“Track the Past”

“Order the Present”

“Design the Future”

– The Bullet Journal Method

Bullet Journaling for Me… 

This past spring, I was introduced to bullet journaling. I had always seen the cute journal images on Pinterest and had an interest, but never actually got into bullet journaling until my mom recommended I start journaling this past spring. I was feeling overwhelmed at school and could not keep track of what I wanted to accomplish and different tasks that needed to be done. I use my bullet journal to keep track of things I want to accomplish each day and find it very helpful. This is how I plan ahead, keep track of events, and then reflect on my day!

I think there is something to be said in setting pen to actual paper rather than using an app to keep track of tasks and events. Physically writing helps me remember to do things and checking things off the list feels so good. 

This summer, I started a second journal. I now have one journal to keep track of the daily events and a second journal to keep track of my long term items, such as goals, things I want to do, and daily reflections. This type of journaling was inspired by being introduced bullet journal stickers, which have become a complete game changer! My journals are becoming very colorful and decorative. Journaling has become my creative outlet as well as a tool for planning and reflecting. 

Tips for Getting Started…

I would 100% recommend journaling for everyone. It has been such a helpful tool in my life and I think there are so many benefits to journaling that could help other people as well. To get started, purchase a journal and pens. I like to order the journals on Amazon and use colorful felt tip pens, but what you use is entirely up to you. I have been reading “The Bullet Journal Method”, by Ryder Carroll who is the creator of the bullet journal. This is a great book to read for tips on how to organize your journal and what to put in your journal.

The awesome part about journaling is that there are no rules. It is entirely up to you to write your story. You get to choose how it looks and what is inside. It can be cute, colorful, and decorative, or plain, simple, black and white. You choose! 

Check out Pinterest for decorating ideas. Purchase a pack of stickers from your favorite craft store… Let your creative side flow. Try different things. Maybe the task lists would be helpful to you. Maybe you want to use it as a tool for reflection. You could use the journal to write down highlights in your day, goals, things you want to accomplish, a meal tracker, or anything you think of. That is the beauty of journaling, once again, you get to choose what goes inside!

How I Journal…

I use two journals. One for planning the weekly things and another for all of my dreams, goals, reflections, and whatever comes to mind. I like to empty my brain out on paper because I tend to forget things! It is such a relief to write down all of my thoughts, knowing that I will not forget them. 

In my planning journal, I sit down and plan out the upcoming week, usually on Sundays. I start by writing the date at the top of the page and adding a spot at the bottom of the page for the three things I am grateful for. On the next page I write down my work out for that day. Once I am done, with the outline, I start adding in my calendar events. Then I go through and write down the things I want to accomplish for that day. For the beginning of each month I decorate a page that says the month and write down a couple goals for that month. 

There is no rhyme or reason in my second journal. This one is for random thoughts I have, plans for the future, goals, and things like that. Recently I have started using bullet journal stickers and paper tape on these pages to decorate which has been really fun. This journal is very colorful. I love looking through all of the decorated pages! 

This is how I journal, but YOU get to choose how to use your journal (or journals) in the way that works best for you!

Overall Tips… 

 Journaling should be an outlet and tool for you. Try not to force it, just use it as a tool for yourself! Find what works for you. How can the bullet journal help you with things you are worried or stressed about? 

Here are a few journal ideas:

• Planner
• Budget
• Food trackers
• Reflection tool
• Quotes
• Goals
• Thoughts 
• Ideas

Whatever comes to your mind, write that down. Remember to use the journal for what you need. It is a book that is for you, you get to write your story. I hope you can give journaling a try. It has been such an amazing tool for me in my life and I hope you find it just as helpful. Would love to hear how it goes for you or any tips you have. 

Please share how you journal and feel free to reach out with any questions. 

Thank you for reading and happy journaling to you!