Balance Blueprint DRAFT EACH DAY WITH PURPOSE
Some say balance is elusive, but I disagree. Balance is intentional, not impossible. It looks different for each person and the underlying question seems to be, "am I living with purpose?" When you finish your day knowing you loved well, lived well and made a difference, you feel purposeful and in turn more balanced. Are you thinking, Jen, the biggest life questions are did I love well, live well and make a difference. How can I tackle them every single day? One of my core beliefs is this: purpose is found in ordinary life. "Purpose is not this unattainable thing that you strive to finish. It looks more like a daily exploration on the ordinary trail of life. Occasionally a breathtaking view is stumbled upon and sometimes an unexpected muddy pit will sink you to your knees. But for the majority of the time, the trail is gently twisting and turning, filled with small obstacles to watch out for, and, when you're paying attention, the quiet magnificence of life stands out." -Jen Fletcher That s why I created the Balance Blueprint. This planner-like tool gives you a foundation to follow for the day and it only takes 5 minutes to fill out! While it does include regular planner items like to-do s (we can t escape life), it also includes ways to ingrain your days with truth, love and purpose. Use it consistently and you will see your chaos become calmer and your priorities realign. Look at the sample Balance Blueprint on page 4 and imagine you've completed it for an entire month. The left side will be forgotten, but the right side has the ability to fill you up over and over again. It will remind you of the things that matter most and that you are making a difference. Let's become women whose lives shine because they are lived differently. We will not languish and grow weak by floating comfortably on the current of society. Instead, we will grow strong by pushing against the current. With our roots growing in faith, selflove, giving and gratitude; our ordinary lives become extraordinary examples of life lived in balance and purpose.
LEFT SIDE nitty gritty basics Ordinary planner items with a simplifying twist. Top 3 to-do's and other to-do's - I encourage you to focus on three to-do's, with up to three in the other to-do's space. Six total, that's it. This forces you to begin simplifying your schedule; choosing only the necessary and best tasks. Scheduled activities and appointments - I personally love a fluid structure to my day, but I still need space for things that do have specific timing outside the house. This also has space for six items. Simplify! Remember this - If I don't write it down, it doesn't happen. This space is for me to remember people I want to pray for, funny or sweet things the kids do, random grocery items, etc. Dinner tonight - If I don't know what we are having for dinner, I become a mad woman at five o'clock trying to figure out what to put together last minute. This tiny spot prevents that! RIGHT SIDE Unique planner items to balance out the have-to's and add purpose. Encouragement - Fill this space with an encouraging bible verse or quote. Affirmation - Build yourself up in confidence, beauty and strength every single day. When you hear negative self-talk in your head, read your affirmation again. How I helped (or loved on) someone today - This is where the little things matter. Paying for the person behind you in the drive-thru, giving the cashier a compliment to make her smile, making your husband's favorite dessert. Any and all acts of kindness! How I used my gifts and talents today - What are you naturally good at? What do you enjoy doing? Make the time for these things (you could schedule it on the left side), then write down what you did. Thank you for - End your day with gratitude. Maybe you had a rough day, but there are always things to be thankful for.
Draft for April 5 9 10 My top 3 to-do items: Other to-do items (if I finish top 3): Scheduled activities & appointments: 4 7 make Dr. appointment for Aidan go grocery shopping plan homeschool testing take kids to the playground plan a date night with Dan playdate Dr. appointment grocery shopping Aidan - bible study Remember this: pray for Erin's surgery on 4/9 Olivia was sweet with Levi, she was helping him learn to pump on the swing!!! Need cinnamon Dinner tonight is: tacos Sample Encouragement: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 Affirmation: I have nothing to worry about. I choose to focus only on what I can control. The rest will work itself out for my good. How I helped (or loved on) someone today: I bought coffee for the person behind me at Starbucks. I helped Levi learn to walk the balance beam. How I used my gifts and talents today: I wrote a blog post, sent an encouraging text to a friend and practiced watercoloring. Thank you for: Levi growing stronger Aidan and Zachary getting along a quiet space to write
Draft for My top 3 to-do items: Other to-do items (if I finish top 3): Scheduled activities & appointments: Encouragement: Affirmation: How I helped (or loved on) someone today: How I used my gifts and talents today: Remember this: Thank you for: Dinner tonight is:
10 Essential Tips for Using the Balance Blueprint STOP doing ALL the things. Seriously stop. We were not made to be perfect, we are messy and beautiful and need rest. If you need to schedule your rest, do it! Go with the flow. Seasons change and it s better to roll with it than fight it. If you re a first time mama with a newborn, your life (and amount of time) will be different than a mama with school aged kids. Plan accordingly. Don't dismiss parts of the blueprint with the thought, "This won't work for me." That shuts your brain down. Instead ask, "How can this work for me?" With an attitude of curiosity, the brain is attentive and searching for answers. Begin your day with a morning routine if at all possible. Keep it simple. Remember: when you say yes to one thing you are saying no to something else. It s ok to say no if it s not aligning with your values in this season. Choose the BEST yeses. Fill in your to-do's for the next day in the evening. You'll have a head start before the coffee kicks in. Have a list of verses, quotes and affirmations printed out or bookmarked so you can quickly write them down in the morning. Do this as part of your morning routine. The Balance Blueprint pages are drafts. I chose that word on purpose so you would remember it's ok if plans change. Do your best and embrace the interruptions. Find an accountability partner. Share the Balance Blueprint with your friends, I just ask that you send them over to besimplyrooted.com to sign up for their own copy instead of sharing this copyrighted file directly. Thanks! Beware the snares. These thoughts will drag you down and prevent your blueprint from working. "I have more than 6 to-do's." "Affirmations are awkward." "This won't work for me." "I don't have time." "I am not enough." Don't let them trap you!