In the beginning of 2024, I saw an ad for a giant wall calendar. It was around that same time that I declared to my family that we should be more intentional with our time. We then made a list of experiences we wanted to have and places we wanted to go. Instead of ordering the advertised calendar, I decided to make my own. I took a regular calendar and cut out each month. I attached the calendar to the wall in my laundry room, a hub of the house.
I cut small pieces of paper and created color-coded notes for each of us and wrote down when we did something either as a family or individually. I attached the notes to the calendar, which gave us a visual representation of a year well-lived. Some months were packed full and other months were not. However, the simple act of recording what we were doing often inspired us to do more.
A short hike, a visit to a local coffee shop, a trip out of town, visitors in town, big days celebrated and small wins accomplished. Each day had meaning, even those that weren’t noted. Keeping track of each occurrence helped us live a fuller life. It often helped us pursue even the smallest of opportunities to experience a bit more joy and togetherness. I'll be taking a clear picture of the 2024 calendar for memory's sake and I'll be putting up a brand new 2025 calendar on the very first day of the year.
I hope you too, create new memories and moments that you can fondly look forward to and look back on. Wishing you the Happiest New Year, yet! Here’s to a wonderful 2025! 🥂