New calendars represent the epitome of hope. With their blank pages and colorful textures, they invite us to dare — to risk planning something good.
For me, calendar shopping is a rite of passage. The old year has ended. Forget mistakes made and any self-condemnation fostered by regret. New calendars signal it is now time to start over.
Instant grace.
Since I am a paper person, my calendars must satisfy my need for color and texture. The main planner I use provides a yearly refill, available only at Office Max.
Sure, I could order it online but it’s more fun to walk through the store, dream about the desk I want, pick up my calendar refill and sometimes — find a bargain on the Clearance aisle.
The leather binder provides a sturdy reminder as I fill it with the new pages. Be strong and courageous in this new year. Plan good things. Provide encouragement and accountability for my clients. Stay in hope.
This main calendar planner contains my life. Birthdays and anniversaries noted. Holidays circled. Shopping lists and doctors’ appointments scheduled a year in advance.
During one move across the state, I thought I had lost my planner. I nearly perished from anxiety. Fortunately, a friend found it. My heart beat again.
The largest calendar is always a LANG version. I love these calendars, because they are art on the wall. Each month is a lovely surprise of heart and home, country décor and lots of flowers.
Like Monet, I believe “We must always have flowers.”
My giant LANG calendar wears clean pages as I do not write on it. The art on my wall cheers me without notations of what I must do. Rather, it is a reminder to stop for a moment, breathe and enjoy the show.
Last year, I noticed a door chart used by a Zoom presenter. What a great idea — something on the blank door to remind me of deadlines.
So I found one on Amazon, only 10 bucks, complete with the markers and erasers. When each quarter is over, I simply erase the marks and move on to the next quarter.
My final calendar sits on my desk near the mouse pad. It contains my list for each day. When I turn on my office lights and settle in, this calendar reminds me what to do.
At the end of each week, I look at the items without checkmarks and move them to the next week. Such a great way to avoid the self-sabotage of procrastination.
This calendar is also colorful with positive affirmations and famous quotes. I find it each year at Half Price Books — another great place for writers to browse.
You can tell I am a list maker, and I thrive on scheduled routines. While my calendars remind me of work to do and projects to complete, they also cheer me with their colors and quirky sayings.
And when I make those checkmarks beside each entry, I feel a sense of accomplishment. Then I turn off the office lights, go take a walk and look forward to the next day’s hope.
©2021 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
Why not start out the new year with essays about hope? Check out Hope Shines, available in print, e-book and large print.
Hi RJ,
Great idea! I always buy a Large Print date book from Big Print I love it! Last year, I used one from WalMart but I still prefer the Large Print one. And I have a lovely Braille calendar gifted from the American Printing House for the Blind. Artwork is specially chosen for the calendar from blind artists. My friend’s was chosen for August. It’s wonderful! This is our second year to receive the calendar, and we all love it! I must order my Big Print Datebook for this year. It has great tabs to find each month easily. In the beginning of the month, there is a page for appointments with dark lines. There is so much hope at the start of the new year. I’m living in it now!!
It’s wonderful to hear about your calendars, Amy. We all have our specialties. Yes indeed – hope is fresh at the beginning of the year.