When in doubt, go without

I am a planner nerd. Through and through. I’ve tried keepin up with the “Joneses” but it never works out. I’ve bought far too many planners that were used for a day or two, maybe even a full week and then put in a stack or a box and never used again. Then I realized something…

You don’t have to use a planner or have one on your every minute of the day.

Now I know some of you are probably thinking I’m crazy for saying that. But it’s true. And I just came to this well, today really. I’ve always felt it but never put it to use.

So this weekend so far has gone like this. I have a Classic Happy Planner and a Traveler’s Notebook in my purse all day Friday. Didn’t use or look at the TN once. The Happy Planner sat on my work desk, wide-open but also, unused. So why do I even carry them? Not sure. Why not leave them at home and carry them on days when they are needed?

So that is what I intend to do. Watching PWM (Plan With Me) videos and other such stuff always gives me so much inspiration but also makes me feel like I am not doing enough. This is when it gets out of hand and I walk out of the house with two planners that I won’t use, 10 rolls of washi tape, 20 books of stickers and God knows what else for that “just in case” moment.

Do you know that in the 5 years I’ve been a member of the planning community I have never once had a “just in case” moment. That’s because, they don’t exist. Well, not for me anyway. And maybe that’s because my life is pretty basic. And by basic I don’t mean what the world seems to call “basic.” I mean that there isn’t much to it. I have an 8-5 job working Monday – Friday, no kids, no side jobs and really no plans other than the occasional planner meetup.

For me this is rough because my personality wants me to get out there and meet all the people and be active in every planner group there is. Sadly, I’ve tried that and every time it backfires. So I stick to what I know. Join groups of decent people, make friends and go from there.

And so far, life is pretty damn good. And maybe, if this blog becomes anything I might finally have a use for my planners.

In other words, if you feel like you aren’t using your planners for anything, then don’t. Put it aside, take a walk, play a game, spend time with your family, binge watch Riverdale on Netflix, something. I let this whole concept take hold of my life when what I needed to do was get a life. Now I feel better knowing I am on my way. And the planner community helped. So thank you.