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If you don’t have have a resolution for the new year yet, you should start journaling asap and then get a planner to put all of your dreams in order. Make this year count! And please don’t forget to include self-care resolutions, we must care for ourselves, dear reader! Journaling and planning can also support your mental health, especially when you use features like gratitude journaling or mood tracking to encourage self-reflection and emotional well-being.

Here’s a completely different way to look at resolutions. If you’re looking for some inspiration for what you may want to include in your resolution planning, please have a look at this post on The Best New Hobbies to Pick Up After 50.  Or this post on How to Live an Enlightened Life After 50. These stories will get your creative juices flowing and help you make this next year an enlightened and luxurious one!

Here’s the Key to Your Best Year Yet

I want to share how both journaling and planning are the key to 2024 being your best year yet! As we embark on our journey into the new year, picture a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of daily life, resilience, and the magic of heartfelt expression. Let’s unravel the secrets of personal growth, finding solace in the art of journaling, and the transformative power of putting pen to paper — for both journaling and planning.

Allow me to share a snippet of my own journey into writing and sharing my thoughts. In the tapestry of my sixties, amidst the monotony (I was bored, darling!), I sought a spark to illuminate the mundanity. In a twist of fate, or perhaps by the gentle nudge of destiny (nothing happens by accident, darling, this was serendipity!) I stumbled upon a simple act: keeping a journal. I discovered that physically writing things down in my planner and journal brought a unique satisfaction—enhancing my focus, reducing stress, and creating a personal record that digital methods simply can’t match.

Life, a symphony of planned notes and unexpected melodies, had always beckoned me with its allure. A perpetual student of curiosity, optimism, and a lover of challenges, my existence was an ever-blooming garden. I believe each experience shapes a new vision for tomorrow, and keeping a planner is key (an organized mind is a productive mind). My early experiences with organization and journaling, starting as far back as middle school, helped lay the foundation for these lifelong habits.

The birth of my journal was an intimate affair, a canvas for my innermost musings. Little did I imagine that these private reflections would one day resonate with a community of 250,000 women over 50. Serendipity, it seems, often manifests through the guidance of strangers.

Introduction to Planners: Why They Matter for Every Woman

In today’s fast-paced world, planners have become an essential companion for women who want to stay organized, focused, and in control of their busy lives. Whether you’re juggling family, career, personal passions, or all of the above, a good planner is more than just a calendar—it’s a trusted partner in your journey toward personal growth and fulfillment. Paper planners, in particular, have made a remarkable comeback, offering a tactile and creative way to manage your time, set intentions, and keep your life beautifully on track.

Using a planner isn’t just about writing down appointments; it’s about goal setting, prioritizing what matters most, and carving out time for yourself. With the right planner, you can master time management, reduce stress, and create space for the things that bring you joy. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or an entrepreneur, planners help you break big dreams into manageable steps, making it easier to stay organized and achieve your goals. Embrace the power of planning, and discover how a simple paper planner can transform your days and help you become the best version of yourself.

Let My Start Inform Your New Year

A chance encounter with an author altered the course of my narrative. Advised to embark on a three-month journaling journey, her words struck a chord in my heart, and I found myself singing, “I will find my voice!” Serendipity, a force I hold dear, led me to discover not just a voice but a community. Today, my journal is a tapestry woven with authentic stories that echo in the hearts of thousands.

Little did I imagine that these private reflections would one day resonate with a community of 250,000 women over 50. Along the way, I’ve also connected with planner enthusiasts—a dedicated group who share tips, creative setups, and recommendations, and who are passionate about their involvement in the planner community.

This odyssey began as a labyrinth, much like the tangled thoughts that dance in the recesses of the mind. Journaling, it turns out, is a journey within – a maze that unravels, leading the seeker to profound self-knowledge and growth. My vulnerabilities found a voice, and authenticity became my guiding light.

It was my dear friend Gail who urged me to share my musings with the wide world on the internet, and this has turned into the blessing of my life. While you may not wish to share your innermost thoughts and plans online, I urge you to consider journaling and planning all the same.

There’s something about putting pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard that forces you to slow down and wade through your thoughts. We are all different — thank God for that! So, I’ve researched and found journals and planners to suit all types.

HARDCOVER bloom daily planners 2024 Calendar Year Day Planner

SETTINI Journals for Writing – Black Bee Journal

Planners and Journals for the Ultra Organized

2024 Amy Knapp’s The Very Busy Planner: 17-Month Weekly Organizer for Women

Clever Fox Planner PRO Schedule – Undated Weekly & Monthly Life Planner

Picture this: a planner that’s not just a keeper of dates but a maestro orchestrating your daily rhythm. The Super Organized Planner, a virtuoso in its own right, boasts structured layouts, hourly breakdowns, and meticulous to-do lists. Some daily planners even offer an entire page for each day, providing ample space for detailed scheduling. The planner features weekly pages and weekly overviews to help you manage your schedule efficiently, as well as a monthly overview and a monthly calendar section for at-a-glance planning of important dates and deadlines. It includes pages dedicated to specific tasks, goals, or notes, enhancing your organization. You’ll also find notes pages and lined pages for additional note-taking and journaling. This planner combines multiple functionalities, integrating weekly, monthly, and notes sections for comprehensive planning. It offers a variety of calendar layouts—weekly, daily, and monthly—so you can choose the format that best matches your planning style and enhances your organization. It transforms chaos into a harmonious melody, ensuring no note is missed in the symphony of your day.

Paired with this virtuoso planner is the companion in contemplation – The Super Organized Journal. As you bask in the satisfaction of checked boxes and completed tasks, this journal becomes the canvas for your introspective strokes.

The Intuitive Weekly Planner & Journal Set

The 6-Minute Diary | 6 Minutes a Day for More Mindfulness, Happiness and Productivity (This one is VERY well-rated combo journal and planner.) 2024 Planner for Women: 12 Months of Weekly + Monthly Calendars (I love that this one also has beautiful coloring pages which are SO calming!)

This duo isn’t just a stationery; it’s a celebration of living in the moment. The Intuitive Planner understands the ebb and flow of life, offering a canvas for your plans without chaining you to rigid structures. As an undated, customizable planner, it gives you the flexibility to start at any time and easily adapt to changing schedules, making it perfect for unpredictable or busy routines. It features both weekly and monthly planning options, so you can organize your schedule in the way that suits you best. Some versions even include a vertical weekly spread for those who prefer a column-based view of their week. It’s a gentle nudge, not a stern directive, inviting you to sketch the outline of your day without stifling the magic of spontaneity. For many, this could be the perfect planner for balancing structure and spontaneity.

The journal is your confidante in the journey of the unplanned. Its pages are a sanctuary for thoughts that bloom unexpectedly, a space to pen down the serendipities that color your world. No constraints, no rules – just an open invitation to pour your heart onto the pages.

The Minimalist Daily Planner & Journal Set

The Journal & Daily Planner 365 Days of Planning For Minimalist

Eccolo Medium Lined Journal Notebook, Hardbound Cover

If you’re the type who believes in the mantra “organized chaos,” then these are your ideal companions. Designed for those who appreciate simplicity and functionality, this set cuts through the clutter and gets straight to the point. Many minimalist planners are created as a standard planner with undated layouts, offering maximum flexibility and allowing you to start anytime. In contrast, a dated planner provides a more structured approach with fixed monthly or weekly layouts, ideal for those who prefer a classic organizational system. Some minimalist planners contain only a few pages, making them perfect for anyone seeking a portable, high-impact planning tool.

Journals and Planners That Go With the Flow

ONE DAY AT A TIME Daily Plan To-Do List Notebook with To-Do List, Dot Grid, Priority Tasks, Gratitude, Hourly, Undated, 160 Pages

JUMPING FOX DESIGN Premium A5 Lined Journal Hardcover Notebook

For those who thrive on spontaneity and adaptability, The “Go with the Flow” Planner & Journal Set is tailored to your lifestyle. This set is all about embracing the unexpected and finding joy in the flexibility of each day.

The “Go with the Flow” Planner is designed with open spaces and adaptable sections, allowing you to customize your schedule as life unfolds. It features generous writing space for notes, reflections, or daily tasks, ensuring you have plenty of room to capture your thoughts and plans. No strict timelines or rigid structures – just a framework that respects the ebb and flow of your ever-changing priorities. This type of planner helps keep your life organized, even when plans change, so you never miss important details. If you’re looking for other flexible, goal-oriented options, the Passion Planner is also popular for those who want to stay adaptable while pursuing their goals.

Planner Formats: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Choosing the right planner is a bit like finding the perfect pair of shoes—comfort, style, and function all matter! The best planners are those that match your lifestyle and preferences. Most planners offer a variety of layouts and features to suit different needs, so it’s important to select a format that truly supports your lifestyle and helps you stay organized. Some planners are specifically planner designed for unique goals or routines, while others offer more general layouts.

Weekly planners are a favorite for many women, offering a clear weekly overview that makes it easy to map out appointments, to dos, and priorities for the entire week. If you thrive on structure and love breaking your day into manageable pieces, daily planners might be your best planner companion, giving you plenty of space for daily planning, notes, and even a few moments of reflection. Many planner combines integrate daily, weekly, and monthly layouts, allowing you to plan, track, and manage your commitments at varying levels of detail.

For those who prefer to see the big picture, a monthly planner is a core option for monthly planning, tracking important dates, and setting long-term goals. Daily, weekly, and monthly layouts are all options to consider, depending on how you like to organize your time. If flexibility is your mantra, undated planners let you start fresh at any time of year—no pressure, just possibilities! On the other hand, dated planners provide a sense of accountability and routine, perfect for those who appreciate a little extra structure. Remember, the best planner is the one that fits your unique needs and helps you stay on top of your personal goals, whether you’re managing a busy household, a career, or simply your own self-care journey. Explore different formats until you find the planner that feels just right for you!

Choosing the Right Planner for Your Lifestyle

With so many beautiful planners on the market, finding the right planner for your unique lifestyle can feel overwhelming—but it’s also an exciting opportunity to reflect on what you truly need. Weekly planners are perfect for those who love seeing their entire week at a glance, making it easy to map out appointments, weekly to dos, and priorities. If you crave more detail and structure, daily planners offer plenty of space for notes, to do lists, and daily reflections, helping you stay on top of every task and intention.

Monthly planners are ideal for big-picture thinkers who want to focus on monthly planning, important dates, and long-term goals. Consider whether you prefer a personalized planner that lets you customize layouts and add your own flair, or if a classic spiral bound or hardcover planner suits your style. Think about the features that matter most: do you need weekly spreads with plenty of space, or a compact planner that fits in your bag? The right planner is the one that feels like an extension of you—supporting your dreams, keeping you organized, and inspiring you to use it every day.

Must-Have Planner Accessories and Tools

A planner is more than just a book—it’s your personal assistant, creative outlet, and organizational tool all in one! The Happy Planner is a popular choice for those who love accessorizing and customizing their planners, offering a wide range of inserts, stickers, and decorative elements. The Franklin Planner is a classic option, known for its comprehensive organizational tools and accessory options. For students and teachers, academic planners and academic planner accessories—like class scheduling pages, lesson planning inserts, and organization tools—are available to tailor your planning experience. The Purpose Planner stands out as a unique planner type, featuring goal-setting tools and reflective prompts. If you’re planning a big event, such as a wedding, there are specialized accessories and inserts designed specifically for wedding planning, helping you organize every detail. For those who value aesthetics, the Papier Planner offers a stylish, high-quality option with customizable covers and premium paper.

To make the most of your paper planners, consider adding a few must-have accessories to your planning routine. Good planners often come with or support a variety of useful accessories, such as colorful pens and highlighters to bring your planning pages to life, and stickers and washi tape to add a touch of fun and flair to your weekly spreads and monthly pages. Weekly layout and weekly spread inserts or stickers are helpful tools for organizing your week at a glance, while notes pages and monthly spreads can be added as features or add-ons for enhanced organization and long-term planning. For the practical-minded, planner inserts like to do lists, habit tracking sheets, goal setting templates, and dedicated meeting notes pages or inserts help keep your focus sharp and your motivation high.

Don’t forget about the little things that make planning easier: a sturdy pen holder, sticky notes for quick reminders, and tabs or bookmarks to help you flip to important sections in a flash. A planner pouch or bag keeps all your essentials together, so you’re always ready to jot down a new idea or update your to dos. And if you love a blend of analog and digital, syncing your paper planner with digital calendars or apps can help you stay organized wherever you go. With the right accessories and tools, your planner becomes a truly personalized system—one that supports your dreams, goals, and daily life.

Using a Planner for Self-Care and Wellness

A planner can be so much more than a tool for appointments and to dos—it can be a sanctuary for self-care and wellness. By intentionally scheduling time for yourself, you’re making your well-being a priority, not an afterthought. Use your planner to block out moments for exercise, meditation, or simply reading a good book. Many planners now include sections for habit tracking, gratitude journaling, and even inspirational quotes to keep your spirits high and your mindset positive.

Goal setting isn’t just for work or productivity; it’s also about nurturing your mental and physical health. Reflect on your progress, jot down what you’re grateful for, and celebrate small victories along the way. With a planner dedicated to your self-care journey, you’ll find it easier to manage stress, maintain balance, and cultivate a life that feels both productive and deeply fulfilling.

Planner Communities and Resources for Inspiration

One of the most delightful surprises about the world of planners is the vibrant community that surrounds it. Planner enthusiasts from all walks of life gather online and in person to share ideas, offer encouragement, and celebrate the art of staying organized. Whether you’re looking for creative inspiration, practical tips, or just a sense of camaraderie, there’s a wealth of resources waiting for you.

Join online forums, social media groups, or follow blogs dedicated to planners and organization. Many brands host workshops, webinars, and even local meetups where you can connect with fellow planners, swap stories, and discover new ways to make your planner work for you. By tapping into this supportive community, you’ll find endless inspiration to keep your planning fresh, fun, and effective—helping you stay organized and motivated all year long.

Planner Budget and Cost: Planning Within Your Means

You don’t need to spend a fortune to find a planner that fits your needs and style. There are incredibly affordable options for every budget, from simple weekly planners to more detailed daily planners packed with features. Before making a purchase, consider what you truly need—sometimes a minimalist planner with just the essentials is all it takes to keep you on track.

Look for sales, use coupons, or explore digital planners and printable pages if you want to save even more. Many brands offer a range of price points, so you can find something that feels both special and sensible. Remember, the best planner is the one you’ll actually use, not the one with the highest price tag. By planning within your means, you can enjoy all the benefits of staying organized and achieving your goals—without any added financial stress.

Keeping Your Plans Private: Security and Privacy Tips

Your planner is a reflection of your life—filled with personal goals, important dates, and sometimes even your deepest thoughts. That’s why keeping your plans private is so important, especially in our digital age. For paper planners, look for features like secure closures, zippers, or elastic bands to keep your pages safe from prying eyes. Some planners even offer lockable covers for an extra layer of security, perfect for those who jot down sensitive information.

If you use a digital planner or app, always set strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect your data. Be mindful of where you store your planner—whether it’s a hardcover planner on your desk or a ring bound planner in your bag, keeping it in a secure spot helps maintain your privacy. Avoid sharing your planner with others unless you’re comfortable, and be cautious when accessing digital planners on public Wi-Fi. By taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure that your planner remains your private sanctuary, giving you the peace of mind to plan, dream, and grow with confidence.

Journal and Plan Your Best Year Yet

One pivotal lesson etched into the pages of my journal is the realization that learning is ageless. Beyond the comfort zone of familiarity, beyond the fears that echo in the corridors of doubt, lies a realm of endless possibilities. I learned this after 60, proving that desire, consistency, optimism, and a fearless approach to life can open doors to new beginnings.

Today, after a decade of daily journaling, I stand as my own shrink. My journal has been a companion through highs and lows, unveiling the richness of my life – a mosaic of relationships, joys, sorrows, and lessons learned. It transformed chaos into order, denial into acceptance, and confusion into clarity.

Together, let’s celebrate the authenticity that journaling unveils, the certainty that planning brings, and the joy of discovering ourselves, one word at a time. Hear my roar, and let the journey into our best year yet begin!

My published book is a journal and if you are a grandmother, it would be a wonderful way to begin the incredible journey of journaling. Get Stories for My Grandchild: A Grandmother’s Journal, here.

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