Hemlock & Oak Planner

With my 35th birthday approaching, I began to think about setting my goals for the year. For some years now, I have preferred considering my intentions for the year on my birthday rather than January 1. It feels more personal and sets a positive tone for my changing age.

This year, I began to get an in to return to pen and paper. I’ve alternated between my love of physically writing out my plans and the ease of keeping everything digital. I have felt lately that despite some helpful apps for lists and writing, I feel more grounded with pen and paper.

I wanted to have a planner that supported goal setting and reflection. I began researching to see if there was something new from previous planners I have used. I was excited to come across a Canadian-based company called Hemlock & Oak. Their planners are stunning; the covers are sustainably made cloth in a variety of colours. I love the option of undated planners since, as I said, I am starting at a different time than the beginning of the calendar year. The paper is thick, and the grid design provides flexibility for writing and drawing on your pages.

However, what drew my attention to Hemlock & Oak is the focus on defining your values to influence your goal setting and planning. I regularly weave values work into my therapy and try to practice what I preach, so this is a great match. I have just started to work through the first few sections, reflecting on and identifying values.

Additionally, I like that there is a distinction between goals and habits in the Hemlock & Oak planner. This was a novel feature for me in a planner and very helpful. Sometimes, the goals I set seem more like routines I am trying to develop. This element will help me be more intentional in separating the two areas.