In a world full of Facebook event invites, voice memos, and self-set alarms functionality seems to have trumped design in the spectrum of organization. Or so I thought, until recently, when an old-school movement began to surface. More and more people are bringing back paper planners!
Now, I personally think this is great because I have been obsessed with having a planner since middle school, and the obsession has only gotten worse as I've aged. So, why am I obsessed with my planner? And what's so great about having a paper planner in this day and age, anyway? That's what I'm here to tell you.
My generation has discovered the awesomeness that is stationery, and notebooks and planners. Nowadays, these desk gadgets aren't just practical, they are also more pleasing to the eye. This probably has something to do with the fact that everyone loves to post on social media. If you look there are dozens of hashtags and online networks where people go to share their favorite Etsy sticker shops or type of pen. Having a planner isn't the way it used to be when we were in grade school; it's no longer just about jotting down an assignment or doctor's appointment. Having a planner today can go far beyond just keeping scheduled events organized. It can branch out into journaling or memory keeping.
Scribbling homework assignments and appointments takes on a whole new meaning when it becomes color coded, written by a cute gel pen in my favorite color, and accompanied by meticulously picked sticker; it turns into a moment for you to show off your creativity or even your motivation to keep up with your planner. I know I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I finish a weekly spread or actually remember to check off things on my to-do list for that particular day.
Giving myself time to plan is like giving myself a little break. It's almost therapeutic, writing and planning and decorating all of the tasks that I have to complete for the week. It's relaxing, and in some weird way helps me relieve stress. I mean, wouldn't you love to play with stickers for an hour whilst being productive? Now, I know, there are still some skeptics and people who just flat-out will think I'm crazy. But I am still in love with my planner and I think more and more people are joining in on this trend, which only proves that this market isn't dead -- it just needed some change!
And to all of you still hating, go ahead and keep scrolling through your iPhone notes to remember what you had to do today. I'll be writing out my to-do list in my Erin Condren Life Planner next to some stickers and loving every second of it!
