I’m a nerd. I readily confess this – with a slight note of pride in this particular quirk that contributes to my overall character. I love all sorts of “nerdy” things, one of which is books. While I truly prefer to read a novel on my Kindle Paperwhite, there still remains something alluring about holding a book and flipping through pages. A blank journal is even more intriguing, almost as if the blank pages are a mystery waiting to be solved. My bookshelves are consumed with instructive and business related texts, hardbound classics, paperback favorites, and a few blank journals waiting for me to make my first note and remedy their emptiness.
The latter is what I’d like to delve into a bit more. I recently discovered a new form of journaling. Apparently I’m a little late in joining the party, but just in case some of you might be too, I thought I’d share it with my readers. It’s called Bullet Journaling, and it’s awesome. I won’t go into the details of how to go about it since there are so very many posts, tutorials, and videos out there already. Info about the creator of this epic idea and the official Bullet Journaling site can be found here. I’d rather talk about why…
In the past I have successfully completed a few diaries, but I didn’t overly enjoy the process. I once had a notebook dedicated to favorite quotes and I’ve also kept a gratitude journal. I have tried journaling apps such as My Wonderful Days, but unfortunately I got caught up on the picture entries to submit each day and thus the task became cumbersome. Daily planners are nice, but they didn’t afford me enough room in the allotted areas.
Then I happened upon the Bullet Journaling method. It’s actually a very freeing form of journaling. It can be anything and everything; from your to-do-list, gratitude journal, sketch book, food diary, notes, quotes, ideas, reading list, travel diary, Bible verses, to notes about moments you want to remember, or all of the above. You can make it as elaborate or as simple as you like. Many people claim that keeping a Bullet Journal has been life changing (no joke).
I’ve been using my Bullet Journal for a little over two months now and I love it. I can track my productivity via the running to-do-list, I can make entries about fun or sweet things my toddler does or says each day, I can also keep track of how well she sleeps (or doesn’t), and I can write down things I want to remember. I usually include a famous quote or a Bible verse as well for added inspiration. It’s also a great place to document things you’re thankful for and reflect upon your day. I’m not sure I’d call it life changing, but I do enjoy it, as it causes me to be more mindful of each passing day and I have something to keep my memories when they start to fade.
I encourage you to at least visit the Bullet Journaling site to learn more about the process. You really might discover that you would like to start your own notebook of thoughts, dreams, doodles, accomplished tasks, etc. In any case, I believe journaling in any form (even via an app – as long as you back it up) is of great value.
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My journal isn’t as fancy as those you’ll find in other posts across the internet (if you indeed find yourself inclined to look into Bullet Journaling). My preferred journal is a Leuchtturm medium notebook with squared, or grid format, pages. I also use Staedtler pens for a little punch of color now and then. These both seem to be the most popular for this journaling method; however, you can use any notebook or writing utensils you wish. I will say that I chose the Leuchtturm because it offered an index, numbered pages, and a fun little pocket in the back where I can keep little mementos such as letters, cards, pictures, etc.
If you decide to start your own journal and feel like showing off your writing or drawing skills, please feel free to share it with us on the Living Out of Focus Facebook page. I’d love to see and hear about your experience!
