I’m not sure how the solar eclipse affected you, but I’ve turned over a leaf that I attempt to turn over every January 1st. Details will not be provided, but I know a lot of you all felt that shift. Now with Bullet Journaling these practices will be more effective than any resolutions set for New Years.
Bullet Journal is called the “analog system for the digital age”. For me, it has removed so much of the anxiety and pressure that comes along with maintaining one’s daily schedule. Those obnoxious phone alarms have decreased from several a day to a few a week. Those logs of movies to watch, stories to write, things to do, books to read, things to pack, groceries to buy scattered out over scratch pieces of paper or reminder emails, into one black book. And yes, for those of you thinking, “That’s what a daily planner is for, Tillie,” you’re right; but it doesn’t work for everyone. Planning just isn’t as simple as having a planner. You need a system.
Here’s how Bullet Journal works… wait, I can’t explain how it will work for you, as BuJo is customizable to and by the user. The instructional video will be pasted under this paragraph, but here are few links to other journal users and how they’ve made it their own. The only thing special that I do is add a bit of color with the varying options of paper perfect Sharpies. As a word to the wise, you should watch the original video to understand the basics. I watched it three times; the first time to see what it’s about, the second for it all to sink in, and the third to guide me in setting mine up.
Anne Le // Jessica of Pretty Prints & Paper // With Wendy // BuzzFeed Nifty
(The website has a well-written instructional for those who aren’t visual learners.)
What you’ll need to get started:
Any lined journal where you can number pages and create an index. LEUCHTTURM1917 comes already prepared and ideal for those who just want to get started. Mine is black, but they have tons more colors, sizes, styles, and even a personalization option.
Pen. Any pen will do but my go-tos are Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens, Flair Felt-Tip Pens, and the Sharpie Art Pens to add a little color and fun to adulting. Kara Benz of Boho Berry says,“I recommend creating a monthly Habit Tracker – it is one of my favorite spreads in my own Bullet Journal! Tracking your habits can help you stay on top of the things that matter most to you each and every day. Make it personal with little touches like hash marks, patterns, and doodles. For example, mine’s always playful and colorful, with each line in a different color.”
Bullet Journaling may look like a task in the beginning, but once you get the hang of it, it almost becomes a game made especially for you and by you.