Hello my lovelies,
I am sorry it has been so long. Time really has flown and life has been chaotic, as ever. I thought I would come back to one of my avid joys: journals. One big fact is that handwritten journals, diaries and record keeping are more effective in helping us to process life. It is a powerful tool, it can be a great joy and as creative as you like.
For me, I have tried so many styles and methods over the years; bullet journals; notes; apps; trackers; stickers; specific templates. I have often used multiple journals daily as an ecosystem to then go back to one, wasting precious resources.
Now, I recently went down the rabbit hole induced by my EUPD/ADHD hype and found some YT recommended content regarding pocket notebooks. I learned many uses and this has come at a time where I am trying to find ways to lessen screen time as a whole whilst also being more intentional with technology use. I have consumed hours of content. I came to the realisation that I rely on technology more than I should to the point it is hindering my wellbeing. I was getting frustrated, overwhelmed, my limited attention has worsened. I have fallen into the trap, the stereotype of “this notebook will change my life!”
I spent a little money on a new A5 journal, and a pocket sized one. I made a key and overall purpose for each, an inbox too. I decided that my pocket notebook would essentially be my mind and the A5 was to develop any thoughts, diarise and focus on Spirit.
In my pocket, I have all my thoughts, my rants, my ideas, my to dos and plans. I was relying on so many different apps and it all felt too much, so now I have one place to store it all. Then, at the end of the day, I write up any actions needed, like researching, buying, exploring, scheduling. These become a sticky note in my pocket inbox. If I can do the task then I will, but it stays there until complete so I remember. I found it overwhelming at first but now I love it. At the back I have a “month at a glance”, addresses and cognitive distortions that I can easily reference.
In my A5, it is much simpler. I used to use one as my catch-all but I am loving the separate messy and clean. In here is my diary, my divination, joys, quotes and reflections.
Hopefully you get the gist, I am trying to make the most of paper! I do technically still have an ecosystem. I have my writing journal (where ideas become fruition) and my nourishment journal (all happy things); I do not use these as regularly.
I was all or nothing with this in the first week but I have now incorporated technology in a more useful way: synced notes and my calendar for the bigger things. Also colour coded.
In the last nearly three weeks my screen time has lessened by around 4-5 hours a week. I am adding more joys to my day, I am definitely more intentional with what I do. I look forward to changing up my mornings to not scroll and my nights!
Take care, Leanne x
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