Before she went into the I'm a Celebrity... jungle Coleen Rooney showed off whiteboards that meticulously listed all the jobs that need doing to keep family life running smoothly when she’s away.
Wayne Rooney's wife's list was full of school drop offs, play dates and football runs. In a video showing the lists to her followers, Coleen thanked her 'village' of friends and family for helping her get through all the tasks. Watch the video below to see Coleen's instructions for her family...
It made me think about all of us whose lives function better thanks to lists. I love lists. I have come to them later in life, like anchovies and, er, The Archers.
I now write out a list every day. Sometimes two. I always have a ring bound 'Things to Do' pad by Pukka in use. It is extremely unchic but is perfectly laid out so I can see what I need to action.
I have organised holidays, renovated houses and planned parties, divorces and house moves with it. It provides a sense of calm when life is anything but.
Sometimes the list is so full, I have to stick a Post It on top detailing more jobs.
Lists have come into their own post 50 as I am now either a) getting more forgetful or b) holding so much in my brain the less exciting things just slide out.
I need 'actions' written down or I will not tax the car, worm the dog or write a thank you note. A lost list feels cataclysmic. Luckily this rarely happens.
For me, lists are entirely positive. I've never been brilliant at focusing on one task, I take a scattergun approach to life, which means I have a million balls in the air.
I don't know if this is my personality or just a side effect of being a single parent with a full-time job, but a list makes it easier to work through tasks methodically.
MORE FROM ROSIE: I'm in my anti people-pleaser era: how both Victoria Beckham and I found freedom at 50
If I'm feeling overwhelmed (always!) writing a list feels therapeutic and helps lessen my anxiety. It provides structure and order.
All those seemingly insurmountable jobs seem doable when neatly penned on paper rather than free falling in my mind. Plus there's a little dopamine hit you get when ticking off a completed task, right? Tell me I'm not alone here!
I have a confession. I sometimes add something I have already done to my list just for the sheer joy of crossing it out. I also write to do lists for my kids, leaving them out on the kitchen counter. Despite their extreme obviousness they somehow manage to miss them. Can't imagine why…
Love midlife? Join Second Act today!
HELLO! originally launched its Second Act hub to reframe midlife and beyond as a celebratory, exciting new chapter full of endless possibilities. From inspirational tales of women who refuse to fade into the background, to valuable advice on navigating relationships, finances and health issues – we've featured them all. And such has been the overwhelmingly positive response from readers, we are now turning the hub into a FULL and FREE community where women like you can come together to shape something truly inspiring.
The cornerstones of the community will be two brand new newsletters. One monthly and one weekly. We are really excited about the monthly newsletter which will be themed and written by one of our roster of leading Second Act voices, including our editor at large, Rosie Green. The content will be reserved exclusively for Second Act subscribers.
We are also launching a monthly mentoring series, in the form of a five-minute video sent directly to your inbox featuring financial professionals, hormone specialists, life coaches and more. Again, it will be reserved exclusively for subscribers.
Below we have listed the inaugural benefits, and more will be added as we grow and shape the community. If you wish to help us shape our community, please take part in our one-slide survey here.
Member benefits
- Monthly newsletter written by one of our Second Act experts
- Weekly newsletter curating the best of our online Second Act articles
- Monthly mentoring videos
- Ask the expert
- Competitions
- Lots of exciting benefits to come...
Sign up to HELLO!'s Second Act newsletter today. This community is as much yours as it ours!
