 

ToDoist is the app I use to manage my long to-do list. When I am on long drives back from clients’ offices or meetings, I dictate to it all the time. It’s a super efficient way to use time in the car.

“Okay,” Siri responded, “Playing Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Stronger.’” 

And all of the sudden, “Stronger” started blasting from my car’s speakers.

“What doesn't kill you makes you stronger / Stand a little taller / Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone / What doesn't kill you makes a fighter / Footsteps even lighter….”

I laughed. 

Umm…Siri? I’m trying to be productive here?

But I let the song finish, joining in with the chorus all the way. As I was singing, I started wondering, “What are you trying to tell me, Siri?”

Perhaps that serendipity is a lovely thing. 

Perhaps that when you are so certain that you need something, sometimes, what you need is something completely different. What does it look like to just allow that in? To follow serendipity where it lands?

I like to think of it as letting my right brain hold the reins for a while. Give in to music and art. Give in to the unknown. Embrace creativity. Let go of control and getting &*#$ done.

Okay. Putting away my Todoist for now. I hear you, Siri. 

Thanks, Universe. Thanks, Higher Power. Thanks, Kelly Clarkson.