Para saan PA BA itong planner ko?

One afternoon, I browsed a meme on my Facebook newsfeed that read something like: "Ilang kape ang naubos mo para sa planner na yan tapos ano na ngayon?" For some, it may sound funny but for others, they might despise the situation all the more and think "oo nga naman, sayang ang pera ko. wala naman natuloy sa mga plano ko." We must always remember, in the things we say, in the posts we make, and in this blog I wrote, each and everyone of us have varying degrees of interpretation. Different folks, different strokes. 

I remembered what I wrote last January 1 on making New Year's Resolutions - writing down a general theme, three to five goals that fall under it and several specific steps on how to become closer to those aspirations. Will it all go down the drain now? Was it worthless to put it into writing in the first place? Will I still purchase several coffee cups for that desired planner at the end of this year? If I were to answer that, I would still say: YES! Why? Because life has to continue after all. If it would make us feel better and more "normal," go on and do it. And if you can, choose a cheaper planner. As long as you are able to write on it and it can serve its purpose, buy it. Invest the difference instead. Oha, my financial advisor self is making its point there. 😂👍

With the MECQ/GCQ in place and the uncertainty on whether how long this will take place, we ask ourselves "What do I plan next?" or "What do I write now?" I am also in the process of adjusting in this "new normal" we are currently in. Some days it is a struggle to get up, be productive and think of this as a temporary phase. But personally, and I am putting emphasis on the word, because AGAIN the things I'm writing may or may not work with others, I'd like to treat everything that's happening head on. I want to face every circumstances and challenges as courageous as I can possibly get. Even if it is frightening. Let us all help each other get through this. So if you're looking for ideas on how you can still utilize that planner, read on.



1. Use it as a daily journal.

Write your emotions, anxieties, or even fears. List down what you currently feel in this situation. It does not have to be an essay, it can be bullet points. Not all people can verbalize what they feel, we all have our ways of coping. Some prefers to write their hearts out. Just always remember that if it becomes too overwhelming, reach out. These are tough times. It can be emotionally draining. 

Aside from this, you may also record everyday mundane stuff such as the dishes you were able to cook or the life hacks you accidentally discovered now that you are at the comforts of your home 24/7. Constantly doing this can assist you in monitoring your productivity if you are also after that.



2. Use it to list down organizations and individuals rallying for donations (cash, food or medical supplies)

Like what I wrote on my previous blog, there are many ways on how we can extend help to others. There are still a lot of organizations and individuals stepping up so they may transform and hand out your donations to rightful beneficiaries. If you are currently thinking on where to donate, you may search and jot it all down. Pick those who matches your values and send your donations to them. Assistance however small if pooled together, it will still have a huge impact.



3. Use it to reassess your finances

Being on a community quarantine can either make you save or lose money. Save because your Starbucks before now equates to instant coffees. But since many restaurants are now open for deliveries and take outs, temptations are starting to creep in. If you are currently building the habit of monitoring your expenses before MECQ/GCQ, continue to do it now. On the other hand, if you don't have a system in place, now is the most convenient time to do so. Again, this does not have to be a complicated monitoring sheet. Just write the date, what you bought and the amount. Compare it to your budget breakdown and you will see where you are overspending or where you can save. This is also a great opportunity to check your priority spending. So that once we get a hang of this new lifestyle, we have a good cash flow system in place.

4. Use it to document your learning 

There are a lot of online classes on the internet that you'd probably end up having a hard time choosing which one to get into. Attending these can help us feel relaxed, productive and... smarter, right? Some of us may even start a new hobby that can get us into opening an online business. Small businesses are starting to enter the market and I am all-in in giving my 100% support to these types of businesses as well. Big or small, we all have mouths to feed thus we all need a helping hand. I have a friend who now sells her baked goodies (visit her page The Red Slice 💕)! 

5. Use it to write something to look forward to

At the end of it all, we go back to the main purpose of planners - envision what lies ahead. Write about the things you wanted to do first after finally getting a shot of the vaccine, the restaurants you've been wanting to visit, the places you are eager to go for vacations including the people you want to spend it with, and the lessons you learned from this experience that you want to continue doing even after this pandemic is over.

After almost two months in this trying situation, some may have adjusted easily while others are still uneasy; it is totally okay to feel uncomfortable up to this day. In times that we are constantly thinking about the welfare of our loved ones and other people, may we always find ways on how we can also take care of our selves by continuing to feed our mind and soul through education or recreation and by doing things to keep us connected to our loved ones - a very important aspect to stay sane in the rough road we are in.