Who doesn’t love a to do list?

The chance to madly scribble every pernickety thought and reminder crowding your addled mind onto a postcard-sized slip of paper or sticky note, freeing you from the cursed feeling you’ve forgotten something or need to write something down before you forget it.

Here are some of the reasons why the modest to do list may just be your best friend.

They’re portable. You can put them on the fridge, tuck them into your pocket or purse, post them in your daytimer or on your desk.

They work for everything. Work tasks. Groceries. Chores. Gifts. Series you want to watch. You can create a list for just about anything. I know someone who has created a list of every book they have ever read so they know not to buy a book from their same favourite author twice.

They give you a sense of purpose. Those black and white scribbles aren’t just a list. They’re a purpose, a guide, a beacon and a goal.

You get an immediate and immense sense of satisfaction when you cross an item off the list.

They help keep you sane. A list helps you remember the small stuff, which are often the most important things in life.

To do lists are for everyone. I’ve known co-workers whose entire cubicles were filled with sticky notes. My Dad used to keep track of all his bill payments with lists and notes pasted onto his bedroom mirror. Even my kids who are now in their 20s are diehard to do listers, making lists each day of what they want or need to accomplish that day.

I’m particularly fond of the proverbial honey do list. My honey is so sweet he doesn’t need a list, but if I do leave a list of things for him to do when I’m away, he always gets them done.

Sure, you can use your phone or some fancy work program to create your to do list. But you don’t get the same feeling of sweet satisfaction when you cross items off your list.

This week’s #HappyAct is to make a to do list. When you’re done, do one better and make a “not to do” list. Things you promise yourself you won’t do this week. Here’s a few on mine: waste time on my phone, spend time indoors when the weather is beautiful, procrastinate on my writing tasks. Signing off now, the morning fog is burning off and the sun is starting to shine. One item crossed off my not to do list at least.