Friday, December 28, 2012

A Weekly Planner For the Rest Of Us

I have a problem with most planners and calendars.  Planners are generally created with 'normal' people in mind; those whose days and weeks are filled with activities and numerous things to keep track of related to a busy life. 

They're not created with the realities of chronic illness in mind.  For example, there is seldom enough room for the notes that substitute for an astute memory when my fibro fog rolls around.  And my body does it's own good job of keeping track of it's aches and pains.  Realistically, as my art journal page below attempts to show, there are too many of them to write down anyway, so I don't need all that unused space on a typical planner page.  And looking at all that empty space would get a bit depressing too.
Fibromyalgia and Arthritis Pain - Oh my!
With all of that in mind, I've created a weekly planner for the rest of us!

In my planner, I've allowed space for four major or daily tasks.  I chose four because it's seldom that I can complete more than that on any given day.

There is a separate space for miscellaneous 'To Do's', and important for me, a place where I can note the things that need to be delegated.  Delegating is a must and having a place to note these tasks is essential.

Then, too, there is a small area in which to note appointments.

There's a special space for the Communication Queen in all of us, where we can note phone numbers, emails we need to send, make notes about our social networking sites or to jot down a url.
A Weekly Planner For the Rest Of Us
 
A larger area in which to note things related to self-care - and those can be anything from taking a nap or a short walk, to giving yourself a manicure, to making time for hobbies or art.
 
Since nutrition is always a 'hot topic' for me and I tend to forget to eat, and because good nutrition is essential to keeping my pain levels manageable, there's also space to note meals. 

Last, but far from least important, there is a decent amount of space for notes.

You'll find the days of the week and a place to write the date at the top of the planner, and underneath these, there is room to check off your top four tasks to show that you've completed them each day as well as space to mark off when you've taken your medications for the day.  There are additional spaces that you can personalize for other things that you might wish to keep track of on a daily basis.

If you think that the planner would work for you as well, I'd be happy to email you a copy for your personal use.  If you know of others who might appreciate it, please feel free to send them here.

To get a free copy (minus the watermarks!), simply leave a comment with your email - or, if you prefer not to have your email addie published here,  follow your comment up with an email to CreativeArtitude@hotmail.com, putting 'Weekly Planner' in the subject line. 

While I'll be providing the copies free of charge, I still ask that you honor my request above (it's the only way I have of tracking whether or not it's useful to others!) and respect my copyright by not distributing or sharing the non-watermarked copy without my permission.  Feel free to Pin or post the watermarked copy or share the link to this post.

45 comments:

  1. Cynthia, you are amazing. Thank you so much for providing a great planner option. I've given up using a calendar because they just don't work for me. I would love to try this out. I'm thinking about making a journal - this on one side of the opened page, with a blank page across from it for making art related to the day. I'll send you my email. Hugs and love! ~ky

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    1. Kyra, I think I'm going to 'art' that first sentence and hang it above my desk, lol!
      Trying to use a calendar is frustrating for me so I thought I'd try creating something of my own.
      I absolutely love the idea of arting a second page! I'm going to use the back of each planner page for doodling, writing down inspirations, etc. But creating art as well is inspired! Thanks for sharing that <3

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    2. Excellent and FAB idea...would love to have a copy to share with my Chronic Illness groups...please share
      tracyebeling-siravo@cox.net....also
      I liked your group so hoping I can stay connected to what you are doing...many thanks Tracy

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    3. Hi Tracy! I don't have a problem with you sharing the link to this post or the watermarked copy, but I need people to request their own copies so that I can track interest.
      Which chronic illness groups do you have? Are they on Facebook?
      Oh, and I've sent you your copy :)

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    4. Hey lovely :) Hope you are feeling better. I know the last few weeks have been yucky. You need to get better and back to Mia ASAP!

      Also - I would like a copy of this amazing calendar. My address is easy: kirby@livingwithgp.com Is there anyway I can get the watermark image for my site but have the real one linked back to you for printing?

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    5. Hi Kirby! I'll send you both the watermarked copy and one without. I'd love to know where and when you post it - and I'm thrilled that you want to share it with your community and on your site!
      Oh, and could you give my fibro-fogged brain a refresher? What is Mia?

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  2. Oh My Gosh, for once...maybe a planner I can honestly use. Thank you for thinking!

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    1. Kimette, I need your email addie! If you don't want it published here on my blog then you can send me an email & I'll get a copy of the planner to you! My email is CreativeArtitude@hotmail.com

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  3. Wow!! This is so wonderful and would be so helpful to so many. I have tried journaling, but it hasn't worked for me.I tend to forget to write in it.

    Thank you for the thinking of something like this!!!
    Michelle Pruszynski
    michellepruszynski@gmail.com

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    1. I've tried journaling too - mostly art journaling over the past 2 years. It's hard being organized and consistent when you're dealing with fibro fog or memory and energy issues!
      I hope that my planner works for you :)

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    2. Wow, I have Fibro, arthritis, chronic back problems (I'm recovering from back surgery) and this would be soooo helpful! Thank you so much for creating something like this.
      Barbara Moore
      lmoore@flippinweb.com

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    3. Yikes Barbara - you sound like me! Not the back surgery, but I do have disintegrating discs. Really, really hope that your surgery was successful!
      I'm sending you a copy of the planner :)

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  4. I would love to try one - what a great idea!
    alli.vainshtein@gmail.com

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    1. Hi Jackie! I need your email so that I can send you a copy. You can either leave your email here or just write to me at CreativeArtitude@hotmail.com

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  6. PERFECT!!
    Would love to implement this weekly planner for 2013.
    Way to go, Cynthia! ~xx
    artistaprilcole@gmail.com

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    1. Hi Nike! Looked on FB for an email for you but didn't find one. Send me a FB message with your email addie (or email CreativeArtitude@hotmail.com) and I'll send you a copy of the planner ;)

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  8. Hi Cynthia. I would love a copy of your weekly planner. Not for myself, but for my husband. He suffers from (spinal) osteoarthritis, and severe nerve damage to his feet - and I think this would be great for him, as memory issues and energy levels are a big problem for him. Thank you so much!
    My email is: maclyn.crafts@gmail.com

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  9. Yup, count me in. Great thing to carry with me when I'm out of the house and away from my computer. My email is clcelestel1@gmail.com. I agree not to share it without your permission. If you get a good showing of interest this could become a little side money for you. Good Luck

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    1. You're in Celeste!
      I've been getting an excellent response and I'm hoping to expand on this one page. I'm going to start working on more collages/art to use with it.
      Thanks for the good luck wishes!!

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  10. oh, this would be lovely! knittingstars at yahoo dot com. Thank you!

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    1. Thanks for the sweet comment! I've sent you your copy

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  11. I think this is a brilliant idea! I'm a fibro sufferer, have diabetes, back problems and other issues, so I'm seeing this as a good tool for me instead of just letting one day fade into the other. My addy is lindaeaston@yahoo.com. Thanks so much!

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    1. Linda, not letting one day fade into another is probably the major reason that I created this sheet for myself! Living with multiple health challenges has its own challenges for sure.
      And brilliant? Ah, I'm blushing! I didn't let that interfere with sending you your copy though - it's on it's way to you.

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  12. What a great idea for those with a disability of any form, a planner that allows for direct use to daily activity levels and appointments. No real wasted space on the calendar any more. I would be happy to have one to use in the New Year and send back feedback and/or suggestions as I apply it to my unique needs. I'll send you a message with my email address! Shared this Blog Page on my Twitter, Google+ & Facebook Page.

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    1. Wow Taunna!! Thanks so much for a beautiful comment - and for so generously sharing my post. Your copy is on its way!

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  13. What a great idea! Love it!

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  14. Hey Cynthia! Perfect timing, too, as I'm looking for my lost calendar binder and this sheet would be an awesome addition. Can you send it to pachecoeli (at) yahoo (dot) com?

    You're the best! Great post.

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    1. Hi Eli! So glad that the planner page will be useful to you - I know you're a busy guy :)
      I've just sent you an email...

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  15. this is awesome! I'm sending you an email. thanks!

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  16. What a fantastic idea! I just love it when someone who has cracked the code and figured out a way to do something better, shares it with others so everyone can benefit. It makes me smile. Wonderful!!

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    1. Thanks Lisa - I love making people smile :)
      I decided to offer it as a freebie to anyone interested because I've found, in my groups and networks, that many people living with chronic illness are also living with limited incomes. And everyone loves a freebie, right?

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  17. This is a brilliant idea! I've stared at my blank calendar and wondered why I even had one too many times to recall. I have five kids, so their stuff winds up on it but not much for me. I love the way you personalized yours. I'm going to spend some time thinking about it and what I would put on mine. It might be nice to create one that's exactly what I need.

    And I love your art journal page. It's beautiful. I spend so much time trying to ignore what hurts, I'm not sure I could even tell someone if they asked. What a beautiful way you've found to document the pain you feel. I love it!

    Thank you so much for sharing. You've given me a lot to think about.

    Happy Sharefest. I hope you have a lovely week, with many moments of joy.

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  18. Hi Cynthia, I would love to try out your calendar. Just another F.M. warrior or is that warrior-ess......
    I will email my address.
    DianneT

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  19. I would love this and do not mind putting my email here. It is gailc120@yahoo.com. This looks like a great planner! Thank you!

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  20. Thank you so much for this super planner I have been looking everywhere for one. Please may I have a copy. My email is precioussewandsew@hotmail.co.uk thanks again Theresa

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  21. Great Idea! My email is sonyasilversc@gmail.com

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  22. I'm extremely interested to see if this planner will help me. Thanks and be well. nishihamrick@gmail.com

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  23. I've been trying to find a planner that works for me. If you're still around in cyberspace, please send me a copy at gentlespirit512@gmail.com.

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