The world is in turmoil. I’ve found myself having a hard time focusing and being hopeful these days. What to do? I’m just “little ol’ me.”

Ways I’m finding encouragement during these dark times:

Be intentionally grateful

I’ve been writing down a line of gratitude for each day in my journal. This year I’m designating a 2-page spread each month to list what I am thankful for. Here are my gratitude pages for January and February.

Focus on uplifting Scripture

The Holy Bible is God’s love letter to us, and through the presence of Holy Spirit we can gain incredible courage and strength in spite of what is going on around us.

Choose to worship with thanksgiving

“The Lord is my strength and shield.
I will trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”

~ Psalm 28:7 TPT

Trust God

"‘Even if the mountains were to crumble and the hills disappear,
my heart of steadfast, faithful love will never leave you,
and my covenant of peace with you will never be shaken,’
says Yahweh, whose love and compassion
will never give up on you.”

~ Isaiah 54:10 TPT

“Trust in the Lord completely,
and do not rely on your own opinions.
With all your heart rely on him to guide you,
and he will lead you in every decision you make.
Become intimate with him in whatever you do,
and he will lead you wherever you go.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 TPT

Just do the next thing

Right now it feels kind of like walking in the dark, and it would be easy to shut down. I find myself praying, ‘Lord, what do I do?’ The still small voice whispers, ‘Just the next thing.’ What is that? The first simple thing, or next step that comes to mind. I focus just on that task or who is in front of me, and trusting God to work things out.

Turn off the news
&
do something fun
with the free abandon

Spend time with someone you love or bless someone in need

Blessings of safety, health, and hope!

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See previous blog posts for how to set up a yearly word of the year/planner journal & monthly pages

Each month there will be Plan-with-me videos (https://www.valeriesjodin.com/blog) on setting up my journal for the month. Sign up for my newsletter to receive your monthly notice and more opportunities to go deeper into your word of the year while cultivating your creativity.

Flip through of 2021 journal set-up

This flip through video, also shown in my last blog post, shows the complete 2021 journal set-up to start the year

Materials used in 2021 journal set up

Stencils:

https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencils-valerie-sjodin-s/2044.htm

Planner Banner Ribbons #L832

Mid-Century Modern Stars #s754

Script Sans Serif Planner Alphabet + Grid #L833

Circle Bubbles #s794

Scalloped Border Small Mask s644

Supplies used:

Wordsworth & Black Dotted, page numbered 160 gsm notebook: https://amzn.to/3pPU7GV
NOTE: There are many journals to choose from. I am trying this journal out because it has the thicker dotted paper, more pages than most, includes page numbers, has a low price point for the type of journal and is easy to order from Amazon. I will be testing more journals with 160 gsm dotted throughout the year.

Pentel P205BP2-K6 Sharp Mechanical/Automatic Pencil, 0.5mm, Black, 2 Count: https://amzn.to/3m3lPgX

Kneaded eraser: https://amzn.to/3m0wDwp

Micron pen set: https://amzn.to/3jpWOup or similar waterproof pen set such as: STA pigment liner set: https://amzn.to/396GX2h

Cosmetic wedges: https://amzn.to/2IVno1J

Metallic Gelly Roll pens: https://amzn.to/3l1dvwK

Color M600 Artist Mica Watercolor Paint, Metallic: https://amzn.to/337mfvp

MT Gold Washi tape: https://amzn.to/34w8Jls

Silver Brush 3000S-6 Black Velvet Short Handle Round Size 6: https://amzn.to/339sEq0

Silver Brush 3000S-2 Black Velvet Short Handle Round, Size 2: https://amzn.to/2UVEZtq

Signo White gel pens: https://amzn.to/360bixi

Other brushes I’ve used and have been happy with:

Water media brush set: https://amzn.to/3pYnG92

Princeton Real Value, Series 9100, Paint Brush Sets: https://amzn.to/3m27O33

Watercolors: Indigo, Cobalt Teal, Permanent Scarlet, Raw Siena, Burnt Umber, Neutral Tint, Quinacridone Gold, Diarylide Yellow, Thalo Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Paynes Gray, Sap Green

NOTE:
I only recommend and link to products I've used and am happy with. The above links are affiliate links, meaning if you click from here and order, I get a small commission. It costs you nothing extra. Win/Win! Thank you!

Featured Word of the Year Blog Posts

Scroll through these blog posts and read more for inspiration!

For more Word of the Year Inspiration check out: https://www.valeriesjodin.com/word-year-calendar-everyday-journals