Recently, the Wall Street Journal published an article that caught my eye. It was about the booming sales of paper maps. Yes, you read that right—paper maps! In an age where our phones can guide us to practically any location in the world, many are opting for the tactile experience of a physical map. As the article aptly puts it: “Fans say physical maps—though less efficient than digital options—enhance one’s journey. Among devotees: a surprising number of millennials and members of Generation Z.”
This trend got me thinking about the intentionality we bring into our lives—whether it’s in navigating physical spaces or navigating through time. That’s what today’s article is all about. Let’s explore how we can engage with time, events, and holidays more intentionally.
Digital vs Paper Calendars
The Psychology of Tangibility
The Satisfaction of Holding a Physical Object
I’ll never forget my first compass-and-map camping trip. The sensation of touching paper and orienting myself using compass bearings felt deeply grounding. It reminded me of my childhood days when I would draw treasure maps.
The Mindful Act of Writing in a Paper Calendar
Research shows that physical interaction engages our brains differently than digital stimuli. Handling objects, like flipping through a paper book or opening a map, activates sensory-rich brain regions, fostering a deeper form of awareness.
How Tangibility Translates to Time-Tracking
How do we capture this essence in our schedules? Day planners, paper calendars, and even sticky notes can serve as tangible touchstones for our daily tasks and yearly milestones.
The Different Ways To Track Your Year
Traditional Methods to Track Your Year
Wall Calendars
- Your standard wall calendar likely follows the Gregorian model, filled with Christian holidays and significant dates.
- It’s convenient but not particularly inclusive.
- There are many different calendar formats available
Day Planners
- For the 9-5 warriors among us, day planners often serve as a second brain.
- They’re a workhorse for tracking meetings, personal errands, and other daily necessities.
Online Calendars
- Platforms like Google Calendar or Outlook are staples in our modern lives. They’re great for reminders but can lead to FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), which we’ll discuss shortly.
Sticky Notes
- The little yellow squares we love to hate.
- They’re good for jotting down urgent things but are hardly a comprehensive solution.
Alternative Methods to Track Your Year
Lunar Calendars
- Derived from pagan and other non-Christian traditions, lunar calendars help you align with the natural rhythms of the Earth.
Seasonal Event Tracking
- Some calendars focus on equinoxes and solstices, offering a unique, nature-based approach to year-tracking.
Alternative Holiday Wall Calendars
- And then there’s our Discover Alternative Wall Calendar, which includes QR codes for each holiday.
- You can scan the QR code to uncover the history, significance, and creative ways to celebrate each unique holiday.
Why It’s Important to Reimagine Our Calendars
The Consumerist Culture of Traditional Holidays
Let’s face it—traditional holidays often perpetuate a consumerist agenda. Easter equals candy. Christmas equals gifts. Valentine’s Day equals expensive dinners, roses and chocolate.
We buy, therefore we celebrate—is that the essence we want?
FOMO and Anxiety
Recent studies have shown that digital calendar notifications can induce stress and FOMO, impacting mental well-being.
Inclusivity and Personalization
By exploring alternative or personalized calendars, you invite the possibility of a more inclusive celebration of time—one that genuinely resonates with you.
How to Start Intentionally Tracking Your Year
Determine Your Needs
Consider what you need to track—birthdays, work deadlines, holidays, home maintenance, moon phases—and weigh the pros and cons of traditional and alternative methods.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose your medium: digital or paper.
- Decide on the calendar structure: Gregorian, Lunar, or a custom mix.
- Add holidays or events that matter to you.
Using Discover Alternative’s Wall Calendar
- Our QR codes serve as windows into each holiday’s backstory and significance. For each holiday, we provide the history, background, and the physical + mental reasons to celebrate it.
- For each holiday, we also provide two ways to celebrate: one simple, like lighting a candle and journaling for the Winter Solstice, and one elaborate, like hosting a themed dinner party.
Wrapping up
Like a finely-crafted map, the right calendar can genuinely enhance your journey through time. We live in a world that increasingly values the power of intentionality. If you have the mental and spiritual ability to wake up each day and intentionally make healthy choices, then you are in a special minority. Your intentional decisions will help you stay healthy and stand out in all the best ways. Your choice of calendar can be a simple yet profound expression of your power to choose.
So, take a leaf out of the paper map book—embrace the tactile, the meaningful, the uniquely yours. Let’s navigate this journey of life with purpose and joy.
Happy planning!
— Celebrate Differently in 2024