
I crave clear counters but am not immune to clutter. So long as a few key surfaces gleam, visual chaos elsewhere doesn’t bother me. The area by the kitchen window can turn into an archeological site before I start getting twitchy. But because I cannot ignore odds and ends on the back door counter, it’s my last line of defense against forgetfulness.
I am still more of a list than plan maker. And I’m not even consistent with my list- making modalities, toggling between bullet journals and apps and place-based reminders such as post-it notes in my office. And, wait a second, this is a legit epiphany…. I guess I also use my memory.
I have never, in the last 40 years, given myself credit for the things I *do* remember to do in spite of my poor self management systems. (I picked 40 because I think my insecurities about organization, self-disciple and productivity started around 3rd grade.)
This insight doesn’t have major practical implications. It’s just sort of nice to know that my brain has occasionally stepped into the breach to make sure shit gets done without having an exoskeleton of written reminders.
OK so this is where I wonder about other people’s brains. I have terrible short term memory. Was at a coffee shop today that required a code to access the restroom. I was almost more confident in my ability to hold my pee during the hour commute home than to hold 4 numbers (plus star!) for the 10 feet to the door. Given off-peak transit service, I decided not to risk option 1. Thankfully, I dodged the test bc someone was leaving as I walked up.
How easy is it for others to remember 4 numbers? I’m sure it’s all over the place but I think it’s cool that some of us have water tight brain bags and others of us may be leaking all over the place but our permeability is a strength in other situations.
I reckon this is neurodiveristy 101 kind of stuff but I also think about the shame so many folks have about their brains so….
Oh FFS I am so far away from (but also at the exact same place as) where I started. I wanted to say something about the note reminding me that there’s poop on my shoes.
And really??? snow??? April Fool’s Eve, I see you.
