Then I watched a television interview with Jennifer Lawrence, my current favorite actress. Ms. Lawrence is such a beautiful person, but I think her light shines mostly from inside of her heart. Sure, she is pretty. But that is not what is striking. Her open emotions and kind soul seem to create a glow around her. She has great inner beauty, reflected in her outer beauty.
The contrast between the two women reminded me that true outer beauty is only created by strong inner beauty. How you choose and use your planner can be about outer impressions on others (narcissistic, perhaps?) or, instead, about bringing you internal peace and the external glow that comes with that feeling.
In the planner community, people really do worry about the outer beauty of their planners. Leather covers, Filofax planners, or other beautiful planning coverings are treasured. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, if it helps you carry your planner around and use it regularly, it's a wonderful thing. If your planner lasts a long time because it is high quality, fabulous.
But take care that you really nourish the inner beauty of your planner. That's the part that counts. That's the part that will shine out and put a glow on your life.
Inner beauty includes using decorations and reminders of what you want to be on your planner pages. Here, I choose inspirational words on magnetic page markers.
It also means using dividers that say "peace" to your soul. The ability to believe in things that I cannot see, along with the simple floral patterns of this divider, speak to me.
Your layout should work for you and reflect your life. For me, along with all of the pretty colors and decorations on the planner accessories, a weekly layout fits my life.
If your planner has inner beauty...
...you get to bless your family and friends by remembering birthdays, special days, and commitments.
...you are reminded to clean your home and cook nourishing foods, making life more cozy and comfortable for your family and for guests.
...you are at peace, less grumpy, and more radiant.
...you are able to prepare and fortify yourself for struggles.
...you become an example of calm and joy for others.
During this holiday season, I hope that your planner is a blessing to you and to others. I wish for an inner beauty, both in your soul and in your planning tools, that shines through, more brilliant than the elusive perfect cover or bag.
If you do not currently use a planner, consider a conversion. As a Catholic, we call this holiday season of waiting for Christmas "Advent." Advent is a time of great expectation and joy in our hearts for what is to come. If your life is in chaos, what a great time to change things - to have a dedicated place to write down your ideas, plans, and fears so that you can free your mind - and find your inner peace and beauty. What a great time to set up your own planner or to review how you use your current planner.
Etcetera.
8 comments:
Well said!!!
Beautifully expressed. Thank you.
Perfect for this season of Advent...nice post! :)
Amen! Seriously, THIS is why you're my fave planning blogger. Inner beauty and a sense of purpose, that's what life is about.
Giftie, this is a lovely, lovely post. Many people don't understand having a 'relationship' with a planner and there are many Facebook posts about getting odd looks when a decorated planner is open. But every word you say is true; I never thought about it just this way, but I will henceforth. Thank you for your beautiful words.
I love reading your blogs - makes me think and what can I incorporate right now. Keep up the wonderful words of planning wisdom.
I absolutely LOVE this post! You can be carrying the most expensive, leather binder out there, but that's not what helps you get things done. It's what's inside that does and what counts!
I absolutely LOVE this post! You can be carrying the most expensive, leather binder out there, but that's not what helps you get things done. It's what's inside that does and what counts!
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