Enthusiastically, Dawn

I have kept a journal since childhood. Some time around early puberty I felt the need to start writing things down. I have no idea what I wrote, but I am pretty sure it had to do with a boy. Mostly all of my early writing attempts did. Teenage journaling was more boys, girl drama and additionally whatever ruffled my feathers. Mostly everything ruffled my feathers. As I grew older, relationships grew more complex, as did my rants. More boys, drama girl stories and lengthier journal entries. I don’t ever remember having a planner in school. I just followed the schedule I was shown. I did not have much of an after school life, so I lived in a planner-less limbo. I was about 20 when I began training for physique competition, attending school  and working part time at a local health club simultaneously. Suddenly, life required more of me than my little planner-less existence could muster! BAM!

Enter the planner. I toted a 3 ring, 5 subject notebook that actually doubled (tripled?) as a planner, training diary and journal. All in one. Naturally, this did not last. My life began to outgrow the limitations of one book. Not wanting all of my inner rants from the journal to be readily available (by accident or design) in a professional setting, I sought to dissolve the marriage of Planner and Journal. However, there remains that desire to have the two somehow reunited even to this day.

I continue to keep a journal and carry a planner. I consider my journal to be the place I let it all hang out. It is my life “beneath the surface”. The Planner records my superficial life, my activity, or what is  “seen”, for the most part,  of my existence.  I love both. Both have purpose in my life, and help me to live on and with purpose.

I’d say my  journal assists in reflection and remembering while my planner in planning and productivity. But they both enhance one another in all of these. I can’t imagine being one or the other. And certainly not both!

While I was preparing for this series I had the pleasure to connect with a wonderful company led by a very inspiring woman, Pamela Henrie. The company is called The Success Choice and it is one which encompasses both planning and journaling for women with a beautiful product line that facilitates mindful, reflective writing and planning. Win-Win!

Pamela kindly sent me a journal and cover to explore and I am truly excited about the quality and detail of both! I will be doing a review of these lovely items (and possibly the planner)  in upcoming posts, so be sure and stay tuned. The New Year is right around the corner- timing is perfect!

*If you do decide to purchase a journal, planner or cover, Pamela has graciously offered YOU, my readers and friends a 15% discount! I was so excited about this. Just use the coupon code: enthusiastically when you order!

Needless to say, I was pretty ecstatic when I received these goodies yesterday. So here is a very informal (do I do anything else?) first look at this product, via You Tube. Pardon my excitement…but, it’s exciting. My name isn’t Enthusiastically, Dawn for nothing, ya know!

A Practical Tip:   If you have never kept a journal, why not? There are many ways to keep a journal, in your planner or out of it. One very simple way is to make a tab at the back of your planner and add some note paper. Each day take 5 minutes and write on one thing that happened during your day, or one thing that caused you to ponder. Try sitting quietly for 5 minutes and see what comes to your mind as you reflect over the activities of your day. Write about whatever comes to your mind, a quote you read, something said that struck a cord, a news item, a heart issue pressing from within. It’s amazing where committing to 5 minutes will lead. If you are looking for journal prompts, check these here. 

Quotes to Ponder: 

“Journal writing is a voyage to the interior.” ~ Christina Baldwin

“This is what you do when you journal. You are recording God’s grand, epoch-spanning redemptive story as it unfolds in your limited, temporal sphere of existence here on earth. Your journal has the potential to record the continuation of the Holy Spirit’s work in our world!”
~Adam L. Feldman,

“This planner is a “tool” to serve you, not a source of guilt. ” ~Pamela Henrie

“We all have our ups and downs. No one escapes trials and everyone experiences failure. We all have our moments of heartache and tears; but when we pick ourselves up and contemplate what we can learn from these experiences, we are shaped and molded into incredible instruments for good. “ ~Pamela Henrie

A  Prayer for  Today:  Lord, cause me to reflect on You. You are the Creator of the heavens and earth, you never grow tired or weary, Your understanding is unfathomable. And yet we with finite mind can peek into infinity by the power of your Holy Spirit. I ask for balance in my days as I reflect on your glory and my experience this side of eternity. Grant wisdom, clarity and vision as I plan my days. May I see, with eyes fixed on You, from here to eternity. To You alone, Oh Lord, belongs all the Glory. Amen.

This is Day 18 of the series Planning with Purpose: 31 Days of Planner Tips

I wrote an INTRO POST here explaining everything!

I have also made designated a PAGE for it. Hope this makes it easy. I am happy to tackle a topic, or issue with regard to your planner habits.

Feel free to leave a comment or e-mail me. 

I pray this series is a blessing to you.