Creating a year's calendar helps you to stick to your budget and prepare for the good times ahead. I thought about this yesterday and today to help myself stay disciplined with regard to saving and preparing for a number of wonderful events coming up--what are we planning and preparing for?
College reunion
My college reunion is coming up--the plans will depend on where we are with the pandemic, but nevertheless, I want to set aside the date and prepare to see and enjoy the company of friends from my wonderful college days.
High school graduations
Some of my family members will graduate from high school. I want to celebrate that momentous occassion in some way with and for them.
Family reunion
Our family has planned a family reunion coming up. . .we want to make it a low key, flexible yearly event focused on shared activities such as hiking, swimming, and picnicking. To prepare, we secured lodging and alerted all members of the family. When we get closer, we'll plan the details.
Adventure
Despite the pandemic, we were able to engage in some local adventure by way of hiking, biking, and beach trips. We'll likely continue that favorite pasttime in the year ahead as well.
Wedding
There's a wedding planned for beloved family members. Like the family reunion, we've secured lodging, and soon we'll begin working on the details for this special celebration.
College sports events
One of my sons is a college athlete. He mainly forfited the past season due to COVID19. Hopefully he'll be able to compete again next year, and hopefully we'll be able to go to his competitions and cheer he and his teammates on.
Holiday celebrations
Hopefully we'll be able to gather once again with family members at the holidays. I love the holidays and, as always, want to make them special. My cousin and I are planning to make a family cookbook to share this holiday season. Let's see if we can accomplish the tasks. As in years past, I hope that the holidays will include lots of shared dinners, some simple gift exchanges, and the chance to celebrate with those I love.
Graduation
One son will graduate next year and that will conclude the chapter of my sons' undergraduate educations--a mighty fete as every parent knows. We've already started planning a special celebratory weekend for that important event. We know, however, that we have to be flexible about any plans given the struggles and challenge of the past year.
Travel
I can't wait to travel again, but with a busy and somewhat expensive year ahead, I think that will probably be postponed until the next year--we'll see.
What does your year ahead look like? What big events are you preparing and planning for? How will this affect your everyday choices and routines?
Taking the long view truly helps us to live well in our day-to-day lives, it helps us to truly appreciate and enjoy the special events that occur.