So is anyone else finding this end of the year, pre-Christmas period extra draining physically, mentally and, dare I say, spiritually (how ironic!!)? Well, I certainly know I am!
I’ve always got numerous projects on the go at once (if only in my head!), and trying to keep all my ducks in a row while managing the CFS / ME & Electrosensitivity (constant!!!) pain is even more challenging for me at this time of year.
Ironically, in the festive season I seem to get lots MORE ideas than even my usual ever-busy mind comes up with.
At the moment I have about 5 ideas of blogs I want to write before Christmas, numerous other business projects on the go, plus I always manage to create personal crafty Christmas gift ideas like photo books and calendars that I eventually regret having decided to do … and unfortunately in amongst all that I’ve had to shelve my plans of launching my first Spoonie Warriors Guide about managing the festive season in the interests of pacing myself (YES, I do pace … most of the time!).
Frankly I’m just a bit over everything. I’m tired. Not just the usual tired, more the “please just help me get to the end of the year so I can have a week or 2 rest over the summer break” (yes, joyfully it’s summer here in Oz!).
But in amongst my jadeness (not a word, but it is now!), I’m still getting some things done toward my goals, and also allowing myself to enjoy life a little too (I’ve just allowed myself time to watch the first 3 episodes of The Newsroom that I’ve had on DVD for 6 months – oh, the joy!!).
A Lovely Little Discovery That Made Me Smile & May Help You Put Some Order In The Chaos
In amongst all of this, I came across something that I wanted to share with you because I think lots of you would love it and get heaps of benefit from it.
IT is a diary that is produced by Leonie Dawson, who I have followed for some time, but rarely get to read her newsletters as I’m too busy. But a friend told me about this amazing diary that Leonie produces every year, complete with her colourful artworks and individual style.
Leonie is a fellow Aussie and a very successful businesswoman – and a Mum and wife and lots of other things. Check out her site for more info!
But the diary is just divine and has caught my attention for more than just its gorgeous design.
Completing 2014 – Taking Stock
One of the things I love most about it is the fact she allows space for you to complete the year that is ending (or has ended, depending on when you get your hands on the diary – electronic or hardcopy).
Something I think we often neglect to do at the end of a year or the beginning of a new one is take stock of what the last year has brought us.
What have been our highlights, our successes, our disappointments, our lessons, our “geez I wish I had done that a little differently” moments and our “gee I did that REALLY well” moments?
Well, this gorgeous diary allows space to do that, and then gives you space to set your goals for the coming year.
Throughout the diary there is space to set goals for your life (or business) at the start of each month, and basically it’s just a really positive, bright, yummy book to use to chart your year.
Sometimes as a Spoonie / someone with CFS / ME you might not feel like you have achieved anything or that you can’t really afford to have goals because inevitably you’re bound to be disappointed when your illness prevents you from achieving them, but I still think it’s really important to set goals, even if they are small compared to your pre-spoonie life.
The 2015 Creating Your Shining Year Diary/Workbook
As I mentioned, there are both electronic versions of the diaries or a hardcopy version (prices start at USD9.95).
I just received my hardcopy version today in the post (yay!) cos I’m a lover of hardcopy things, especially diaries that are colourful and motivational, but I’ve also seen the electronic copy and it’s exactly the same – except there’s 2 versions – one is an overall life diary and the other is a business-based diary. The hardcopy covers both!
So really I just wanted to tell you about this gorgeous diary and encourage you to purchase it and really take stock of what 2014 has been for you. If you’re a person with CFS / ME or other Spoonie, it may not have been great in many respects, but often when we reflect on our whole year and force ourselves to look at both the positive and the negative, it can be surprising what we have learned or what we’ve achieved.
I’ve already started my recap, and I was overcome with how many of my goals I have accomplished this year. I admit, I was also a little challenged by what I haven’t achieved this year, but that’s the recovering perfectionist in me, so I just give her a nod and move on to the next bit.
I’m also a lover of goal-setting, so I’m looking forward to getting to the 2015 bit. I’ve already declared it as “The Year of Louise” (in my life anyway!).
So have a look at the diary/workbook and see if it’s something that’s a fit for you. I’ve imbedded this video of Leonie talking about the diary below, where you can see more of what it looks like.
And just to be totally transparent, I’ve signed up for Leonie’s affiliate program, so if you happen to buy The 2015 Creating Your Shining Year Diary/Workbook through any of the links throughout this post, I’ll get a commission for having referred you. It won’t cost you any extra, it just means that I earn a little income from sharing it.
One of my goals for 2015 is to use more affiliate programs to earn me some income. I think they’re a great way to earn income, while also serving my audience.
I’d only ever link to products I really love and have used myself (or come highly recommended from people I trust) cos that’s how I’d treat any friend – I’d never steer them/you wrong (or not on purpose!! 😉
So let me know what you think of the The 2015 Creating Your Shining Year Diary/Workbook if you buy it. I think it’d be great if you had an iPad or other tablet because you can fill in the pdf on the device, but I must say I’m already loving my hardcopy version 🙂
I’m hoping to fit in one or two more posts before Christmas, but if not, please have a Merry Christmas and/or festive season – whatever you celebrate at this time of year!
Keep Smiling 🙂
Louise