Chapter 1: The Weight of Unfinished Tasks

I have a penchant for crafting project lists. There's something about the guilt they bring, a constant reminder of what remains undone. These lists sit prominently on my kitchen counter, reminiscent of Poe's Raven—ever-present, taunting me with their unchecked items, whispering "Nevermore." The soft sound of dripping water from the faucet nearby serves as a reminder that some tasks can wait.

Amidst the chaos, my list includes tasks such as "strip and stain the deck," "remove wallpaper, patch the drywall, and paint the upstairs bedroom," and "finish painting the side entryway." The last project has lingered for over a year and a half, with only patching, taping, and sanding completed before it was abandoned. Each day, I pass this half-finished endeavor, feeling its silent reproach, waiting for the day I can finally check it off the list. "Darkness there and nothing more."

Occasionally, I clear off the kitchen counter when it becomes cluttered and toss the list into recycling. Soon after, I create a new list, nearly identical to the previous one. I'll often add a simple task, like "water the garden." I step outside, turn on the hose for a few minutes, and with fervor, I draw through four or five tasks with my pen, pressing so hard that the paper sometimes tears—it's as if I'm expelling the very essence of my failures.

The items I choose to list are not the usual household chores like "clean the counter," which I ought to do anyway, but rather tasks that demand significant effort. Admittedly, those everyday chores often remain undone, but including them on the list would inflict such crippling guilt that I might find myself sinking into a state so deep that I'd require a therapist to help navigate it, who would, in turn, create their own list.

However, for those more significant tasks and ambitions, a list is essential. Writing them down solidifies their existence. It brings them into the open, externalizing the weight of my unfulfilled goals and potentially sparing me from therapy.

This week, something remarkable happened: I completed the painting of the side entryway. In a moment of reflection, it dawned on me that to achieve a sense of accomplishment, one must actually accomplish something. Armed with blue 3M painter's tape, I masked the edges where the walls met the ceiling and casing—this step is my least favorite. I then painted it a soothing light olive green. Surprisingly, what I had perceived as a daunting task took less than 90 minutes and turned out beautifully.

Yet, my list remains a constant reminder of tasks yet to be tackled, with new projects cropping up continuously. The list is much like life itself—an unyielding pursuit of completion, as we chase after it and it chases after us.

And so, my project list, persistently unwavering, remains on the kitchen counter—though I must admit it occasionally flutters to the floor, which also requires attention. Alas, that chore hasn’t found its way onto the list either.

Chapter 2: The Joy of Completing Tasks

In this segment, we delve into the satisfaction that comes from finally ticking off those long-avoided tasks. The following video showcases the importance of gift lists and how they can motivate us to stay organized and inspired throughout the holiday season.