Thinking. Breaking It Down

 Yesterday we talked preparation. I shared thinking is my first step. There are so many different aspects of preparing involved in the thinking process that I feel prompted to break it down a little further. I'm sitting here with my hands hovering over the keyboard wondering how exactly to start this part of the conversation and have decided to use the simple, though perhaps overused(???) brain dump a.k.a. another list. 

What to consider when figuring out what to stock up on:

• Personal interests/hobbies of individual family members: needed supplies, instructions, etc.
• Business/office supplies and products used by household members
• Paper goods used in all activities: notebooks, disposable paper goods, paper cups, birthday napkins, etc.
• Decorations for special occasions and holidays
• Cards/Gifts needed for special occasions and holidays
• Supplies needed if making homemade items above
• Clothing sizes, preferences, and colors for each family member
• Which clothing items will need to be replaced and purchased new for each person
• Which clothing items can be passed on to others
• Which clothing items served each person best last year i.e. were winter coats warm and durable enough, did we have enough socks to last the entire year, would cotton be better than silk for winter underlayers, does one heavy layer serve us better or should we stick with multiple layers, do we need more town clothes or less, where on earth can I find clothes that actually fit without breaking the bank, is all clothing ugly or just what we can find, will this be the year I lose weight and finally look like me again(oh wait, that question is probably just on my individual list)
• Could we find something that serves us better
• Have we outgrown this item
• Do we even like this anymore
• Does anyone even eat/use this
• Is there any game/hobby/interest we want to pursue/learn
• What supplies/items do we need to do so
• Paper, adhesive, fabric, twine, string, ribbon, etc. needed/wanted for projects/crafts/art projects
• What can be reused and what needs replaced
• Is anything looking shabby and/or wearing out
• Does it need replaced or updated
• If something isn't serving us well, will we pass it on, sell it, or throw it away
• If we are using a process that isn't effective and/or productive, how can we adjust to make it work better for us in our current season
• Is this something that needs to travel with us into another season
• Should it travel with us into another season "No son, your too small pj pants should not see another year's wear, even if they are comfy and your favorite ones."
• Have our appetites changed
• Do we need to quit buying some things and add others
• Do we use enough to justify buying more
• Should this be an everyday item or a special occasion treat
• Do we have ingredients for all of our favorite holiday recipes on the list
• Are there any new recipes we want to try for the holidays this year
• Do I need to add ingredients for those to the list
• Are there any books we want/need to get
• Will we get everything for the year now or will we have another smaller stocking up time in a few months
• What do I want to grow in the garden
• Do I need seeds or plants for this
• Will I need new pots or soil for plants
• Will I need spray paint or any other supplies for outdoor projects
• How much of our favorite tea and coffee do we have on hand
• Will we need to order more
• Guitar strings - where can I get the best price - will anyone in this house actually learn to play if I get them - will this be the year I actually remember to buy them
• What in this house can I get rid of
• Who can I give it to
• Do I know anyone who can use this and be served by it better
• Does anyone I know have hobbies or interests that would put this item to good use
• How many years am I going to allow this item to take up real estate in my home
• Is it even realistic to imagine my granddaughter might "someday" wear my wedding dress
• GET BACK ON TRACK HERE WOMAN!!!
• Shoes. Does anyone need new shoes
• What kind of shoes do they need
• What size
• Snow boots. Who has/needs new snow boots
• Muck boots. Does everyone who needs them have them
• Coveralls. Does everyone who needs them have them
• Should I keep an eye open for good sales on anything specific
• Do any of the kitchen utensils/items need replaced
• Is anything broken or worn out
• If something is starting to show wear but still usable, what do I want to replace it with
• Do I need anything in my kitchen
• Do I need another set of measuring cups or spoons
• Do any of my aprons need replaced
• What about the hotpads. How are they holding up
• Can I make new myself or do I need to buy items 
• Will I actually make them or am I having grand illusions
• Does anything need new filters, oil, etc.
• Are the chargers all good or do we need new ones
• Lightbulbs. Do we have enough of every size
• Batteries. Which are we low on
• Glue sticks. Glue dots. Hot glue sticks. Do we have enough of all
• Tape. Packing tape. Wrapping tape. Do we have enough for the year
• Wrapping paper. Gift bags. Ribbon. Do we need more of any of that
• Do we need any printer paper
• Printer's ink
• Card stock
• Thank you cards
• Envelopes for homemade cards
• Brown craft paper
• Matches. Can we find strike anywhere matches anywhere
• First aid supplies
• Toiletries
• DIY supplies for salves, tinctures, homemade toiletries etc.

AND so forth and so on I go throughout each room in the house, through every area of work for each person, every birthday, holiday, special occasion, interest, hobby, daily living, regular tasks, business, personal, education, every area of life. As I travel throughout all of this I consider each and every possible need, supply, and ingredient. I consider, though don't purchase, every want and desire as well as need ordering all according to what is necessary, what is wanted, and what is still a dream for "someday".