Inspired by this beautiful video from the UK, #letgo, I contemplated the wisdom of a “To Don’t Do List”.

A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to race mountain bikes.  I’m over 40 and I ran in the beginner class, but I felt on top of the world (not to mention the podium) while I did it.  It was an 8-race series that ran in the summer where most racers wore a bandana over their mouths to keep out the dust while racing in 100-degree plus heat.

Nothing feels quite like racing.  It is tough, exhilarating, and I don’t ever see my heart rate that high.  And then last summer, the race series was cancelled.  I was so sad as I thought I would try the next level up to see how I could do.  Bummer!

Then three days ago I got the email.  My race series was back!  It starts next month on May 19th.  I was super excited until I started to contemplate where my life was right now.  The family business was in trouble and has barely come back to life and it’s needed my help.  Lauri’s Lemonade Stand is finally moving forward and the interviews are happening to launch my podcast (which has me flying on top of the world!).

This morning, I was thinking about it so much that I talked with my hubby as he’s the wise one in this family…grounded and more calm than my thinking.  He supported me in my endeavor to pursue this race…he’s awesome!

Then I watched the video.  I thought about “Doing vs Being”.  I thought about how good I am at making to-do lists, but have never ever created a “to-don’t-do” list.

I looked at my to-do list carefully and thoughtfully.  I then created my “to-don’t-do list” and here is what it looks like:

• • Don’t make plans during weekday evenings outside of my family if at all possible.
  • Don’t over-commit my time so much that I don’t have time for me or my family.
  • Don’t focus on things that don’t matter in the big picture of my life.
  • Don’t let negativity or negative people take up too much of my headspace.
  • Don’t worry so much.

• Then I asked my 16-yr old daughter and here is what she said:

• • Don’t eat as much junk food, criticize others, or bite her nails.

• Then I asked my husband and here is what he said:
  • Don’t sweat the small stuff (and it’s mostly all small stuff).
  • Don’t worry.
  • Don’t be afraid to try new things.
  • Don’t judge myself so harshly.
  • Don’t compare myself to others.
• Then I went to family dinner and here is what a few of them said:
  • Don’t procrastinate.
  • Don’t make excuses…They are like ****holes, everyone has one and they stink!
  • And my personal favorite from my PT Assistant niece:  Don’t get poop on your lab coat while working ever again!

In the end, I decided that I would not race, but only for this year.  Our businesses are in critical condition and the timing is off.  So it may be on my “To-Don’t-Do” list right now, but I plan on it being a break and coming back next year to race my little heart out as it will end up on my “To-Do” list once more.  It felt good to give myself permission to say NO.