Sometimes our planners end up being more than just a spot for to-do lists and appointments—they become a little window into our lives. Between those pages are moments worth remembering: milestones and answered prayers, fun family memories, and everyday things that might otherwise slip by. Setting aside a little space for memory-keeping in your planner is such a simple way to hold on to those moments as they happen. It might be a quick note, a short reflection, or even a photo you’ve tucked inside.
In this post, we’re going to look at some creative, easy ways to add memory-keeping to your everyday planning routine. You don’t need a fancy scrapbook or a pile of supplies to do it—just a few simple ideas that help you capture what matters most. And if you’d rather keep things digital, you can always snap photos and store them in Google Drive or another place online where your memories are safe and easy to find.
10 Simple Ways to Keep Memories in Your Planner
1. Weekly Reflections
I never really used reflections at the end of my week, as in “What worked this week?” but I do like the idea of doing a quick recap of the week—special moments, a funny conversation, or something I learned. This could take place in a notes section of your weekly pages or even on notepaper dedicated to this.
2. Tiny Photos
I have never done this because, quite honestly, I think I would get carried away—but wouldn’t it be great to have one of those small photo printers (like a 2x2 or wallet size) to put pictures in your planner? If you weren’t a perfectionist (not saying I am), you could print small photos on simple printer paper and add those. Hmmmm…
3. Gratitude Notes
We’ve all heard about the many benefits of being grateful—and it definitely improves your attitude! I’ve recorded gratitude in weekly calendar pages, daily pages, and even used notepaper numbered 1–31 to record one thing each day I was thankful for. It’s a great way to develop a heart of gratitude.
4. Answered Prayers & Blessings
Keep a running list of prayers that you’ve had answered and blessings that came unexpectedly. It’s a great reminder of God’s faithfulness over time.
5. Favorite Quotes & Sayings
Record funny things you overhear your family saying, quotes that encourage you, or even a Bible verse that means a lot to you at just the right time. I love going back and seeing the funny things my boys have said over the years. Here’s an example of something I heard my youngest say to my oldest: “Hey William, do you want to go outside and do weird things to our eyesight?” Can you even imagine what that was about?
6. Special Dates & Milestones
Mark birthdays, anniversaries, and achievements—not just to remember the date, but to jot a few words about how you celebrated. I even enjoy looking at the to-do lists and notes surrounding these times.
7. Keepsake Pockets
This is a good one that I recently read about and had never thought of before. I’ve certainly used little pockets in my planner, but they eventually get cleared and replaced. I like the idea of adding things like ticket stubs, receipts, or little mementos and actually keeping them. Maybe you could even take pictures of those too if you’re trying to reduce clutter.
8. Monthly Doodle Calendars
I did this a few times when I started planning. Each day I drew a little picture of something that reminded me of the day. Sometimes it was completely unrelated—like a cat on the day we went to the vet, a cross on church day, or a smiley face if it was a particularly happy day. I didn’t keep it up because I’m really not an artist, LOL!
9. Monthly Highlight Pages
Dedicate one page each month to your favorite moments. You can call it “This Month in My Life.” It reminds me a little of those five-year journals where you write just a line a day about what happened—it could literally be anything!
10. Color Codes or Stickers
Use stickers or highlighters to mark meaningful days. You could stick them in the corner of your page—a heart for family, a smiley face for funny moments, or a star for personal victories. It’s also an easy way to find particular events in your planner.
As you can see, memory-keeping doesn’t have to be time-consuming—it’s really all about pausing long enough to notice the blessings in the middle of the ordinary. Taking the time to do this not only helps you stay organized, but also captures the story of your life as it unfolds.
Free Printable
November is approaching quickly—a month known for gratitude. It’s the perfect time to be intentional about noticing God’s blessings. I’ve created a free “30 Days of Gratitude in November” printable that you can download and use all month long. Print it, tuck it into your planner, and take a few minutes each day to write what you’re thankful for.
👉 Click here to download your free 30 Days of Gratitude printable from PlannerFun.com!
