More Than Just a Calendar
On the Nightstand
Where in the world is Steph?
AI Prompt
A lot transpires over the holidays, right?
Happiness, sadness, expectations, disappointments, peace, overwhelm, frustration, gratitude—and so much more.
Isn’t it interesting that all of these things can live in tandem? Together, they offer a wealth of information—data we can use, if we choose, to look a little deeper into our inner world and gently untangle the web inside our very full minds.
Ahhh, we are all works-in-progress!
Three Things I Use My Calendar For
Focus
My WOTY (Word of the Year) travels with me every single day at the very top of my calendar. In 2025, my word was Generous. Seeing it daily meant I thought about generosity every day—and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. I noticed it, acted on it, appreciated it, and reflected on it in countless ways. I learned so much that it may deserve its own post. Most days, I captured a few words about how generosity showed up. It's been one of my best WOTYs.
In 2026, the word PurposeFULL will move with me each day. (If you search “WOTY” on my site, you’ll find numerous posts of this annual ritual.)
Re-connecting
I use a special colour with 'connect' on it as a cue to reach out to someone who matters to me. It might be a text, an audio or video message, an article, a video or a podcast link—or simply checking in on someone who’s unwell, overwhelmed, a little blue, or maybe caregiving. Does putting this on my calendar make it less genuine? I don’t think so. I do it because connection matters to me, and because others have supported me over the years. There are no expectations—reciprocation is lovely, gratitude is nice—but the effort is worthwhile regardless. I reach out with a happy heart because I want to.
Health Preservation
I use another colour for activities that bring me joy, health, and satisfaction. Things like going to the gym, cooking, meditating, spending time outdoors, family time, socializing, music, art, language lessons, or yoga. When I record these at the end of the day and see the “chain” forming on my calendar, it reminds me that I do better—at work and in life—when I make time for what refuels me.
I hope this sparks ideas for using your calendar in a unique, creative, and self-serving way.
So—what unique things do you use your calendar for?
On the Nightstand - Loveable: One Woman’s Path from Good to Free by Amber Rae
For people-pleasers everywhere! She shares an old proverb that says we arrive in this life handed two baskets—one filled with burdens, the other with blessings. Our work is to lighten the basket of burdens and add to the basket of blessings. I sure would like to pass a basket brimming with blessings.
Another thing that stood out is that when you are trying to 'help' someone else, show up soothing, not solving. Oh, that's a gooder!
In Case You Missed It - The 10-day silent retreat video (below) and blog The Sound of Silence
Where in the world is Steph?
Home sweet, home, sweet home!
AI Prompt - In this season of reflection and appreciation, I asked Chattie to list 50 things that (insert your name) can be thankful for. You obviously don't need to read my list - but it was cool to get this perspective, I hope it's valuable to you, too!
Stephanie Staples
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