Tending the Fire: Creating Meaning Amid Uncertainty
In many of my conversations with clients as of late, there has been a theme of overwhelm and concern at the state of our social and political landscape. There's no denying that this is a deeply unsettling time. When we experience a sense of loss of control, it's important to make time to grieve as needed. It's also important to remember the areas where we do have power in our lives– especially those that cultivate joy and meaning.
Every year, Keegan and I create an annual plan to help us map out our year. We include small things, like experimenting in the kitchen, and bigger plans, like career expansion. While it’s not a “fix” for this tumultuous time, the annual plan can be helpful in providing a sense of focus, direction, and reminder to prioritize what brings us joy.
I’m excited to share the annual plan template with you! Each of the five sections supports overall well-being and collectively shapes how we live our lives. The items in each section can be goals or a mindset that you want to embody– this is yours to build however suits you best!
For example, in the marriage section we have a goal around Sunday afternoon cuddles and naps. Now, I’m not going to mark off whether we take a snooze together every Sunday– that just sounds like a chore. Instead, this serves as a mindset reminder. If the pressure to be productive is feeling pervasive, I can look to my annual plan as a reminder that I wanted to prioritize rest together.
Something powerful happens when we write things down. Firstly, goals that are written down are more likely to be achieved. Secondly, writing things down frees up mental space, which supports our overall capacity. If you're looking for some structure to help you show up with intention this year, read on!
🌱 HEALTH AND HOBBIES
What does feeling “well” mean to you this year? What brings you joy? What appointments have you been putting off that you’ll feel so relieved to check off the list? Think lifestyle intentions as well as one-offs that together help you feel healthy and well.
🤍 RELATIONSHIPS
How do you want to show up in the relationships in your life? Name those intentions and then identify a handful of action items that support you in reaching that goal. I’ve separated this section into 1) marriage and 2) family & friends, but organize however feels best for you.
💸 CAREER & FINANCES
What does professional and financial well-being mean to you this year? Do you hope to get a promotion or start your passion project? Is your goal to consistently make your car payment on time, donate a specific amount annually, or use up all of your PTO? List out the goals that would help you achieve your vision of professional and financial wellness.
🏡 HOME
Our spaces are our containers– how do you want to feel in yours? What changes or upgrades to your living space are you envisioning this year? Do you need to organize your closet or are you dreaming of cozy new sheets? Want to figure out how to get the rugs cleaned? Jot down the top few action items that will help your space feel how you want it to.
🧳 TRAVEL
This last section is for whatever is important to you and hasn’t been captured yet. Travel is very important to Keegan and I, so we built a specific travel section rather than nestling it elsewhere. Here we list our goals for visits (with family and friends) and vacations (just us) for the year. Usually these take a fair bit of planning, so it’s nice to build out a plan for booking and traveling ahead of time.
Want a template with examples that you can duplicate and make your own?
Look no further! This template is here for you!
You’re invited to make a copy of the template, remove the examples, and make it yours!
Et voilà! Five sections and you’ve got an annual plan!
Some suggestions to support follow-through:
Once you make your plan, consider adding a recurring reminder on your calendar for the first of each month to review the plan.
When reviewing, approach with curiosity rather than criticism. Did you fall short on a goal? How come? Maybe that action item has shifted into something else. Lightly hold onto your “why” rather than the “how” and let your plan be as dynamic as you are.
Lastly, go gently. In a time of collective upheaval and trauma, we must check-in with ourselves regularly and pivot as needed. If drafting an annual plan feels completely overwhelming, put it on pause and focus on the day-to-day, moment-by-moment instead. This is not a time for “powering through.” What is something you can do in this moment that would bring you a sense of meaning or joy? Do that. Your well-being matters.
Shannah 🤍
Nurtured Founder & Coach
Your turn! Let’s check in. The following questions are here as a way to tend your fire.
Remember, this doesn’t have to be a big time commitment to be helpful. If it feels good, put on a song, pick one question from the list, and noodle until the song ends.
View the Annual Plan Template and if the structure resonates, make a copy of the doc, erase the examples, and fill it in for myself.
Reflecting on this plan, what items am I most excited about?
What items will be a big relief to check off the list?
Does anything on the plan feel particularly overwhelming? If so, how might I break it down into smaller steps?
Where in the plan might I incorporate more nurturing and nourishment for myself?
Big bravo for taking a moment to explore, check in, and tend your own fire. 🔥 If you would like to have your responses witnessed, I would be delighted to receive them! I would love to know about your experience with this template. Email me anytime at shannah@gonurtured.com.
Would this feel more supportive with a thought partner to help you organize your vision? Know that I am here and would be honored to journey alongside you. Feel free to drop me a line for a chat!