New planner season is upon us and I’m full of that nervous excitement that comes with a new year and a new planner. Planners are my jam. I’m not an overly naturally organized person so my obsessive planner use is the one thing that keeps my crazy schedule manageable. Finding a perfect new planner is a serious task for me and more often than not I end up with more than one planner by the first of the year because I find one I think I like and then later on find an even more suitable one or maybe just cuter one.
This year (Last Year? It gets so weird here at the end) I decided to do something new with the discarded planner. Most of my typical planner is filled with work projects, meetings, and all things required and needed of me. It helps me stay sane but it also makes my days hyper-focused on tasks and to do’s. It can be exhausting. Instead I filled each day of this second planner with the “cup filling” moments of the day. The moments that brought me joy and contentment.
My shining moments of each day were recorded for an entire year and its absolutely beautiful.
Without my Cup Filling Planner I’m not sure I would remember:
Sunday January 19th, 2020,
Good and easy day at IHOP. Teens were a breeze. Arya stopped in for her cupcake pancakes and sausage! It makes my whole day! Bridal shower with Tara! I felt really engaged! Arya loves her Melissa + Dough Server Toy Set! She’s too cute!
February 10th 2020,
We had an unexpected snowday! I had Robaire’s Bakery with the family and time to read! I played games with Arya and had a good nap! 🙂 We played outside in the snow, building a mini sledding hill and snowman! The day ended with a good bedtime.
March 10th, 2020:
Primary Day! Arya and I wore matching dresses “Cheers”, and voted for Bernie. Arya came to work with mommy! 🙂 The Bachelor Finale OMG!
March 18th, 2020:
Staycation Day 3. Deerfield park with the family! Arya loved spending time by the river and in the woods! She is such a natural explorer. Napppzzz! Sims 4 WOW!
April 9th, 2020:
Fed baby squirrel! Facetimed Ellyn with Arya for 2 hours! Facetimed Grandma! <3 Completed 10 rounds workout as a family!! Arya fell asleep in my arms.
Wednesday May 27th, 2020:
Reading Healing Politics! Sunshine! 🙂 Kayak rides with Arya and Richard! Swimming for hours with Captain Arya at the sand bar! I love the cottage.
Monday June 1st, 2020:
Arya does amazing at the dentist! I’m so proud of her! <3 Doozies to celebrate! Protest for Peace, March for Justice.
Saturday June 6th, 2020:
Black Lives Matter Family March with Arya and Richard in downtown Mt. Pleasant. #MiniMarchForJustice! Real and tough conversations with Arya about racism. I’m proud of my little community for bringing the message to little ears. Arya’s first visit to Family video following shutdown! She was so happy! Our family ritual continues! 10 Rounds Workout.
Sunday July 12th, 2020:
Andersons + Girls with Sue, Maya and Arya! Girls date! I need a goat. 🙂
Saturday August 1st, 2020:
Another beautiful day at the lake. Boat ride and reading books. Pitched the tent with the family! Great night around the bonfire!
Wednesday August 5th, 2020,
Cori Bush + Rashida Tlaib win! Watched Knocking Down The House and felt hope again. <3 Bubbles and paint with Arya!
Saturday September 12th, 2020:
Arts + Crafts with Arya! Ponder for brunch with Richard and Arya! Lots of binge watching Girlfriends!
Sunday October 11th, 2020:
Arya cracks all the eggs for breakfast! Beautiful day 🙂 Golfing with Arya + Richard! Amazing drive on the green! My first ever! 🙂
Saturday November 14th, 2020:
Feeling so happy to wake up in a Christmas wonderland. Had a lot of fun reading National Geographic Kids magazine with Arya! She loves to rhyme! Hot cocoa with marshmallows!
Friday December 4th, 2020:
Won ugly sweater contest for Wake Up Midland!! Oh yeah! Arya’s Parent Teacher conferences went great! Started Schitts Creek LOL! Wrapped presents. This Is Us before bed. Remembered to wash face.
We spend so much of our time completing obligations, making appointments and planning ahead. I just wanted to take some time to appreciate all the little good things that happen every single day but maybe aren’t always note worthy enough to make it in the normal planner or journal.
This “Cup Filling” planner helped me see the beauty in my every day life. If you are struggling with feelings of discontentment, listlessness, lack of purpose, it’s time you find a way to prioritize doing things you love. Make it a daily practice to write down the shining moments you have! Reflect on what in your life is filling your cup and then make time to make it happen. These moments are what make up our life and give us purpose.
I am building a life I love.
My day is filled with blessings.
My cup overflows.