Unfolding the Year: 2020 is a special series of thematic content and downloads I’m creating each month here on my blog and on my Instagram, where we’ll inspire each other to be reflective and creative as we get things done this year.

Where did this idea come from?

I’ve been bullet journaling since November 2017, and it has helped me combine three of my biggest passions: creativity, productivity, and being reflective. Posting my journal to Instagram also helped us create a wonderful little community of minimal planners who love all of those things too. As we move into a new decade (is anyone else shocked and kind of freaked out about that, or is it just me?!), I realized there’s a lot more we can explore together about planning. I wanted to create more discussion together around ideas I’m interested in learning more about, and that’s where this series started!

It is super ambitious to decide to do this for an entire year (!) and to be honest, I went back and forth on whether or not I could stick with it. But in planning out the focus for each month, I got really excited about thinking about each theme in my own life, and learning along with you all.

I love sharing products and tools here on my blog, but I wanted to make sure I could share more than just stuff. I want to talk about methods I’ve found that have helped me be productive, in a healthy way, in my own life. In my day job, I’m an educator, and I strongly believe that one of the best things we can do for ourselves (and for each other), is to reflect. This is a great way for me to be accountable to keep reflecting, as well as learn from you all — I hope as you try some of my techniques for productivity, you will share some of your own with me!

What kind of themes are these?

Think more reflection and getting to know yourself — not so much “Getting Things Done” or “SMART Goals.” I love both those systems, but I think we need to get a little messy before we get organized. And I don’t just mean a little messy with art/stationery supplies: I mean emotionally, too! Knowing ourselves well means we can be more in tune with how we work, interact with others, and contribute to the world. All of those things will help you figure out a planning and productivity system that works for you.

What do I need to participate? Do I have to bullet journal?

You can use any kind of planning style to participate — it’s not limited to bullet journalers! If you’ve got a pen and notebook handy, you’re ready to go.

Do I have to commit to doing everything, all year long?

No! Do it whenever feels right to you, as much as feels right to you. You can read about the themes and not do any challenges; you can do one or two that sound good to you; or do them all. I’ve definitely chosen themes that fit with the ebb and flow of the year and seasons, and my intent is that each theme builds on each other, but feel free to participate as much or as little as you like. You could even try the challenges out of order too. It’s all what works for you!

For a sense of what each month will be like, start with January!

What does this entail?

I’ll be sharing content related to a specific theme each month on my Instagram, and longer content here on my blog. The theme is meant to inspire us and help us reflect. You can participate as much or as little as you like!

We’ll focus on:

• Monthly theme to motivate and encourage us
• Written content including reflections to help us connect with the theme
• Simple monthly challenges or productivity tips for us to explore the theme more deeply
• Occasional printables (that may or may not be related to the theme), because that’s just plain fun

I am so excited to do this with all of you! I might have some sponsorships or affiliate links sprinkled within, but I promise it will all be related to the theme — and of course, clearly disclosed.

I’m can’t wait to explore all these topics with you all and learn together!