Why I Plan
Recently a person told me “I don’t have time to plan”. My momma taught me to be polite, so I just smiled and said that I understood. But really, I don’t. In my humble opinion if they are that busy, that pressed for time, they would be much better served to plan. I know what you are thinking, “Oh Vicki, you are just one of those organized people and I’m not”. First of all you say “organized” like it’s a bad thing, but that’s another story.
What they fail to see is I’m organized and the reason is because I plan. Now years ago I had an uncluttered brain and most of my planning was done in my head, then on my iPhone. But more and more I was dropping things and this cause even more stress on my tired brain. So I got an old fashion datebook. That helped, if I looked at it….
A year ago I bought a planner and started mapping my days and weeks, jotting notes and making lists. And because I’m a paper lover I started decorating my planner, paper, stamps, stickers, ticket stubs, doodle art, you name it.
Not only did I plan for the future, but I also recorded memories. I would jot down a sentence about lunch with a friend, an unexpected movie I watch, record book list and paste Instagram pictures. I can’t tell you how fun and satisfying this process has been. I’m not so stressed about my schedule because I’ve allotted time for work and life. I know what you are thinking, that I must devote a lot of time to this planning stuff.
Not really, most Sunday afternoons I turn to the next week. Often I will have sticky notes I’ve place with things that need to be added to that week. I decorate my page by using washi tape to add borders. Talk about easy, two minutes and I have the “bones” of my decorating.
Next I add my daily dot sticker for my devotions and my step stickers to record my daily steps. I use a hot pink ink pen for my working items and turquoise pen for personal. I add school bus stickers on the days the grandkids don’t have school and record Tom’s doctor visits, even menu items. Then come the fun stickers! All of this activity takes about 30-40 minutes to decorate and plan. Seriously that’s it.
For me this is fun and having my life planned gives me peace. I know tomorrow I can glance at my book, refresh my memory what needs to be done. Easy, it’s a win/win. I stay organized, record the fun details of my life and played with paper. What’s not to love?
Soon I’m going to talk about planner books, venders and other resources for those that are think planning might help them in keeping a handle on their busy lives and another way to use their fun paper supplies.
Vicki Bridges, aka mizbizibee
