When Planning Becomes a Lifeline: How Caring for Dad Changed My Perspective

Sometimes, life gives us a gentle nudge. Other times, it delivers a full-blown shake-up. For me, that shake-up arrived in 2020 when I moved home to care for my dad, who needed full-time support. While it was a big change for me, I also recognise that others might be juggling multiple responsibilities—children, demanding jobs, extended families—making caregiving even more complex. Whatever your situation, if you’re providing care (or simply juggling various roles), I hope my story shows there’s no single “right” way to navigate life’s upheavals.

From Big Goals to Daily Survival

Before 2020, my NFP Planner was all about big thinking—quarterly goals, business milestones, and personal growth targets. But once I started caring for Dad, those grand plans took a back seat. Life became about managing his medical appointments, making sure we both ate properly, and simply being there in the quieter moments.

I remember flipping open my planner one afternoon, expecting to fill in a neat list of business to-dos. Instead, I wrote down, “Pick up and check Dad’s medication,” “Meals for the week,” "Appointments," and “15-minute walk if time allows.” That was it. No lofty goals—just the basics we needed to get through the day.

Redefining “Success”

In that season, I realised planning isn’t always about chasing huge goals. Sometimes, a planner is a survival guide. Those daily notes, scribbled appointments, and half-finished to-do lists became a lifeline, reminding me of what truly mattered. Was Dad comfortable today? Did I remember to eat something nourishing? Did I get a moment to sit quietly with my thoughts?

If you’re juggling children, work responsibilities, or other family commitments, your version might look different—perhaps it’s scheduling kids’ activities, keeping tabs on a parent’s appointments, and carving out just five minutes for yourself. The point is that “success” looks different when life demands your energy in multiple directions.

Embracing the Quiet

Looking back, I can see that being forced to slow down was an unexpected gift. The pandemic had shut down so many parts of the world, but it also gave me permission to pause. Without my usual work and social commitments, I had the space to reflect on what I truly wanted next.

In that quiet, I began to consider kinesiology and how emotional well-being and physical health intersect—for both my dad and myself. That mind-body insight is something I’ve woven into my planner and my life.

The Planner’s Evolving Role

It’s funny—when I first created the NFP Planner, I pictured people using it to set big goals and track big progress. Yet in my own toughest season, it became a space for day-to-day survival. For someone else—maybe a busy parent with kids in multiple extracurriculars—it might serve as a central hub for family schedules. Or if you’re running a small business, it might be your go-to for deadlines and brainstorming.

One of the greatest lessons I learned is that there’s no single ‘right’ way to plan—some weeks, you’re in full productivity mode, mapping out an entire quarter. Other weeks, you’ll barely scribble a few reminders to pick up groceries and keep an eye on a loved one. It’s okay—real life doesn’t fit perfectly in neatly outlined boxes.

No Right or Wrong Way

People often tell me, “I don’t use the planner the ‘right way.’ I don’t fill it all in.” And my response is always the same: There is no right way. Your way is the right way. If your life is hectic, or you’re in a season where you’re caring for children, ageing parents, or both, then use the planner however it best supports you—even if that’s scribbles, doodles, or half-written notes. It’s about staying afloat and, ideally, carving out a little headspace for yourself.

A Gentle Invitation

Whether you’re balancing care for an elderly parent, running after little ones, or feeling pulled in too many directions—know that you’re not alone. Life ebbs and flows, and our tools (like a planner) need to adapt with us. If you want a flexible system that supports you in all seasons, my NFP Planner might be just what you need.

Some days, you’ll fill every page with to-dos and dreams. Other days, it might only hold a single line: “Remember to breathe.” Both are valid. Both matter. And both can help you keep going when life feels overwhelming.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If you’ve found yourself in a similar situation—maybe you used the planner (or any planner!) for the daily juggle of kids, caregiving, or a full-time job—I’d love to hear your story.

Feel free to reach out or drop a comment below. Every shared experience can help someone else feel less alone on this journey we’re all navigating, one day at a time.