1. Do you practice “mind-emptying”? I have found this to be very helpful. (I first went through the exercise at a David Allen seminar.) I do this regularly. I take a blank pad and begin writing down in list form the things that are on my mind. Now at first glance, you might think that you really don’t have anything there that you haven’t written down. However, I encourage you to try this. What typically happens is that I will write down a few things that I have been thinking about: 
- Change the oil
- Change the light bulb in the living room ceiling fixture
- Go by the hospital and check on Mrs. Smith
- Pick up clothes at the cleaners
Once I have written these things down, I will sit there for a minute or two and then others will come to mind:
- Order tickets to the game
- Get a substitute teacher for my class
It is amazing how many “to do” items we store in our heads. I have found that just getting them on paper and not being dependent on my memory alone is a real stress reliever. (No, that doesn’t solve personal organization issues, but it is a first step.)
2. I have just moved from Backpack to Things to handle my projects and to do lists. Things may have some issues, but I was ready for a change.
3. I have spent some time reading about the problem–the HUGE problem–of human trafficking. Oh my goodness! You might be interested in reading some of the extensive study released by the U.S. State Department in June (2010). You might also look at the International Justice Mission and The A21 Campaign (Abolishing Injustice in the 21st Century) websites.
4. Perhaps you have read books by theologian Roger Olson (Professor of Theology at Truett Seminary, Baylor University). Roger has just started a new blog.
5. I encourage you to read the wonderful letter written by Jonathan Storment to Rick Atchley. (For a number of years, Jonathan was a co-worker with Rick at the Richland Hills Church, outside of Fort Worth, Texas. Jonathan and his family have moved to Abilene, Texas where he will be preaching for the Highland Church.) The letter is warm and gracious and is a very nice tribute to Rick, who mentored Jonathan for a number of years. You can find his letter here.
One of things I do is write things down. I use my electronic calendars for all my appointments and meetings and am a real note-taker in meetings. When trying to set a date for another meeting, I usually don’t know off the top of my head if I’m available because through the practice of writing it down, I have consciously uncluttered my mind. Or if I’m being asked for details about a certain decision or event, I have to consult my notes. I may know in general what was decided, but again, by writing it down, I’ve made a conscious decision not to carry all those details around in my head. I have enough details to remember, so whatever effort I can make to alleviate some of the stress, is good.
Pat, what a wonderful practice! No doubt that by writing everything down, you rid yourself of the stress of remembering all of those details. Thanks!