So, thank you Ryder, if you ever read this: I am an ex-wife of one of your classmates. Thank you for reminding me that I can remain analog in a digital world. I have been reminded of how journaling helps the mind, both find focus and release.
I am an organizer, I know... SURPRISE! I was just always placed in charge, something about being responsible and friendly. To the detriment of my friendships and personal time, I somehow end up in charge... sorry. Anyway, my main system for organizing thoughts have been post it notes. I found that while living by myself in Louisville, KY in my 20's that I needed gentle reminders: Keys, lunch, brush teeth, etc. So post-it notes became my system. Brightly colored paper all over the walls, my desks, the fridge, and mirrors. Helpful, but a few things.... Post it notes don't travel well from place to place. So while I remember the tasks before me, the ones that are out of sight, were out of mind. So while feeling unfocused, and encouraged from a check in session- I decided to start journaling. Find a way to reflect and organize thoughts...
I spent a couple of weeks writing things down in a journal, a new one from the store with a layout and fun colors. I ran out of space... everyday.... That's when I ran across the Bullet Journal System , so I started practicing in a journal, just something old I had shoved in a studio drawer, it had both grid lines and blank sections per page. I found that I was drawn to the gridline, and the ability to easily sketch out a page. I could embellish with color, though several friends warned that color can become overwhelming, which is true. I do find that color help me categorize, for those who have seen my calendars, you know what I mean. They were absolutely right about being overwhelmed at points.
I found that daily pages where great, but I am a planner and like to see planned tasks days ahead. So I played with some weekly layouts, they seemed to be helpful. I kept having the feeling of... Holding off/ Not Really Getting Started. It felt that with all of the thought I was putting forth, the research into different layouts and ways to plan the day that I would find calm. So, I started...
Today.... Is May 1st! I am officially using my journal and find it enjoyable, though I'm still obsessing a little. It is fun! The goal is to have everything set up for the month, I've been very lucky and been able to schedule a few days off... and boy do I feel better. I have started organizing my mind, tracking the things that I want to learn more about and enjoy. Trying to find a positive intention to the days when I feel I have a brain cloud, maybe there's a reason. So here I go: I hope you like the images. Maybe I'll start sharing my layouts and progress here. Probably a better place than all over Instagram/Facebook. Though I'm sure I'll have some things to share there. It's nice to be able to draw again, incorporate some daily practices and self care. Artistic expression is important, now I can incorporate it into my daily life, not just when I have "time". Felt like sharing my layouts so far! Enjoy!
Happy Journaling!
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