Bullet Journaling: September

I discovered Bullet Journaling a couple of months back, and since then I've done my own share of research, aka browsing the internets for all kind of posts that could help me nail the art of bullet journaling. What I wasn't expecting to find was that Bullet Journaling doesn't have a specific do/don't list. It can be whatever you want it to be, how so ever you want it to be.

The concept of Bullet Journaling was developed by Ryder Carroll from bulletjournal.com
This video explains it all,

Most people (including me) use this system to stay on top of things, to organize busy days, weeks, months, and to conquer the dreaded to-do lists. Like I already mentioned there isn't a right or wrong way of bullet journaling, but here are a few ideas on how to get started,

You'll need a notebook. Any size you find comfortable. Smaller the better since it'll be easier to carry it around, and a pen. Or two. That is all.

Basic spreads that most people start with are, an index, a key with symbols & colors you plan on implementing through the journal (I love color coding, so I have a color for each aspect), a yearly spread to mark important events/to briefly plan the year. It isn't necessary that you include all these things, I for one found no use of an index, so my bullet journal doesn't have one.
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A photo posted by Shonazee (@ofinkandpages) on Jul 14, 2016 at 9:23am PDT

You could jump straight into the monthly spreads, here are mine for September. Apart from having a monthly spread, I have a couple of extra spreads for each month.

I mark important dates and events in the monthly spread; birthdays, exams, trips home, so on.

I've left very little space for a to-read list, that's practically vestigial, might discontinue it from next month.

Memories spread is for doodling all the good-bad-memorable events that took place in the said month. I update it at the end of each month. Sometimes I save souvenirs and stick them in. Tickets, pressed-flowers, tissues.
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Expenses log has helped me so much with budgeting money & keeping track of the outgoing cash. Being a student and all, I find this spread the most useful!
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On the right side is Gratitude log which I'm supposed to update every day. (But, I don't) (but when I do, reading through it at the end of the month makes me I-just-had-my-fav-cookie kinda happy) 

In the gratitude log, I write down one thing or more that I'm thankful for. It could be a cup of really good chai. It could be a test result. Being noticed by my crush. Or a good 10-hour sleep. (Oh dear sleep, how I miss you)

On the left is spread for a monthly playlist. I commute for two hours each day, having a playlist is how I survive the long boring hours in the traffic. Hence, playlist of the month.

A photo posted by Shonazee (@ofinkandpages) on Aug 9, 2016 at 11:34pm PDT

 I fill the empty spaces with fav words, doodles, random quotes. Exhibit A ^ 

And that's a wrap. 

The best thing about bullet journaling is if you don't like something, or if something doesn't work for you, just turn the page and start afresh. Happy Journaling!

Do You Bullet Journal? What are your Fav Spreads?

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Plan to plan

There are a tonne of things that you probably don't know about me since I update this blog oh-so-often (sarcasm, much?) Well, amongst many of the inconsequential details that make me, me, one that stands out is my need to organize every-fricking-thing. I like to call myself the maker of lists or planner of events. I like things in order. I like them planned. Be it an Iftar party or a last minute lie about homework (in which case I come up with a background story leaving no loopholes) You get the picture, yes?

So imagine my surprise when I discover the art of bullet journaling.
To imagine 22 years of survival without this simple tool of organisation. I've lived my life as an early man, a nomad. Not anymore. I'll have none of it.

If you've been living under a rock just like me, here you go,

According to bulletjournal.com, "The Bullet Journal is a customizable and forgiving organisation system. It can be your to do list, sketchbook, notebook, and diary, but most likely, it will be all of the above."

Simply put it's a book you dedicate to organize your life and make it efficient. It can be as flexible as you are or as rigid as you want it to be. You could include everyday things-to-do, books to be read, movies & series to be watched lists, habit & grade trackers, goals, what not!

Currently, I'm on a notebook hunt, looking for the perfect book that will make a lovely b.journal. Once I find it and start bullet journaling, I'll have a better idea on how it works and maybe then I'll be able to shed structured light on this concept. There'll be a comprehensive colour coded key, index, so many lists, and trackers *heavy breathing* for now, let me of ink and page that journal!

*Cue how to bullet journal Youtube videos*

See you on the other side!

Do you bullet journal? Or do any other kind of journaling? Please, please share your tips with me.

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