I've noticed a lot of the planner channels I used to watch for planning and design inspo have been uploading mostly hauls or sponsored reviews (which rarely feel honest) instead of videos showcasing their planning and it really bums me out because it seems like a visual representation of planner consumerism - "look what you can buy!" instead of "look what i'm doing!"
@@planningcalm haha ohh me too! i am easily lead astray and have zero chill when it comes to stationery supplies!! you're not alone and i have the wall of stuff to prove it!
I deal with anxiety and depression and I am ashamed to admit that I shop to alleviate the feelings I feel. Watching this has reminded me that I need to confront my feelings
You're not alone my friend, I think a lot of us in the planner community can relate to this as well. You are among friends who understand. Sending love your way!
definitely not alone in that - i have anxiety and adhd and shopping always gives me a quick boost of temporary peace, but i know it's not a long term solution.
You are not alone … I too am dealing with anxiety ( GAD) and shopping gives me a boost. But then I have buyers remorse and have to waste time and take it back and hopefully get my money back. I’ve been working on other self care routines instead of shopping. Progress is slow and hard but I’m making baby steps. Sending prayers and love to you all !
I went on a planning no spend for three years. In that time, I saved up enough to put down 20% on a home. This stuff is not necessary and a lot of times will not fix your procrastination and lack of productivity. Right now I’m in a Stalogy and all my stickers are four years old. I recently bought something on clearance for the first time in years.
That's amazing. That would take me 30 years. lol They're on the downturn, so hopefully, I'll buy one one day, but the average seems to be around $790,999. I'd rather buy an asset, not a liability at this time.
Hi, Cat! I'm 64 and still I can't WAIT to go school supply shopping every July/August! I too have been planning for many years. When I took the time to really think about planning I came to discover that what brought me joy wasn't the actual planner, but the process. Once I was there with my thinking, it was just a hop, skip and jump to the idea that I could make planning look however I wanted it to look!! That's what this year is about for me. Oh, and yes, I budgeted $0 for planning this year, which also forced me to use all the supplies I already have on hand. The bottom line is I'm having a good time, even without spending $. Your videos just add to the enjoyment. I have no idea what 2025 will be like for me, but I can say for sure that I'll still be planning in some form or fashion. Thanks for the video! As always, you brought a smile to my face and made me think. Thank you, Jesus!
This is so refreshing. It feels like lately the planner community on UA-cam and IG is all about complaining about why no planner is good enough and it’s just such a drag to watch. Your energy and perspective is such a breath of fresh air.
I found this video a little late, but I'm so glad you touched on this. I no longer watch the same Planner channels as they're not fun anymore. Especially the ones that bought $200 with one brand, and then, $300 with Sterling Ink, and then the washi, the stickers every week, then took weeks and weeks in December of "set up videos" only to make, "what's not working and what I'm changing in my line up" in January, February. It's maddening. I couldn't imagine spending THAT much on a dang hobby in one go. I don't mean, $40 here and there, but 5-6 Tomoe River Planners at a time after their massive Hobonichi "hauls". I've got one Take a Note planner, an Erin Condren and a few Happy Planners. I have enough pens, stickers, and washi for years. I love stationery, yes, always have since the 1980s. lol But pre "planner community" channels and specialty planners, we were happy with a $7 planner from Target, and some Papermate Inkjoys. (Heaven help anyone who says anything "negative" or reasonable on some channels. One time, I saw a certain Happy Planner channel haul. She had bought over $430 in new stuff and I said, "wait, girl, didn't you just buy $300 in stickers last week for Black Friday?" I was astonished and felt like young women today have not been told no in a long time. Growing up, I wasn't spoiled, but I always got nice presents for my birthday and Christmas, but I worked to get everything I needed.)
You’re not alone in your feelings. A lot has changed in the planner community over the years. I always felt like I never fit in because I live in Canada and rarely have access to all the cool things south of the boarder. Also, my budget only allows me to splurge on select items, so I have to really research what I want before I purchase them. That being said, I still have more than a person needs and I’m still affected by FOMO, which is why I had to make this video. I try to give myself grace and not beat myself up too much. It’s nice to indulge and everyone should have the freedom to buy what they what, but not at the expense of your responsibilities 😊
Yes! I'm one of your back to school supply people!! I could spend hours picking out new pens and notebooks. I use notebooks at work and I get some looks from my younger co workers but i enjoy writing my to dos, my notes in a different color nearly everyday and I still shop the back to school sales for my next batch of work supplies. I just started in fountain pens so I started down the rabbit hole on that and I'm slowing my roll a bit but I'm enjoying it. Thanks for sharing with us. I know it wasn't easy but I'm sure you're feeling better about it. I love your videos and I'm always excited to see what your next one is about. I love your energy and your voice. You have lots of support here.
I think in the last years it got completely out of hand for me with my stationery spending. I also plan for 20+ years and the times were different back then. It is sad for me that my planners/journals feel less personal to me the more stationery I use. Now I see the benefits of simplicity ❤ Both financially and to calm my mind down.
You are lovely! ❤ The dopamine hit! I can actually hear it in people's voices watching unboxings! 🤣 I have gotten so much better at resisting FOMO over the last year. I finished all of my planners last year and I'll do the same this year!
Seeing all the great comments after a seriously POWERFUL video warms my heart. I see all your UA-cam family here with sooo much in common, it is highly understandable how they’ve come to love your channel. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit I can’t say I share such a love for analog planning. I was more thrown into leaving my first love with was digital. HOWEVER I will say this, I had such a love for colors, painting, drawing, water colors, colored pencils, markers etc. I found that when I was forced to start planning for mine & my mom’s health journey I fell back in love with art. Theeeeeeennnnn came the spending. Oh my lord girllll smh. I watch the videos on planner flips n all I see is what I could create IF I had a new set of … (blah blah blah) I’m a very frugal person by nature but even us tight fisted people feel the urge when it comes to a love (TOTALLY RELATING) thank you so much for sharing, as always my new friend, God bless & in my prayers.
Aww… I totally understand. I feel we planner lovers feel justified in spending because planning, in theory is suppose to be a good thing and beneficial for our lives. Being productive is suppose to be a good thing, but when it’s paired with FOMO and overspending, it becomes counterproductive, lol! Thanks for sharing your thoughts my friend😊
Hi Cat! I am a former teacher and love browsing stationary sections in stores. Last year I discovered online planner shops and subscription boxes. It was like opening a Christmas present each month. I soon realized that I didn’t need all the things and that most of the items weren’t useful to use in my everyday planner. For 2024, I only purchased the inserts (digital version) and accessories I needed and stopped the monthly subscription. FOMO is real. Thanks for the video. 🖊️ 📄 📓
I clicked on this video so fast really got into the planner community during the pandemic, but have always been a stationary girly. And I got all the things planners and different sizes covers stickers, washy, tape, pens, highlighters subscription boxes. After about a year started to find my way and purge and sell most of what I had bought. This is an important discussion.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts my friend! The pandemic opened us up to a lot of self indulgent ways that, in hindsight, we’ve learned is not always the best for us😊
This video really resonated with me! I can relate to everything you shared. I’m a middle school teacher (25+ years) YES!….so stressful! I too am a stationary/planner/school supply lover. I have purchased ALL the things. I still have BOXES filled with planners and planning supplies I no longer use (or never used)! I’m trying to let go and simplify. Thank you so much for this affirming video. “You have to find peace within.” “Be mindful.” AMEN! I found your channel because of your thrift store planner and the simplicity and calmness really spoke to me!
Middle school teacher for 25 years?!! You’re an angel😊 So happy simple planning is making a comeback (or at least I hope it is). Please feel free to share this channel with other teachers. I love connecting with them😊
I’m a retired Early Childhood Teacher - I retired after 36 years in the classroom . I know that overflowing, overwhelming feeling of having so many school and other craft supplies. I was suffocating . I retired in 2018. I donated hundreds of books to a neighborhood non profit that gave area schools free books. I’ve donated boxes of craft supplies . I too love back to school shopping for me, my own children and my students AND other teachers I took under my wings. I’ve bought schools supplies for my grandchildren’s teachers and their students… it’s a hard thing to get away from. My personal faith walk and my amazing therapist are helping me to understand the WHY of my actions. But /and by nature - I’m a giver . I want to see people enjoy things… I do ,over - give and I’m learning to reign it in. Now , I am looking for the simple things now … the simple ways of planning , crafting, living … I buy small amounts and donate or add to my planner and crafting stash. People like Cat and yourself share and show us , to be ourselves , that we’re not alone, we listen and learn healthy and helpful ways that don’t stress us financially, emotionally,spiritually …Thank you ,thank you , thank you again for being vulnerable. Grateful to be a part of this community. !
You are not alone. We are in this together. I love the community and I don’t think all people posting unboxing videos on UA-cam have bad intentions. It’s just not wise to spend as much as we did in the past in this economy. When the time is not good, the first cut we make will be on the hobbies.
I can't wait for the school supplies to come out each year. I love cute notebooks & pens. I get it honestly. My mom & grandmother are the same way. I realized that I need to slow down on buying supplies when I panicked about missing a shop's sticker release day 🤦🏾♀️. I'll use what I have & replace when my stash starts to run low.
I have been using a paper planner for the past 4 years. My biggest weakness was buying stickers. I have like 10 books. Now that I have found a happy planner that I like I have been using the stickers. I also use them for journaling. So surprised to hear that teaching is stressful in Canada. Journaling and do things outside of school keep me going. I like how you write out a Bible verse.
I don't often find honest discussion around how conumerism negatively effects the consumer because too many people are ashamed and embarrassed to admit it, so I really appreciate this video and your honesty and thoughts on the topic because they are so needed. And it's not just a planning community problem. hyperconsumerism is RAMPANT! capitalism and consumption are not inherently bad, but it's when they are done so without conscious or moral thought that bad things happen, and that's how a lot of business is done these days. Even if an advertisement doesn't outright say it, we are being told by every company that we NEED whatever their offering... that our lives (or our selves) are not good enough without the product being advertised. And it works for a number of reasons... people are never taught or given examples of impulse control or financial decision making or that they are enough as they are. It's complicated and heartbreaking because like you said, business and advertising is many people's livelihoods, and it's wonderful to celebrate someone's success and talent and job well done, but if a job is well done but in a way that takes advantage of people or is harmful to more people than it is beneficial... it's really damaging, and that damage is visible to us almost anywhere we look. consumerism has such a hold on our society that it's pushing society off of its foundation: human dignity. As a fellow person of faith we know that humans have inherent dignity given by our Creator, but even from a non-faith perspective you can argue our dignity comes from our existence. Once we weren't, and now we are and what made that change was the beginning of our life. Our life is valuable; human life is valuable. EVERY human life is valuable and important no matter how marginalized or disabled or unseen or rich or corrupt or selfish. My thoughts on the subject may be deeper than are really meant for a youtube comment section, but I work with kids and my boss often tells them this same message. Everywhere they look they see things saying they're not enough and that it's BS because they ARE enough. It's hard to describe the looks on their faces when they hear this, but it's not hard to see that a lot of them have never heard this before about themselves. That they as an individual are inherently valuable and have dignity and deserve love (and reintroducing faith, are loved). I'm not immune to consummerism. We all need to buy things to survive and live our day to day lives, but we do need to be conscious and responsible with our consumption based on our well being, our finances, and others. We also need to be conscious of our true motive because that informs our consumption. To whoever read this comment in full: if you buy things because you feel that you don't have or are not enough, please stop; you are enough.
Beautifully said my friend. I appreciate your perspective, and hope that our world will one day change to allow people to feel good enough just as they are 😊
OMG I am completely obsessed with you. I found you this week during a search for information a out a specific planner I was researching, and I feel like I have found a soul sister. As an educator who struggles with FOMO, consumerism, and anxiety, I am here to pick up EVERYTHING you are putting down. Thank you ❤
Welcome to the fam, my friend! You’ll find that you’re in good company here😊 Please share the channel so we can help grow and support others who struggle with anxiety and the like. So happy you’re here!😊
It is refreshing to see realism when it comes to the planner world. I have spent a few dollars, but nothing compared to what I see on UA-cam. I watch the videos because I enjoy them and to get ideas. I print my own A5 inserts for rings. That means I can tweak on a monthly basis. I add some clip art, but not much as I like the writing in ink look so much better. I do not have a leather cover yet as I want the right size first. I found A6 too small, so I am contemplating personal rings in the wide size. It would be nice to find a planner I can tuck into my purse. I need to find a cheap way of testing out the personal rings wide. I understand your enthusiasm for stationary and stationery items. I feel the same way. I enjoyed your video!
So needed this, feeling overwhelmed by all the planning things, and a little embarrassed by all the things I have bought over the years, definitely trying to be more conscious with my purchases, loved this video
Thank you for being vulnerable and honest. This is what I needed to hear to propel me into an anti-planner haul mode for 2025. In fact I'm selling all the things that don't serve me. I'll be using what I have aka notebook paper with the stickers I want to use. Those things serve my purpose. As a fellow Canadian in Ontario I agree the cost is way too high for goods. Your thoughts have cemented my focus for intentional living. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Glad I've found your channel. ~ Michelle 🇨🇦
I hear ya Cat - I fell down the rabbit hole buying planner stuff I saw on UA-cam planner channels. 🤣 I went crazy with Gillio leather planner covers a few years ago.💲Love your vibe. ❤
Wonderful honest chat, Cat! I used Planner Pads for decades, only discovering luxury planners in semi-retirement. I have spent more in the past few years than in my entire life before that--on planners themselves, not stickers or accessories, even. I recently decided to go with the one planner that would cover my life the best. I have never been susceptible to advertising, but boy--tell me you have a better way for me to organize my time, and I will evidently hand over my wallet. Kudos on calling it like it is 💛
Hi Cat!!😊 I love, love this video!! I have to be honest, you fill my cup too!!❤️ Thank you so much and I admire you so much for always being so open and honest with us! I’m trying to remember all the questions lol I loved school supply shopping when I was in school. I love seeing the items and deals now but I don’t purchase like I did when I was in school. I try hard to only get things that I know I’ll use, not use twice and forget about in a tote or container. My sort of, I don’t want to say struggle, but it’s a pattern I go through and I’m not sure why. I get bored with the stickers and things I have. I think maybe if I had a cute bunny drinking coffee instead of this puppy, maybe if I had these laundry doodles instead of the countless laundry stickers I already have. I just crave something new, something I haven’t already used a dozen or a hundred times already. And then I go overboard. But then I get bored. All those new and different stickers online don’t look fun anymore. And I flip through my stickers, look at how cute this one is, why aren’t I using that one?! Then I fall in love all over again with the things I had. I’m glad the being in love and inspired with what I have lasts far longer than the bored and want to buy new but I’m still not sure why I feel so bored in the first place. Definitely something to look closer at for myself (and thank you for getting me thinking about it in the first place!). Also, that ginger peach tea looks so delicious!! I think I need to see if my local supermarket has a flavor like that! Thank you so much, for everything ma’am!! Can’t wait to see your next one!❤❤❤
I’m like you. I get bored, too, and need something new. When that new thing comes (especially sticker books), I don’t touch it for a while because I want it to be in pristine condition! What helps me is to take a video of my stash and watch it. Then I am reminded of what I have and I start to become excited to use them.
We are all so similar in a lot of ways, and that’s why we can relate to each other. Thank you for your continued support in this community. It is soooooo appreciated. Stay blessed, Sis!!😊
I don't have a job yet, but I have some savings and I save from my allowance to buy my supplies: for many years I tried to be more conscious about what I spend my money on, but candy and stationary have always been the one I caved on more. This year in particularly I've been practicing self control, with candy is been easier, and with stationary I hit the breaks with the last ten highlighters and I didn't buy anymore, and some tombow markers and I didn't buy more, I got the last colorful pens, and I don't buy a pen unless the last one has dried up; but a HUGE temptation arrived with the last discount of happy planners, and I really wanted to buy them, the dotted notebooks and planners, but it was like, for what? for a planner? $29.95 for a planner? (that's what it costs on my country, but I looked up and it's very similar to the price on the US) I just couldn't justify that with good enough planners on the dollar store and there's one on the dollar store that I actually liked (and I bought that one to use for the whole 2025); for commonplacing?, I'd fill it up in two months, and when I do I'll want another one, I can't buy two $30 notebooks; for journaling? I'll also fill it up in 2 months, same conundrum; and in january 2024 I bought one happy planner notebook for story ideas (I thought it would take longer to fill up the notebook like that), and I used it so little, because I didn't want to finish it: If I bought one for one of those purposes, I wanted some continuity, and I couldn't have it, because I couldn't buy such an expensive notebook multiple times, so I was like: guess I won't be buying them ever again. But then a video of how to reuse old happy planners showed using them for pictures for the whole year, and I loved that idea, that way I can buy one and it will last me the whole year, and keeping memories is special enough to justify that purchase, if it's once a year. Lol, this means I can also buy the planner, since they also last a year... 😂😂 guess I didn't see it that way, oh well, I can buy one in 2026, then again the ones on the dollar store are actually pretty, so yeah, if I buy a happy planner I'd better use it for something special that lasts me a year, more special than just as a planner, like for memory keeping. IIIIIIIIIIII'm gonna clarify, I don't buy happy planners often: I bought one last year and I used it as a commonplace book, filled it up pretty quickly, that dissapointed me, so this year I bought one and used it for story ideas, I realized I'd also fill it up fast, so I was like, and the planners? they're literally $3 on the dollar store (and rather pretty, actually), buying a planner but using it for a more special purpose and only once a year, I can justify that
Hi there, beautiful! Thank you for making this video! I agree with you whole-heartedly, and you making this video is the very same thing I was saying on my channel, but you articulated it so beautifully! I joined the planner community in 2019, and I bought ALL the things too! My planning style has changed so much over these years and when I look back I'm like...wow, I spent a lot of money on this hobby! I have gifted so many planner items and still have more to gift or sale off. I'm so glad I found your channel through the UA-cam Collab loop group. Stay blessed and calm! TFS! 🥰
Thank you so much for being here! We have all been there. I think we buy the things because we’re trying to figure out our style etc. it’s trial and error. Eventually we learn what works for us and that comes with time.
Oh yes, I love back to school time. Loved it as a student. Loved it as a mom. My kids are in their twenties and I still get a happy feeling every September for back to school. Also I get the FOMO thing so much. But I have given away so many Happy Planners that I finally had to ask myself if I can afford to buy other people Happy Planners. I can’t. Stopped buying them. Can I afford Hobonichi knowing that I get bored easily with planners (I think I enjoy the set up more than actually using them)? The answer (after nearly choking on my coffee when I saw the price) was ABSOLUTELY NOT! I didn’t buy one. Same for Stalogy. My cheap-o planners and I are very happy together. 😊
Oh I hear you on the HPs. I have purchased and donated so many over the years, and as much I love them, they never seem to work for me. Cheap planners for the win!😊
I'm always late to the party, but I just ran across your video. This topic resonated so much with me. I've purchased planners and for one reason or another, they didn't work for me. I ended up grabbing a notebook and putting together my own layouts, using the best ideas from each planner that actually worked for my needs. I found several HP sticker books at my local thrift store. Most of them were unused, so I scored in that purchase. Still, I found I didn't gravitate to most of the stickers. I have discovered that I like to doodle and I decorate my homemade planner that way. Crayola colored pencils and a couple of pens and I'm in business. I'm glad for the people that find joy in their HP or EC's or whatever planner they find. I'm just thankful that I made my discovery of what really works for me, before I spent more money chasing my elusive planner dream. Thanks for sharing this topic with us. (Judy Vanderploeg)
Hi Judy! Thanks so much for sharing your insights. I think a lot of folks feel the way you do as well. That’s what I like about notebook planning, you can customize it and have it work for you. Thanks for watching!😊
Thank you. I do feel bad about a lot of my purchases as so much of it was wasted and not used. I also have a lot of planner clutter and it is overwhelming. BUT, that said, I am working on it and trying to figure it out. Thank you so much for this video.
At this point I know every video you put out is so cozy and relatable to my life, that it’s simple: I see a Planning Calm video uploaded, I like it, then watch. You’re the best!
Im embarrassed to admit that i spent way way too much on planner perfect covers and journals 🫣 I thought the system was going to work for me since i love TN’s. Well… turns out i cannot stand the paper in their journals and the tn’s dont have back pockets to hold a stalogy (my fav notebook). So i can only use them as a tn. I feel so guilty spending so much while my husband works so very hard for my family. I will not be pulled into the FOMO again. In fact, i unfollowed all that planner perfect community because it was so bad for me. I am back in a stalogy and the simplicity has me finding joy in planning again. Zero stress. I also found that stickers were taking up too much money and time. Im so over it all. I will use what i have but not buying any more “stuff”. Thanks for such an honest video where we can discuss this stuff. Im going to subscribe to you!
Thank you for sharing your story! Planner folks can relate to you, so don’t feel bad about how things were in the past. Planning should be something you enjoy- not something that stresses you out and makes you broke. Thanks for your comment and welcome to the fam my friend!😊❤️
Hi Cat! I'm so glad the algorithm led me to your video! I have been a stationery lover for as long as I can remember and when the planner community began gaining traction, I thought I found one of my hobby tribes. Of course, one thing led to another and I found myself knee deep in stuff. It didn't help that consumerism was being dressed up as "collecting" and somehow exchanging the terms, in my mind, made it ok to over consume. And so collecting I did...and did...and did. But when it came to actually planning and achieving the goals I set out for myself, well, that took a back seat lean back to all the fun collecting I was doing. Fast forward to now, my 50th turn around the sun, and I am looking at life with a fresh set of eyes. I know that analog planning is the tool I will use to achieve the goals I set for myself.
Thanks for sharing your story my friend! With time comes growth and gaining a new perspective. Congrats on knowing who you are knowing how to achieve the things you want to achieve for yourself. I wish you all the best😊❤️
Bravo sis!! 👏🏽 I totally identify with everything that you are saying here, of course on a smaller scale with planner stuff and a large scale with purses and accessories. At this point I have so much stuff that I can switch fragrances and bags weekly for a full year or longer. I agree that addressing the underlying issues is necessary to moving forward. I probably will share my thoughts on this very soon. Appreciate you ❤
I’ve been a paper pen and planner nerd since I was a kid! Remember Lisa frank!? Omg, nostalgia. 😂 But thank you for this, I’m always trying to buy a new planner, and I’m afraid to use it! 🤷🏻♀️
I used to let FOMO get to me. Spending money on all these planner and crafting items only for them to collect dust. One day I realized I didn't care that much for them, got rid of what I didn't need, and kept what I did. I feel so much better. I recommend Christine Platt's The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living with Less. The book breaks down why we feel the need to have so much stuff. One of the best books I've ever read. I hope you will enjoy it too.
I just came accross this video amongst the planner season chaos, and I am so impressed with how real you are. Thank you for being a voice of reason, I appriciate it.
I am a new subscriber and you came along at the perfect time. I have so many planner, journals and supplies. I do not use most of them. I am so motivated to destash and enjoy my Dollar Tree journals. Great video!
Omg. I literally just purchased erasable coloured lead mechanical pencils. I mean, does stationary get any better 🤗. I love me some good writing instruments for my planner life. You ain’t told no lies. 😂
@@planningcalm imaging making a mistake, in living colour; the making a correction but just with an eraser. In pinks and greens and purples and blues. A colour sensory persons heaven. Especially if they like to plan with colours or doodle in their planner. 🤗. Your video was a great share. Very very relatable!
❤ i have always loved paper, pens, being organized, stationery, writing letters etc. I would never say I was obsessed or had any problem in the amount I had until 2020…. Such a weird time- online shopping ramped up for me then. Big time. I didn’t like how I was behaving- so I made a detailed inventory of every single thing I bought during the last 2.5 years and I was taken aback. I’ve been steadily working on destashing and using things up for the last year. It is not easy (sometimes I literally get anxiety while listing items to sell)- but I always always feel relieved when it sells. I will never be a minimalist in any aspect of my life (maybe makeup) but I don’t want to feel overwhelmed, embarrassed, or wasteful either. All of this stuff is lessening my joy. I wish UA-cam planner videos focused less on products- I searched specifically for this type of video.❤ Some of the old school videos have more substantial content- so that’s mostly what I’ve been watching. I’m glad I found your channel.
lol I have stickers from so many many years ago that went I just went to use then they were dry out. 😮 so I used double side scotch tape to use them. May you be blessed always in all ways. You be you ❤ thanks for being you Ps new subscriber here 🙋♀️🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚
I'm commenting but I don't think I'd say it any better than you! At the end of the day, you need to be accountable to yourself and your God (if you have one). Buy all the things if you want but be clear on why you are buying. I've always been a stationery girl so I hear you. I'd help out the teacher in elementary school just so I could go in the supply room and see all the paper and notebooks. It was like heaven! LOL
Hi Cat! Thank you so much for sharing… you took the words right out of my mouth! This is 💯% how I feel and what I am “still” experiencing in my 2nd year in the Planner Community. I LOVE PLANNING (and back to school supplies as well)… ALL the things! And I’ve mentioned on my YT channel that FOMO is real!! You are absolutely not alone! And perfect timing for this video considering Go Wild is very soon and a lot of ppl just can’t go. I will be there…and I’m thankful to God that He’s allowing me to go. Financially, should I be going? NO!! But, THANK YOU! I’m sure this is helpful to a lot of us 🥰
I LOVE YOU❣️❣️❣️Thank you so much for giving me permission to plan MY way!! I have also spent a ton on planners, pens, stickers, etc. & I love it, but have come to realize I’m having to “remake” the pages to fit MY life & planning needs. I also have caught myself in an almost panic to get things written every day 😮💨! On the other hand, I have learned a lot about what I really do need to help me “do life” ❤ Looking forward to more of your sage advice!!!
Thank you for always be so open and vulnerable on your channel. I’m sure we can all relate to so many things you share. I enjoy your videos, and they help me on my journey to calm. ❤
Absolutely enjoyed your video. FOMIO is a big thing and you made some great points. This hobby can make you broke but will it make ME better. Thanks for your thoughts. 😊
Thank you flor your video ❤ i have the same problem but with clothes and me thinking fashion and being the “fashion girlie” made me broke. I cant believe all the money ive spent on clothes! I discovered i shop out pf boredom or anxiety.
Yes, 100% we don't need all of this stuff to make planning work for us. I'm doing a very minimal spend this year. I didn't set out any rules but basically, no stationery. I've gotten a few small things but I'm keeping a list of _anything_ that comes in - free, purchased, or gifted. It's helping me realize just how much comes in even though I try to declutter. I'm hosting the #craftwithyourstash tag so feel free to use it in your posts if you feel inspired to. :)
Great post! Thank you for hitting the issue head-on. We need to know the 'why' of what we're doing, and then sit down with ourselves and ask "How much is it worth to me? How much am I willing to spend to have this joy?"
I went through this with a few of my hobbies. I love me some stationery, but I recently gave a good chunk away to my mom and sister because I had so much to the point where it was overwhelming. I went through a digital detox because I was downloading all these things that people said I should to be organized. These things not only made me spend so much money, but I also felt even more disorganized because it became too many things to manage. I've calmed down on consumption and I'm looking at only what works for me. This was a very nice video. Thank you for sharing! 😊
I have also loved any sort of stationary or school supplies for as long as I can remember! And hoarding/not using stickers/supplies is definitely something I struggle with as well. Like why?! 😅 I really needed to hear this, so thank you so much for sharing! I am definitely inspired to see what I can change to bring myself inner peace and let go of the clutter! New subscriber 😊 God bless ❤
FOMO with planners is a real thing. I watched someone I knew buy "ALL" the things & accessories in regards to planning. I couldn't keep up 😂. I would buy walmart sticker books & washi and clearance hp books and make it work. I've tried travel journals/ bullet journaling 😮💨😮💨 this stuff adds up quickly & takes up space. I barely touch it now. I will use Amazon planners to keep up with bills & appointments etc. Now the question is when to rid myself of old planners? 🥴
Cat...we all want people to think we have it all together...when we don't 😊. I have always loved school supplies...the smell of the newness...kind of like that new car smell in August❤️. Luckily I didn't buy in to the expensive versions....I realized I was a planner failure at those early on...lol. Thank you for being so honest with us💕
Oh Cat I am so so proud of you🎉 you are always so nice and real in your videos. It feels like I am sitting down talking with an old friend. Thank you for keeping me company. I get lonely sometimes
This video is sooooo real! I have spent soooooo much and continue to do so. I’m not following trends anymore though, I get what I like at this point, but still, I need to consume less for sure.
I plan and have at least 50+ journals/planners etc. Most have a few pages filled in then I lose motivation. I'm a Christian aslso and feel guilty that I'm not being a good steward of what I have . Love from Australia 🇦🇺🙏🇦🇺💜
Hi Cat! Do you have a planner set up that has everything in it? Place to put appointments, birthdays, work schedule, monthly budgets, fitness and health? I want just one and would love to know if this is possible and what planner in your experience can do this. Thank you! 🙏🏼
Yes I do! Because I do planner videos I share a variety of options. My all in compassing planner is my Common Planner. I also have videos on how I use and set that up as well😊
Since you're a fruity tea drinker too, I wonder have you tried brewing your tea in fruit juice or lemonade? They seem to be the rage in the shops these days and oh so tasty. They can be drunk hot or iced. 🙂
@stephenchung I think planning in this context means more of the decorative aspect of planning. Using planning as a creative outlet to express your creativity.
I have been using a paper planner for the past 4 years. My biggest weakness was buying stickers. I have like 10 books. Now that I have found a happy planner that I like I have been using the stickers. I also use them for journaling. So surprised to hear that teaching is stressful in Canada. Journaling and do things outside of school keep me going. I like how you write out a Bible verse.
I have been using a paper planner for the past 4 years. My biggest weakness was buying stickers. I have like 10 books. Now that I have found a happy planner that I like I have been using the stickers. I also use them for journaling. So surprised to hear that teaching is stressful in Canada. Journaling and do things outside of school keep me going. I like how you write out a Bible verse.
I've noticed a lot of the planner channels I used to watch for planning and design inspo have been uploading mostly hauls or sponsored reviews (which rarely feel honest) instead of videos showcasing their planning and it really bums me out because it seems like a visual representation of planner consumerism - "look what you can buy!" instead of "look what i'm doing!"
Thanks for sharing!! I feel that as well which is why I struggle with FOMO lol! 😊
@@planningcalm haha ohh me too! i am easily lead astray and have zero chill when it comes to stationery supplies!! you're not alone and i have the wall of stuff to prove it!
I deal with anxiety and depression and I am ashamed to admit that I shop to alleviate the feelings I feel. Watching this has reminded me that I need to confront my feelings
You're not alone my friend, I think a lot of us in the planner community can relate to this as well. You are among friends who understand. Sending love your way!
definitely not alone in that - i have anxiety and adhd and shopping always gives me a quick boost of temporary peace, but i know it's not a long term solution.
You are not alone … I too am dealing with anxiety ( GAD) and shopping gives me a boost. But then I have buyers remorse and have to waste time and take it back and hopefully get my money back. I’ve been working on other self care routines instead of shopping. Progress is slow and hard but I’m making baby steps. Sending prayers and love to you all !
In this economy it is so important to talk about things like this. We all need to be more budget conscious of our money
So true! Thanks for your insightful words as always :)
I went on a planning no spend for three years. In that time, I saved up enough to put down 20% on a home. This stuff is not necessary and a lot of times will not fix your procrastination and lack of productivity. Right now I’m in a Stalogy and all my stickers are four years old.
I recently bought something on clearance for the first time in years.
WOW!!👀 I love it!! Thanks for sharing your inspiring story. You’ve motivated me to really be extra mindful of planner spending😊
@@planningcalmme too!
That's amazing. That would take me 30 years. lol They're on the downturn, so hopefully, I'll buy one one day, but the average seems to be around $790,999. I'd rather buy an asset, not a liability at this time.
You are not alone. Stationary is something I’ve always loved, but currently I’m destashing.
Nice! Thanks for watching😊
I’m a former teacher and so glad to hear that I’m not the only one who chose the profession-at least, in part-for the school supplies 😅📝📓🖍️
I'm still teaching and that's a large part of my love for the profession as well...I'm a total pen addict!
Lol!! Nope! You’re not alone my friend!😁
Hi, Cat! I'm 64 and still I can't WAIT to go school supply shopping every July/August! I too have been planning for many years. When I took the time to really think about planning I came to discover that what brought me joy wasn't the actual planner, but the process. Once I was there with my thinking, it was just a hop, skip and jump to the idea that I could make planning look however I wanted it to look!! That's what this year is about for me. Oh, and yes, I budgeted $0 for planning this year, which also forced me to use all the supplies I already have on hand. The bottom line is I'm having a good time, even without spending $. Your videos just add to the enjoyment. I have no idea what 2025 will be like for me, but I can say for sure that I'll still be planning in some form or fashion. Thanks for the video! As always, you brought a smile to my face and made me think. Thank you, Jesus!
Thank you for being you and for always being here! It’s about the journey and what we can learn about ourselves along the way😊
This is so refreshing. It feels like lately the planner community on UA-cam and IG is all about complaining about why no planner is good enough and it’s just such a drag to watch. Your energy and perspective is such a breath of fresh air.
Thank you so much😊 I understand the struggle, but I need more calm planning to keep my sanity lol! That’s why I do what I do😁
I found this video a little late, but I'm so glad you touched on this. I no longer watch the same Planner channels as they're not fun anymore. Especially the ones that bought $200 with one brand, and then, $300 with Sterling Ink, and then the washi, the stickers every week, then took weeks and weeks in December of "set up videos" only to make, "what's not working and what I'm changing in my line up" in January, February.
It's maddening. I couldn't imagine spending THAT much on a dang hobby in one go. I don't mean, $40 here and there, but 5-6 Tomoe River Planners at a time after their massive Hobonichi "hauls".
I've got one Take a Note planner, an Erin Condren and a few Happy Planners. I have enough pens, stickers, and washi for years. I love stationery, yes, always have since the 1980s. lol
But pre "planner community" channels and specialty planners, we were happy with a $7 planner from Target, and some Papermate Inkjoys.
(Heaven help anyone who says anything "negative" or reasonable on some channels. One time, I saw a certain Happy Planner channel haul. She had bought over $430 in new stuff and I said, "wait, girl, didn't you just buy $300 in stickers last week for Black Friday?" I was astonished and felt like young women today have not been told no in a long time. Growing up, I wasn't spoiled, but I always got nice presents for my birthday and Christmas, but I worked to get everything I needed.)
You’re not alone in your feelings. A lot has changed in the planner community over the years. I always felt like I never fit in because I live in Canada and rarely have access to all the cool things south of the boarder. Also, my budget only allows me to splurge on select items, so I have to really research what I want before I purchase them. That being said, I still have more than a person needs and I’m still affected by FOMO, which is why I had to make this video. I try to give myself grace and not beat myself up too much. It’s nice to indulge and everyone should have the freedom to buy what they what, but not at the expense of your responsibilities 😊
Yes! I'm one of your back to school supply people!! I could spend hours picking out new pens and notebooks. I use notebooks at work and I get some looks from my younger co workers but i enjoy writing my to dos, my notes in a different color nearly everyday and I still shop the back to school sales for my next batch of work supplies. I just started in fountain pens so I started down the rabbit hole on that and I'm slowing my roll a bit but I'm enjoying it. Thanks for sharing with us. I know it wasn't easy but I'm sure you're feeling better about it. I love your videos and I'm always excited to see what your next one is about. I love your energy and your voice. You have lots of support here.
You’re in good company here my friend!😊
I think in the last years it got completely out of hand for me with my stationery spending. I also plan for 20+ years and the times were different back then. It is sad for me that my planners/journals feel less personal to me the more stationery I use. Now I see the benefits of simplicity ❤ Both financially and to calm my mind down.
Me too my friend! Calm in simplicity is the way to go😊
You are lovely! ❤
The dopamine hit! I can actually hear it in people's voices watching unboxings! 🤣
I have gotten so much better at resisting FOMO over the last year. I finished all of my planners last year and I'll do the same this year!
Woohoo! So proud of you Jennifer. That’s so hard to do lol!
Seeing all the great comments after a seriously POWERFUL video warms my heart. I see all your UA-cam family here with sooo much in common, it is highly understandable how they’ve come to love your channel. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit I can’t say I share such a love for analog planning. I was more thrown into leaving my first love with was digital. HOWEVER I will say this, I had such a love for colors, painting, drawing, water colors, colored pencils, markers etc. I found that when I was forced to start planning for mine & my mom’s health journey I fell back in love with art. Theeeeeeennnnn came the spending. Oh my lord girllll smh. I watch the videos on planner flips n all I see is what I could create IF I had a new set of … (blah blah blah) I’m a very frugal person by nature but even us tight fisted people feel the urge when it comes to a love (TOTALLY RELATING) thank you so much for sharing, as always my new friend, God bless & in my prayers.
Aww… I totally understand. I feel we planner lovers feel justified in spending because planning, in theory is suppose to be a good thing and beneficial for our lives. Being productive is suppose to be a good thing, but when it’s paired with FOMO and overspending, it becomes counterproductive, lol! Thanks for sharing your thoughts my friend😊
Hi Cat! I am a former teacher and love browsing stationary sections in stores. Last year I discovered online planner shops and subscription boxes. It was like opening a Christmas present each month. I soon realized that I didn’t need all the things and that most of the items weren’t useful to use in my everyday planner. For 2024, I only purchased the inserts (digital version) and accessories I needed and stopped the monthly subscription. FOMO is real. Thanks for the video. 🖊️ 📄 📓
That is awesome! I love that!
I clicked on this video so fast really got into the planner community during the pandemic, but have always been a stationary girly. And I got all the things planners and different sizes covers stickers, washy, tape, pens, highlighters subscription boxes. After about a year started to find my way and purge and sell most of what I had bought. This is an important discussion.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts my friend! The pandemic opened us up to a lot of self indulgent ways that, in hindsight, we’ve learned is not always the best for us😊
3:48 that is me! Guilty as charged! 😂😅🙋🏻♀️
Lol!! We all are🙋🏾♀️
You are amazing woman ❤❤❤your decision to share your anxiety and your experience is so important . thank you from Israel ❤
Thanks sweet friend! Appreciate your kind words😊❤️
Such a cute vibrant top! It’s very becoming on you
Thank you! Amazon coming in clutch, Sis!
We gotta talk about this. Keep sharing.
More convos are coming soon😊😍
This video really resonated with me! I can relate to everything you shared. I’m a middle school teacher (25+ years) YES!….so stressful! I too am a stationary/planner/school supply lover. I have purchased ALL the things. I still have BOXES filled with planners and planning supplies I no longer use (or never used)! I’m trying to let go and simplify. Thank you so much for this affirming video. “You have to find peace within.” “Be mindful.” AMEN! I found your channel because of your thrift store planner and the simplicity and calmness really spoke to me!
Middle school teacher for 25 years?!! You’re an angel😊 So happy simple planning is making a comeback (or at least I hope it is). Please feel free to share this channel with other teachers. I love connecting with them😊
I’m a retired Early Childhood Teacher - I retired after 36 years in the classroom . I know that overflowing, overwhelming feeling of having so many school and other craft supplies. I was suffocating . I retired in 2018. I donated hundreds of books to a neighborhood non profit that gave area schools free books. I’ve donated boxes of craft supplies . I too love back to school shopping for me, my own children and my students AND other teachers I took under my wings. I’ve bought schools supplies for my grandchildren’s teachers and their students… it’s a hard thing to get away from. My personal faith walk and my amazing therapist are helping me to understand the WHY of my actions. But /and by nature - I’m a giver . I want to see people enjoy things… I do ,over - give and I’m learning to reign it in. Now , I am looking for the simple things now … the simple ways of planning , crafting, living … I buy small amounts and donate or add to my planner and crafting stash. People like Cat and yourself share and show us , to be ourselves , that we’re not alone, we listen and learn healthy and helpful ways that don’t stress us financially, emotionally,spiritually …Thank you ,thank you , thank you again for being vulnerable. Grateful to be a part of this community. !
You are not alone. We are in this together. I love the community and I don’t think all people posting unboxing videos on UA-cam have bad intentions. It’s just not wise to spend as much as we did in the past in this economy. When the time is not good, the first cut we make will be on the hobbies.
Absolutely agree, we have to be wise in how we spend. 😊
My favorite kind of video from you ! I LOVE me some Cat Chats !!! 😍 I feel better after watching your video. Thank you boo ! 😘
You are so welcome! So great to hear from you my friend!😊
I can't wait for the school supplies to come out each year. I love cute notebooks & pens. I get it honestly. My mom & grandmother are the same way. I realized that I need to slow down on buying supplies when I panicked about missing a shop's sticker release day 🤦🏾♀️. I'll use what I have & replace when my stash starts to run low.
That's an awesome thing to do!! :)
I have been using a paper planner for the past 4 years. My biggest weakness was buying stickers. I have like 10 books. Now that I have found a happy planner that I like I have been using the stickers. I also use them for journaling. So surprised to hear that teaching is stressful in Canada. Journaling and do things outside of school keep me going. I like how you write out a Bible verse.
Thanks for sharing!!😊
Girl you get real! I felt those same things!!
Always keeping it real on this channel, even if I look like an idiot in the process-LOL!! Thanks for watching my friend :)
I don't often find honest discussion around how conumerism negatively effects the consumer because too many people are ashamed and embarrassed to admit it, so I really appreciate this video and your honesty and thoughts on the topic because they are so needed. And it's not just a planning community problem. hyperconsumerism is RAMPANT! capitalism and consumption are not inherently bad, but it's when they are done so without conscious or moral thought that bad things happen, and that's how a lot of business is done these days. Even if an advertisement doesn't outright say it, we are being told by every company that we NEED whatever their offering... that our lives (or our selves) are not good enough without the product being advertised. And it works for a number of reasons... people are never taught or given examples of impulse control or financial decision making or that they are enough as they are. It's complicated and heartbreaking because like you said, business and advertising is many people's livelihoods, and it's wonderful to celebrate someone's success and talent and job well done, but if a job is well done but in a way that takes advantage of people or is harmful to more people than it is beneficial... it's really damaging, and that damage is visible to us almost anywhere we look. consumerism has such a hold on our society that it's pushing society off of its foundation: human dignity. As a fellow person of faith we know that humans have inherent dignity given by our Creator, but even from a non-faith perspective you can argue our dignity comes from our existence. Once we weren't, and now we are and what made that change was the beginning of our life. Our life is valuable; human life is valuable. EVERY human life is valuable and important no matter how marginalized or disabled or unseen or rich or corrupt or selfish.
My thoughts on the subject may be deeper than are really meant for a youtube comment section, but I work with kids and my boss often tells them this same message. Everywhere they look they see things saying they're not enough and that it's BS because they ARE enough. It's hard to describe the looks on their faces when they hear this, but it's not hard to see that a lot of them have never heard this before about themselves. That they as an individual are inherently valuable and have dignity and deserve love (and reintroducing faith, are loved).
I'm not immune to consummerism. We all need to buy things to survive and live our day to day lives, but we do need to be conscious and responsible with our consumption based on our well being, our finances, and others. We also need to be conscious of our true motive because that informs our consumption. To whoever read this comment in full: if you buy things because you feel that you don't have or are not enough, please stop; you are enough.
Beautifully said my friend. I appreciate your perspective, and hope that our world will one day change to allow people to feel good enough just as they are 😊
OMG I am completely obsessed with you. I found you this week during a search for information a out a specific planner I was researching, and I feel like I have found a soul sister. As an educator who struggles with FOMO, consumerism, and anxiety, I am here to pick up EVERYTHING you are putting down. Thank you ❤
Welcome to the fam, my friend! You’ll find that you’re in good company here😊 Please share the channel so we can help grow and support others who struggle with anxiety and the like. So happy you’re here!😊
It is refreshing to see realism when it comes to the planner world. I have spent a few dollars, but nothing compared to what I see on UA-cam. I watch the videos because I enjoy them and to get ideas. I print my own A5 inserts for rings. That means I can tweak on a monthly basis. I add some clip art, but not much as I like the writing in ink look so much better. I do not have a leather cover yet as I want the right size first. I found A6 too small, so I am contemplating personal rings in the wide size. It would be nice to find a planner I can tuck into my purse. I need to find a cheap way of testing out the personal rings wide.
I understand your enthusiasm for stationary and stationery items. I feel the same way.
I enjoyed your video!
I love that you customize your planners! That must save a lot of time and money - it’s genius!😊
So needed this, feeling overwhelmed by all the planning things, and a little embarrassed by all the things I have bought over the years, definitely trying to be more conscious with my purchases, loved this video
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for being here😊
Thank you for being vulnerable and honest. This is what I needed to hear to propel me into an anti-planner haul mode for 2025. In fact I'm selling all the things that don't serve me. I'll be using what I have aka notebook paper with the stickers I want to use. Those things serve my purpose. As a fellow Canadian in Ontario I agree the cost is way too high for goods. Your thoughts have cemented my focus for intentional living. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Glad I've found your channel. ~ Michelle 🇨🇦
Welcome to the fam, Michelle! Happy to have you here with us😊❤️
I hear ya Cat - I fell down the rabbit hole buying planner stuff I saw on UA-cam planner channels. 🤣 I went crazy with Gillio leather planner covers a few years ago.💲Love your vibe. ❤
Thanks sweet friend! I appreciate you😊
Wonderful honest chat, Cat! I used Planner Pads for decades, only discovering luxury planners in semi-retirement. I have spent more in the past few years than in my entire life before that--on planners themselves, not stickers or accessories, even. I recently decided to go with the one planner that would cover my life the best. I have never been susceptible to advertising, but boy--tell me you have a better way for me to organize my time, and I will evidently hand over my wallet. Kudos on calling it like it is 💛
Thanks so much. Having an honest inventory of what we have and what we want out of planning has really helped me plan a calmer life😊
Hi Cat!!😊 I love, love this video!! I have to be honest, you fill my cup too!!❤️ Thank you so much and I admire you so much for always being so open and honest with us! I’m trying to remember all the questions lol I loved school supply shopping when I was in school. I love seeing the items and deals now but I don’t purchase like I did when I was in school. I try hard to only get things that I know I’ll use, not use twice and forget about in a tote or container. My sort of, I don’t want to say struggle, but it’s a pattern I go through and I’m not sure why. I get bored with the stickers and things I have. I think maybe if I had a cute bunny drinking coffee instead of this puppy, maybe if I had these laundry doodles instead of the countless laundry stickers I already have. I just crave something new, something I haven’t already used a dozen or a hundred times already. And then I go overboard. But then I get bored. All those new and different stickers online don’t look fun anymore. And I flip through my stickers, look at how cute this one is, why aren’t I using that one?! Then I fall in love all over again with the things I had. I’m glad the being in love and inspired with what I have lasts far longer than the bored and want to buy new but I’m still not sure why I feel so bored in the first place. Definitely something to look closer at for myself (and thank you for getting me thinking about it in the first place!). Also, that ginger peach tea looks so delicious!! I think I need to see if my local supermarket has a flavor like that! Thank you so much, for everything ma’am!! Can’t wait to see your next one!❤❤❤
I’m like you. I get bored, too, and need something new. When that new thing comes (especially sticker books), I don’t touch it for a while because I want it to be in pristine condition!
What helps me is to take a video of my stash and watch it. Then I am reminded of what I have and I start to become excited to use them.
@@scatterbrainplanner what an amazing idea! I think I’ll give that a try!! Maybe I’m not bored so much as I forget what I actually have! Thank you❤️
We are all so similar in a lot of ways, and that’s why we can relate to each other. Thank you for your continued support in this community. It is soooooo appreciated. Stay blessed, Sis!!😊
I have spent way too much money on stationary, planner supplies, stickers etc!! Total FOMO
I am trying to use up my existing supplies….,
Great idea!! I’m in the same boat👍🏿
I don't have a job yet, but I have some savings and I save from my allowance to buy my supplies: for many years I tried to be more conscious about what I spend my money on, but candy and stationary have always been the one I caved on more. This year in particularly I've been practicing self control, with candy is been easier, and with stationary I hit the breaks with the last ten highlighters and I didn't buy anymore, and some tombow markers and I didn't buy more, I got the last colorful pens, and I don't buy a pen unless the last one has dried up; but a HUGE temptation arrived with the last discount of happy planners, and I really wanted to buy them, the dotted notebooks and planners, but it was like, for what?
for a planner? $29.95 for a planner? (that's what it costs on my country, but I looked up and it's very similar to the price on the US) I just couldn't justify that with good enough planners on the dollar store and there's one on the dollar store that I actually liked (and I bought that one to use for the whole 2025); for commonplacing?, I'd fill it up in two months, and when I do I'll want another one, I can't buy two $30 notebooks; for journaling? I'll also fill it up in 2 months, same conundrum; and in january 2024 I bought one happy planner notebook for story ideas (I thought it would take longer to fill up the notebook like that), and I used it so little, because I didn't want to finish it: If I bought one for one of those purposes, I wanted some continuity, and I couldn't have it, because I couldn't buy such an expensive notebook multiple times, so I was like: guess I won't be buying them ever again.
But then a video of how to reuse old happy planners showed using them for pictures for the whole year, and I loved that idea, that way I can buy one and it will last me the whole year, and keeping memories is special enough to justify that purchase, if it's once a year. Lol, this means I can also buy the planner, since they also last a year... 😂😂 guess I didn't see it that way, oh well, I can buy one in 2026, then again the ones on the dollar store are actually pretty, so yeah, if I buy a happy planner I'd better use it for something special that lasts me a year, more special than just as a planner, like for memory keeping.
IIIIIIIIIIII'm gonna clarify, I don't buy happy planners often: I bought one last year and I used it as a commonplace book, filled it up pretty quickly, that dissapointed me, so this year I bought one and used it for story ideas, I realized I'd also fill it up fast, so I was like, and the planners? they're literally $3 on the dollar store (and rather pretty, actually), buying a planner but using it for a more special purpose and only once a year, I can justify that
It sounds like you're being very mindful about your spending which is awesome!😊
Hi there, beautiful! Thank you for making this video! I agree with you whole-heartedly, and you making this video is the very same thing I was saying on my channel, but you articulated it so beautifully! I joined the planner community in 2019, and I bought ALL the things too! My planning style has changed so much over these years and when I look back I'm like...wow, I spent a lot of money on this hobby! I have gifted so many planner items and still have more to gift or sale off. I'm so glad I found your channel through the UA-cam Collab loop group. Stay blessed and calm! TFS! 🥰
Thank you so much for being here! We have all been there. I think we buy the things because we’re trying to figure out our style etc. it’s trial and error. Eventually we learn what works for us and that comes with time.
I'm not sure who is more thankful for this video, me or my husband lol 😆
😂😂😂
Oh yes, I love back to school time. Loved it as a student. Loved it as a mom. My kids are in their twenties and I still get a happy feeling every September for back to school.
Also I get the FOMO thing so much. But I have given away so many Happy Planners that I finally had to ask myself if I can afford to buy other people Happy Planners. I can’t. Stopped buying them. Can I afford Hobonichi knowing that I get bored easily with planners (I think I enjoy the set up more than actually using them)? The answer (after nearly choking on my coffee when I saw the price) was ABSOLUTELY NOT! I didn’t buy one. Same for Stalogy. My cheap-o planners and I are very happy together. 😊
Oh I hear you on the HPs. I have purchased and donated so many over the years, and as much I love them, they never seem to work for me. Cheap planners for the win!😊
I sneezed watching this heeheeha! Must be a “sympathy” sneeze for your allergies
LOL!! Bless you, sweet friend!
I'm always late to the party, but I just ran across your video.
This topic resonated so much with me.
I've purchased planners and for one reason or another, they didn't work for me.
I ended up grabbing a notebook and putting together my own layouts, using the best ideas from each planner that actually worked for my needs.
I found several HP sticker books at my local thrift store.
Most of them were unused, so I scored in that purchase.
Still, I found I didn't gravitate to most of the stickers.
I have discovered that I like to doodle and I decorate my homemade planner that way.
Crayola colored pencils and a couple of pens and I'm in business.
I'm glad for the people that find joy in their HP or EC's or whatever planner they find.
I'm just thankful that I made my discovery of what really works for me, before I spent more money chasing my elusive planner dream.
Thanks for sharing this topic with us.
(Judy Vanderploeg)
Hi Judy! Thanks so much for sharing your insights. I think a lot of folks feel the way you do as well. That’s what I like about notebook planning, you can customize it and have it work for you. Thanks for watching!😊
Thank you. I do feel bad about a lot of my purchases as so much of it was wasted and not used. I also have a lot of planner clutter and it is overwhelming. BUT, that said, I am working on it and trying to figure it out. Thank you so much for this video.
You can do it! The goal is to not beat yourself up for things you did in the past. You got this my friend!😊
At this point I know every video you put out is so cozy and relatable to my life, that it’s simple: I see a Planning Calm video uploaded, I like it, then watch. You’re the best!
Aww… thank you for your kind words. That filled my cup😊🥰
Im embarrassed to admit that i spent way way too much on planner perfect covers and journals 🫣 I thought the system was going to work for me since i love TN’s. Well… turns out i cannot stand the paper in their journals and the tn’s dont have back pockets to hold a stalogy (my fav notebook). So i can only use them as a tn. I feel so guilty spending so much while my husband works so very hard for my family. I will not be pulled into the FOMO again. In fact, i unfollowed all that planner perfect community because it was so bad for me. I am back in a stalogy and the simplicity has me finding joy in planning again. Zero stress. I also found that stickers were taking up too much money and time. Im so over it all. I will use what i have but not buying any more “stuff”. Thanks for such an honest video where we can discuss this stuff. Im going to subscribe to you!
Thank you for sharing your story! Planner folks can relate to you, so don’t feel bad about how things were in the past. Planning should be something you enjoy- not something that stresses you out and makes you broke. Thanks for your comment and welcome to the fam my friend!😊❤️
@@planningcalm 🤗
Hi Cat! I'm so glad the algorithm led me to your video! I have been a stationery lover for as long as I can remember and when the planner community began gaining traction, I thought I found one of my hobby tribes. Of course, one thing led to another and I found myself knee deep in stuff. It didn't help that consumerism was being dressed up as "collecting" and somehow exchanging the terms, in my mind, made it ok to over consume. And so collecting I did...and did...and did. But when it came to actually planning and achieving the goals I set out for myself, well, that took a back seat lean back to all the fun collecting I was doing. Fast forward to now, my 50th turn around the sun, and I am looking at life with a fresh set of eyes. I know that analog planning is the tool I will use to achieve the goals I set for myself.
Thanks for sharing your story my friend! With time comes growth and gaining a new perspective. Congrats on knowing who you are knowing how to achieve the things you want to achieve for yourself. I wish you all the best😊❤️
Bravo sis!! 👏🏽
I totally identify with everything that you are saying here, of course on a smaller scale with planner stuff and a large scale with purses and accessories. At this point I have so much stuff that I can switch fragrances and bags weekly for a full year or longer. I agree that addressing the underlying issues is necessary to moving forward. I probably will share my thoughts on this very soon. Appreciate you ❤
Thank you! You have a beautiful collection 😍
That was a beautiful message, thank you so much for sharing your perspective. I can relate on so many levels.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for being here my friend!😊
I’ve been a paper pen and planner nerd since I was a kid! Remember Lisa frank!? Omg, nostalgia. 😂 But thank you for this, I’m always trying to buy a new planner, and I’m afraid to use it! 🤷🏻♀️
I’m going to have to Google her. A number of people have mentioned her as well. Thanks for watching!😊
I used to let FOMO get to me. Spending money on all these planner and crafting items only for them to collect dust. One day I realized I didn't care that much for them, got rid of what I didn't need, and kept what I did. I feel so much better.
I recommend Christine Platt's The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living with Less. The book breaks down why we feel the need to have so much stuff. One of the best books I've ever read. I hope you will enjoy it too.
Oh! Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the rec. I’ll see if it’s at my local library😊
I totally agree with all said. FOMO gets me alot.
Me too!🙋🏾♀️ I’m in good company😊
I just came accross this video amongst the planner season chaos, and I am so impressed with how real you are. Thank you for being a voice of reason, I appriciate it.
I appreciate you, my friend! Thanks for watching😊
I am a new subscriber and you came along at the perfect time. I have so many planner, journals and supplies. I do not use most of them. I am so motivated to destash and enjoy my Dollar Tree journals. Great video!
Welcome to the fam my friend! Detashing can be the best feeling. Focusing on only what you want and use is a calming thing you can do for yourself😊
5:24 You got me emotional. I love you so much, Cat! You are an inspiration. 🥹🤎
Love you too, Janice! You have been a tremendous source of friendship and support these few years- more than you know😊💕
Omg. I literally just purchased erasable coloured lead mechanical pencils. I mean, does stationary get any better 🤗. I love me some good writing instruments for my planner life. You ain’t told no lies. 😂
That is awesome! I’ve never heard of those before. I bet they’re amazing😁
@@planningcalm imaging making a mistake, in living colour; the making a correction but just with an eraser. In pinks and greens and purples and blues. A colour sensory persons heaven. Especially if they like to plan with colours or doodle in their planner. 🤗. Your video was a great share. Very very relatable!
@nailedyou 🤤
❤ i have always loved paper, pens, being organized, stationery, writing letters etc. I would never say I was obsessed or had any problem in the amount I had until 2020…. Such a weird time- online shopping ramped up for me then. Big time. I didn’t like how I was behaving- so I made a detailed inventory of every single thing I bought during the last 2.5 years and I was taken aback. I’ve been steadily working on destashing and using things up for the last year. It is not easy (sometimes I literally get anxiety while listing items to sell)- but I always always feel relieved when it sells. I will never be a minimalist in any aspect of my life (maybe makeup) but I don’t want to feel overwhelmed, embarrassed, or wasteful either. All of this stuff is lessening my joy.
I wish UA-cam planner videos focused less on products- I searched specifically for this type of video.❤ Some of the old school videos have more substantial content- so that’s mostly what I’ve been watching. I’m glad I found your channel.
Thanks for sharing your experience my friend. These last few years has taken a toll on all of us in different ways 😊
lol I have stickers from so many many years ago that went I just went to use then they were dry out. 😮 so I used double side scotch tape to use them.
May you be blessed always in all ways. You be you ❤ thanks for being you Ps new subscriber here 🙋♀️🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚
Yay! Welcome new friend😊
I LOVE this video so much! It speaks to me on multiple levels for my purchases! Great content! I need to focus on doing more with less "stuff"!❤
Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for being here!😊
I'm commenting but I don't think I'd say it any better than you! At the end of the day, you need to be accountable to yourself and your God (if you have one). Buy all the things if you want but be clear on why you are buying. I've always been a stationery girl so I hear you. I'd help out the teacher in elementary school just so I could go in the supply room and see all the paper and notebooks. It was like heaven! LOL
Haha! I still do that…girl I need help🙈😂😂😂
Hi Cat! Thank you so much for sharing… you took the words right out of my mouth! This is 💯% how I feel and what I am “still” experiencing in my 2nd year in the Planner Community. I LOVE PLANNING (and back to school supplies as well)… ALL the things! And I’ve mentioned on my YT channel that FOMO is real!! You are absolutely not alone! And perfect timing for this video considering Go Wild is very soon and a lot of ppl just can’t go. I will be there…and I’m thankful to God that He’s allowing me to go. Financially, should I be going? NO!! But, THANK YOU! I’m sure this is helpful to a lot of us 🥰
That’s wonderful! Enjoy your experience, that’s what life is all about😊😍
Love finding another Atlantic Canadian! I’m in NB 👋🏻 🇨🇦 😊
Yay! So happy you found the channel! Heading over to follow you on your journey. Love meeting follow Canucks🥰
I LOVE YOU❣️❣️❣️Thank you so much for giving me permission to plan MY way!! I have also spent a ton on planners, pens, stickers, etc. & I love it, but have come to realize I’m having to “remake” the pages to fit MY life & planning needs. I also have caught myself in an almost panic to get things written every day 😮💨! On the other hand, I have learned a lot about what I really do need to help me “do life” ❤
Looking forward to more of your sage advice!!!
Love you too😁Thanks for being here and for watching!
Thank you for always be so open and vulnerable on your channel. I’m sure we can all relate to so many things you share. I enjoy your videos, and they help me on my journey to calm. ❤
Thank you so much! It means so much that you are getting something out of it and that it’s helping you in your journey to living a calmer life😊
Girl staring at about 7:15 …. You had me. So so so very true 💯
😂😂😂
Absolutely enjoyed your video. FOMIO is a big thing and you made some great points. This hobby can make you broke but will it make ME better. Thanks for your thoughts. 😊
You made an even better point- it will make you better😊
Well said Cat! Such an important topic. Thanks for sharing…and I really appreciate your openness about your faith.
Thanks so much for watching my friend. My Lord and savior means EVERYTHING to me❤️
Thank you flor your video ❤ i have the same problem but with clothes and me thinking fashion and being the “fashion girlie” made me broke. I cant believe all the money ive spent on clothes! I discovered i shop out pf boredom or anxiety.
You’re not alone. I’m the same way. We’re in this together my friend!😊
Yes, 100% we don't need all of this stuff to make planning work for us. I'm doing a very minimal spend this year. I didn't set out any rules but basically, no stationery. I've gotten a few small things but I'm keeping a list of _anything_ that comes in - free, purchased, or gifted. It's helping me realize just how much comes in even though I try to declutter. I'm hosting the #craftwithyourstash tag so feel free to use it in your posts if you feel inspired to. :)
Thanks for sharing!! Love that😊
i think it all stems from lisa frank and trapper keepers. i wanted them then and i want all the stuff now!
😊😁
Great post! Thank you for hitting the issue head-on. We need to know the 'why' of what we're doing, and then sit down with ourselves and ask "How much is it worth to me? How much am I willing to spend to have this joy?"
Absolutely! I love the way you said that! It's so true :)
❤ thank you ❤
😊🥰❤️
And , thank you for telling the Truth !!!!!! Straight up - no embellishment , but the real honest truth. I appreciate you ❤
You’re welcome!😊🥰
I went through this with a few of my hobbies. I love me some stationery, but I recently gave a good chunk away to my mom and sister because I had so much to the point where it was overwhelming. I went through a digital detox because I was downloading all these things that people said I should to be organized. These things not only made me spend so much money, but I also felt even more disorganized because it became too many things to manage. I've calmed down on consumption and I'm looking at only what works for me. This was a very nice video. Thank you for sharing! 😊
Thanks so much for watching, sweet Friend!😊
I have also loved any sort of stationary or school supplies for as long as I can remember! And hoarding/not using stickers/supplies is definitely something I struggle with as well. Like why?! 😅
I really needed to hear this, so thank you so much for sharing! I am definitely inspired to see what I can change to bring myself inner peace and let go of the clutter!
New subscriber 😊
God bless ❤
God Bless you too, Sis and welcome to the Fam!😊❤️
FOMO with planners is a real thing. I watched someone I knew buy "ALL" the things & accessories in regards to planning. I couldn't keep up 😂. I would buy walmart sticker books & washi and clearance hp books and make it work. I've tried travel journals/ bullet journaling 😮💨😮💨 this stuff adds up quickly & takes up space. I barely touch it now. I will use Amazon planners to keep up with bills & appointments etc. Now the question is when to rid myself of old planners? 🥴
Haha! 😊❤️
Cat...we all want people to think we have it all together...when we don't 😊. I have always loved school supplies...the smell of the newness...kind of like that new car smell in August❤️. Luckily I didn't buy in to the expensive versions....I realized I was a planner failure at those early on...lol. Thank you for being so honest with us💕
I’m the same lol! Thank you for watching sweet friend!😊
Thank you for being open and understanding to my rambling, lol!😊
Love your message! And not only does it apply to planning but to other hobbies as well. Great advice all the way around.
I never thought of it that that way, you’re right! Thanks for watching😊
Oh Cat I am so so proud of you🎉 you are always so nice and real in your videos. It feels like I am sitting down talking with an old friend. Thank you for keeping me company. I get lonely sometimes
Thank you for always supporting this channel and leaving kind, sweet words of encouragement. You are truly a blessing to this community :)
This video is sooooo real! I have spent soooooo much and continue to do so. I’m not following trends anymore though, I get what I like at this point, but still, I need to consume less for sure.
Oh chile, we all guilty of it! I need to do better as well and just stick to what I like and not what's trending. Thanks for being here always Sis!
I plan and have at least 50+ journals/planners etc. Most have a few pages filled in then I lose motivation. I'm a Christian aslso and feel guilty that I'm not being a good steward of what I have . Love from Australia 🇦🇺🙏🇦🇺💜
Sending love to you in Australia!!😊
You do NOT look rusty, bumpy, crusty! Lol! I love your energy!
Oh thank you!😊 You’re so sweet!
I just got here and I'm already obsessed! ❤❤
Thanks sweet friend!😊
I loved back to school shopping!
Me too!🙋🏾♀️
New sub here!! I’m a teacher, too! I also LOVE all things school supply related.
Welcome to the fam, Lyndsay! You are in great company! We love school supplies in this community 😊
Hi Cat! Do you have a planner set up that has everything in it? Place to put appointments, birthdays, work schedule, monthly budgets, fitness and health? I want just one and would love to know if this is possible and what planner in your experience can do this. Thank you! 🙏🏼
Yes I do! Because I do planner videos I share a variety of options. My all in compassing planner is my Common Planner. I also have videos on how I use and set that up as well😊
What a great message! Thank you.
Glad you liked it!😊
3:48 I relate!
😊
@@planningcalm 🤗
Great video and important conversation 🎉
Glad you enjoyed it😊
Great topic and video ❤
Thank you!!😊
Your nails are primo!
Bless your heart. I’m so self-conscious about my hands and nails and this made my day lol! Thank you😊
Since you're a fruity tea drinker too, I wonder have you tried brewing your tea in fruit juice or lemonade? They seem to be the rage in the shops these days and oh so tasty. They can be drunk hot or iced. 🙂
I’ve never tried that, but it sounds delish!!😋
I hope you do. :)
The increase in carbon tax doesn’t help with the budget! I hear you. 🙏
It’s brutal!! Thanks for watching 😊
I’ve had to remember that it is a question of stewardship with that Lord.
😊
Why planning is a hobby??
For some people planning is something they do and enjoy in their spare time. A good question to ask😊
@@planningcalm I always thought that planning is something that you wanted to in the future.. as a hobby what do you plan in your planner?
@stephenchung I think planning in this context means more of the decorative aspect of planning. Using planning as a creative outlet to express your creativity.
New to your channel and loving it! I have spent so much buying stuff I see on YT but I’m trying to do better. Just followed you on IG
Awesome! Thank you! And welcome to the fam my friend! :)
I have been using a paper planner for the past 4 years. My biggest weakness was buying stickers. I have like 10 books. Now that I have found a happy planner that I like I have been using the stickers. I also use them for journaling. So surprised to hear that teaching is stressful in Canada. Journaling and do things outside of school keep me going. I like how you write out a Bible verse.
I have been using a paper planner for the past 4 years. My biggest weakness was buying stickers. I have like 10 books. Now that I have found a happy planner that I like I have been using the stickers. I also use them for journaling. So surprised to hear that teaching is stressful in Canada. Journaling and do things outside of school keep me going. I like how you write out a Bible verse.
Thank you! Yes, teaching is extremely stressful in this country😩