“Simplified living requires purposeful stewardship of each day.” –Bill Hybels, Simplify
Now that you’ve cleaned out your closet of Who’s, let’s take a look at our What’s. Grab your 2018 calendar or planner. Go through each month and write down how you spent your time last year. Carve out at least an hour to really dive into this.
What are some activities or adventures that you enjoyed? What is on your 2018 calendar that you don’t want to creep onto your 2019 calendar? What were the goals that you accomplished? What were some goals that you didn’t accomplish last year but want to try again this year? What happened on the days you were most productive or the happiest?
What needs to happen more? What needs to happen less?
Let’s take a look at our closet of What’s:
First, there’s that beautiful blue dress that’s perfect for your skin tone and always gives you the confidence to conquer the day. This is your favorite role at work or at home. The task that you look forward to doing, and you know you will rock it. For example, mine is to meet with Karen to discuss our calendar for the week, our prayer time together, and planning our Monthly Meetings. JOY.
Now let’s take a look at those black ballet flats. They look deceivingly comfortable, flexible, and drama-free, but they always rub the worst blisters on your feet. The blisters heal, and you wear them a few weeks later hoping they will work this time. This is a task that you need to delegate to someone else or give it up somehow. You always think you can handle it, but it always brings nothing but stress and anxiety. No Joy.
Take out that incredible black dress that makes you look sensational, but you say you’re saving it for a special occasion that never comes. This is the vacation you’ve been saying you will take for years and years. Look at your calendar and book it now. (Pro tip: always purchase the travel insurance.) JOY.
Back to your shoes. Those classic black pumps that always make you feel fabulous no matter what you’re wearing. This is your favorite hobby. Whether you get to spend one full day or one full hour on it, you always feel better. JOY.
Those super cute tan heels that were so comfortable and looked fabulous the first three times you wore them. Then the heel broke off. And no amount of duct tape or super glue can fix them. No Joy.
Your favorite pair of cozy socks is the small comfort like a cup of coffee or the five-minute devotional that gives you that peace to make it through the day.
Those tight jeans that you haven’t been able to wear in years because you can’t breathe while wearing them. This is the job or the task that drains all your energy and isn’t worth it. No joy.
That sports bra that always does the job is your favorite planner.
Squirrel: Do you prefer online calendars or good, old-fashioned calendars you can write in? Let me know in the comments!
The pretty bracelet that turns your wrist green is the person that is best described as “toxic.” That thing you’re doing because it looks good on a resume, but it stresses you out and drains you. No joy.
Your favorite scarf is a lunch date with a friend. You instantly feel better and are excited for the rest of the day.
The old T-shirt you’ve had for way too many years, and although it’s faded, it’s still your favorite because of all the memories attached. What is one thing you have done for years that makes you happy? A favorite movie? A favorite blanket? A favorite hobby?
The I-paid-lots-of-money-but-they’re-totally-worth-it sneakers are your friend that pushes you to be better in the best ways. What is the “what” in your life that fires you up and fills you up with passion? Spend more time doing that “what.”
Make a list of all the “what’s” in your life then, as Gretchen Rubin says, “Do what ought to be done.” We all have tasks that we don't enjoy, but if there's something that doesn't bring you happiness and you can delegate or stop doing it, get rid of it. The "what's" that fill you up with joy, add them to your calendar this week, this month. Be intentional. If you want more happiness in your life, add more happiness in your calendar.
I hope this works for you, and I hope this makes you just a little bit happier.
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