5 reasons why you CAN Bullet Journal!
I’m sure by now most of you have heard of the “new” craze bullet journaling or bujo as it’s sometimes called. It is an organizational tool utilized by thousands of people. It’s basically a new twist on an old classic, the planner, with more freedom to be creative and personalize. I have always been a planner. I honestly cannot remember ever not having a planner to write down dates, to do lists, and other random things. “I didn’t choose the planner Life, the planner Life chose me.” That is a direct quote from me, Antoinette Brown, the head Mamma of Mamma of All Trades . So all you fellow bujoers if you quote me please credit or tag me.
I have seen a lot of “reasons” or “excuses” as to why someone wants to bullet journal, but just can’t for one reason or another and here are my reason why you can!
1. I don't know what bullet journaling is.
- Bullet Journaling is a system of journaling and planning created by Ryder Carroll. He has actual journals for sale and a great introduction video on his website. bulletjournal.com
Here is my little video of how I set up my weekly spread and a flip-thru of what I've done so far this month. I don't stick to the classic format of bullet journaling, well because I do what I want.
2. I don’t have a bullet journal.
- You can use anything, any notebook you have. There are composition notebooks for less than a dollar at tons of office supply stores or any grocery store, seriously you can get one anywhere. I love my Scribbles That Matter Journal because of the wonderfully thick paper. Next!
3. I’m not creative. I can’t draw.
- This journal is for you. No one else, unless you want to share it. It is a tool to help you organize your life. Do not compare or disparage yourself because your bujo isn’t as fancy as the ones you see on YouTube or Instagram. There are tons of stickers and printables that can help you get the look you want with minimal to no creative or artistic talent. One of my favs is www.victoriathatcher.com and there are so many out other free printables out there, you just have to look. Print them on sticker paper, cut, and stick. These full page shipping labels are what I use. It comes in a 100 pack and the price is amazing. Even if I used one sheet a week, I wouldn't use them up for almost 2 years!
4. I can’t afford it.
- Do you have a pen and a notebook? Yes. Done. That’s all you need.
4a. But I want it to look cute and I can’t afford sticker paper.
- Sticker paper is not necessary. I printed this printable on plain white printer paper, nothing special about it. Cut out the pictures I wanted to use and glued them on with a glue stick from the dollar tree. Next excuse.
4b. I don't have a printer.
- You can have a minimalist bullet journal with just the basics and not all the fancy planner stickers or try your hand at drawing. Guess what it's your journal, for your eyes only, if you want. If you don't like how something turns out, turn the page and move on. If you have the extra cash you can also purchase planner stickers off Etsy.
5. I feel overwhelmed. It seems like a lot of work.
Rome wasn't built in a day.
Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.-Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Nature does not rush and yet everything is accomplished.
And any other quote about things that are worth doing taking time. Just start with one thing and then move on to the next.
Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little the container gets filled.
5a. I fell behind and missed a few days, weeks, months.
That is okay! The magic of the bullet journal or creative journal is that the days, weeks, months are not preprinted. If you miss a day it will be okay. Just pick up from where you are right now. in the words of the super smart Fly Lady - "You are not behind. I don't want you to try to catch up; I just want you to jump in where we are. O.K.?" Listen. This is for you by you, if creating weekly spreads stresses you out one day then just utilize it as a note pad that day. If you are feeling extra motivated another day than make a spread or create a collection page. There is no deadline for when you have to plan or write in your bullet journal. Sometimes if I get an idea for a spread or collection I will just write it at the top of the page and in my index as a reminder, "I will get there one day." This is my dumping ground for all the "creative genius" I have going on in my head and that's okay with me.
I am perfectly imperfect.
If you want to do it just do it. No one is stopping you, but you.
