*Yes! It’s that time of year again! The time to plan for. . . planning. And as I often get asked, “What’s that planner you like so much again?” Here it is and why…. ~ Lisa
I am a planner.
You can ask my husband and he’ll tell you. It’s something he has learned about me and even come to appreciate about me.
Sometimes my kids appreciate it too – and sometimes it frustrates them.
And they all like to tease me about it. Whispering in hushed tones, “It’s Mom and Her Planner” as if it’s sacred or something.
But it doesn’t really matter because planning makes me happy.
And if you’re wondering why….?
I’ll tell you.
3 Reasons A Planner Makes Me Happy
1. A planner can help you live a more balanced life.
When you write down your schedule and add your current commitments, then you can better see what you really can . . . and cannot do.
When our kids approach me with some splendiferous (yes, it’s a real word, I looked it up) idea for the upcoming week –end?
But I can see that those days are already covered in pink, green, and blue? Then I can point to the rainbow already splattered across those days and answer cheerfully, “I’m sorry. But we can’t. That week-end is too colorful already.”
They might be disappointed, but no one can argue with the visual.
Or another scenario . . . .
Some kind family in the church invites us over to dinner and I can refer to our handy-dandy planner and see that night is wide open.
“Why, yes! We’d love to come over. What can I bring…?”
I don’t need to panic and try to remember if we’re already doing something that night. I know it’s free!
2. A planner can help prevent misunderstanding.
So, umm . . . have you ever double-booked? Hurt someone’s feelings by not showing up? Or by showing up late?
Yeah, me too.
Okay, so sometimes these things happen, but it should never be a way of life.
By writing appointments and commitments down in my planner, I can easily see what is scheduled for that day and at what time.
Because it’s not that I don’t care – quite the opposite – but with all we’ve got going on, I can lose track of where I’m supposed to be (I’m not the only one who struggles with this, am I??).
3. A planner can help you to prepare.
When I can see what I’ve got coming up, then I’m better able to prepare for what is before me.
Maybe someone has a birthday in the family, or a ministry event, or work commitment?
This is my chance to “get my act together” and get things ready.
This step alone has reduced my stress significantly.
So when I feel more balanced, better organized, and adequately prepared?
It makes me happy.
In fact, it makes my entire family happy.
. . . even though it doesn’t stop them from teasing me about it. 😉
My Favorite Planner
I’ve tried so many planners, it’s a little embarrassing.
I’ve used everything from a plain spiral notebook (not enough structure) to an expensive professional planner (spendy! Plus not well-suited for what I really need it for).
So when my good friend, Sue, shared with me several years ago that she was putting together a Daily Planner made especially for the needs of wives and mothers, I raised my hand, “Oh, pick me! Please, pick me! I’d love the chance to try out your planner.” She even called it, “The Homemaker’s Friend.”
And it’s been my “friend” and first choice ever since.
What makes this planner my favorite?
- It’s pretty. (Don’t you think it’s nicer to have one that’s lovely?)
- It’s the perfect size. Small enough to fit into my purse and large enough for me to actually write in (and see what I’ve written).
- It has encouraging verse and quotes throughout. For example, on the cover: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever. ~ Heb. 13:8 What a beautiful reminder whenever I pick up my planner!
- It has year, month, and week sections. Necessary for short-term and long-term planning.
- It offers additional sections for tasks, projects, info, and shopping (and a perforated shopping list section allows you to take the list with you).
- It also has easy tabs and is spiral bound.
- Oh, and it’s very reasonably priced – did I mention that? (Much less expensive than what you find at your office supply store!)
Now there you have it. My favorite planner. And why.
You can find out more and order your Daily Planner here at Sue’s site, HomemakersDepot.
So let’s get happy! 🙂
In His grace,
*A small reminder, or if you’re new here: If you purchase a planner through the links here, I get a small affiliate compensation – with no additional cost to you – and so I thank you for that. But while I appreciate your purchase, you should also know that I share this as my genuine opinion and personal enthusiasm for these items. See my full disclosure here.
Lisa
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I too love a good planner – and a “planned” schedule! Has Sue considered making an e-version (pdf printable) available to purchase? The cost of the planner plus shipping it to South Africa makes the cost of the print version unaffordable here 🙁
Yes! I talked with Sue about your request and she said you could contact her here sue@homemakersfriend.com. Just write and explain to her what you’re looking for and she will try to help you out.
Thank you so much!!
I bought this year’s planner, but I only used the planner the beginning of the year, then it got buried under other papers. I mostly used the shopping lists as they were easy to tear out.
I do plan on buying the 2016 planner and hope I can use it more effectively
I’ve had that experience too, Teresa, and hope to use it even more in the coming year!
Love it! I too greatly benefit from having a planner to keep organized!
I confess I’d be lost without one…..:)
I also LOVE this planner. This is my second one and one of the best I have ever used!
Oh, I’m so glad! That’s how I feel about it too. 🙂
I would be so lost without my planner. Josh got me on for Christmas and I’ve already hinted that I would love it if it became a repeat gift, lol!
Hey, I like that tradition! What a great gift to give each year!