I started bullet journaling when I began college. Due to a huge
life change, I knew I had to start organizing my life in a different way.
Anticipating how busy I would be, I stared to look at different options
to manage college life. I looked at physical and online calendars, planners and reminders but I still didn’t find the best thing for me. I always loved journaling and knewI wouldn’t stick to one form of organization unless I enjoyed doing it.
I came across bullet journaling and fell in love with boards on Pinterest, YouTube videos, spreads and all the creative elements. Fast forward a couple of years and I am sticking with it. My life would be unmanageable without the help of my bullet journal.
There is a lot of confusion around what a bullet journal entails. Because there is so much freedom in spread making, defining a bullet journal is tricky.
According to BulletJournal.com, a bullet journal is a journal that acts as a planner and has an index, future log, monthly log, daily log and custom collections like additional lists for whatever the user wants to do.
Migrating from a traditional planner into a bullet journal gives creative freedom to planning tasks. Choosing to make an elaborative spread or sticking to the basics is up to the person journaling.
Spreads offer a variety of ways to incorporate creative expression into daily life. Pinterest-worthy supplies like stickers, washi tape, markers and doodles can be used to decorate spreads. It is a way to personalize each week and add pizzazz to responsibilities and mundane tasks.
Over the years my spreads have changed drastically and have adapted with my busy life. Bullet journaling offers flexibility to everyone’s needs, making it easy to stick to.
Bullet journaling also acts as a form of self-care. It hits two birds with one stone. It increases my productivity and simultaneously allows me to make time for myself. I can be productive and plan out my week the way I want to. At the same time, I am taking a break from the world and creating something I enjoy.
Bullet journaling is an alternative way to plan and manage responsibilities that come along with a busy schedule. Rather than a planner or a calendar, bullet journaling creates flexibility in weekly spreads and offers creative expression into any week. It’s easy to use and stick with, making it a great everyday tool. Stay inked and keep pens clicking.
Emily Pearce can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Emily_A_Pearce.