Sometimes after a super busy stretch, I think about things getting back to normal. I'm not sure what normal is, but sometimes I really look forward to it. Usually, it's something I hope for when I'm tired and worn down. I want to go back to something or some time period that has a slower pace.

The only trouble with that is, there is no going back. Back is impossible, at least for now. All we've really got in our hands is the next five minutes or so and that might be a stretch. The next five minutes will be whatever we make of them, won't they? Should I try to normalize them or take advantage of them. Should they be productive or reflective or entertaining or instructive or all of the above.

That's the question really, What shall I do with my time? Should I get a routine or live in the moment? Should I plan my day or pray my way through it? I am a planner. I write things down on a 4x6 card and then cross through when they are finished. I use six color cards to make sense of my life. I don't expect I'm normal with this, but it works for me.

Here's my color code,

• Purple = People, Names, numbers, experiences etc.
• Blue = Books and Websites, What I'm reading about and the effect the book has on me and stories from the books. Websites to check out.
  
• Red = Ideas and other thoughts
• Yellow = Quotes
• White = Todo lists
• Orange = Planning and Strategy

I use 5X8 cards for Bible Study. One of my mentors used 4x6 cards and he even preached from them, but I've found 5x8 more to my liking. For everything else, I use 4x6.

The other person who got me going with cards is Kay. She comments here from time to time. She excelled in using cards to keep her life entertained, interesting and on track. She always had a stack of them with her and a rubber band or something holding them together. However you do it, your idea/information retention system is a game changer.

Life gets back to normal for me by writing it down and then acting on it, finally crossing through it on my card. Yes, I have some stuff on my to do cards and strategy cards that has been around for a long time, but that's fine. I'll get to it as I need to. At least I'm aiming toward it.

I keep a card file of stories and another one for quotes. Here's one to get you started if you need some inspiration. It comes from Anne Lamott, author of Bird by Bird. She lives by her index cards which serve her as a rich source of ideas and insights.

One of the worst feelings I can think of is to have a wonderful moment or insight and then lose it....If I'm working on a book or an article...I paper clip the cards to a page of rough draft where that idea or image might bring things to life. I believe in lists and I believe in taking notes and I believe in index cards for doing both.

Those are some of her thoughts about using cards for organizing, even normalizing her life. It's all about writing it down. Get it written and your half way home, I'm serious. Want to get things back to normal? Write them down. That's a good place to start.

If you want to get really serious, here's a a great set of pics on a Getting Things Done Hipster. Where did Hipster come from? Want more? Check out diyplanner