The Seventeenth Line

I loved this book! Loved it.

I feel like such a nerd, reading a book – cover-to-cover – about keeping a journal, but I don’t care because this book really, really helped me.

Do you journal? If so, have you tried this method?

Endless Lists

I like writing things down. It makes be feel like I’m solidifying my thoughts and planning my actions. The hard part for me has been having things written down in different spots.

I had so many notebooks!

• I made to-do lists constantly.
• I always carried a journal with me.
• I would jot down notes on post-its.
• I kept a pad in my kitchen for recipe ideas and grocery lists.
• I used the note app on my phone for random ideas.

These lists were endless. I had lots and lots and lots of ideas and plenty of to-dos written down, but I had no system for organizing my thoughts and keeping track of my plans.

The Bullet Journal Method

This book explained what the bullet journal method is in a way that made sense to me. It was clear and simple and included numerous examples.

Essentially bullet journaling includes a daily log, a monthly log and a big-picture future log, along with any specific collections you may want to document and/or track (i.e. movies to watch), and a table of contents so you can easily reference your items.

I set my first bullet journal up as I read this book. Once you understand the method its very easy to follow this approach.

I’ve gone from having a journal, a notepad with my ongoing to-do list, and bunch of post-in notes to having one pretty, well-organized journal. It was easy to set up a simple table of contents, reflecting what I wish to keep track of. Now I can write personal reflections, jot down the things I need to do, and even keep track of my walks or movies I watched all in one spot.

Productivity, Mindfulness and Intentionality

What was most valuable was the “why” of using this method. Journaling in this way makes it easy to see your progress toward both short and long term goals. You can see what you finish and where it is that you struggle to follow through. This method has increased my self-awareness.

Really, the trifecta focus on productivity, mindfulness and intentionality was what resonated the most for me.

Since first reading The Bullet Journal Method in February 2019 I’ve been actively using this approach to journaling. While I don’t journal daily, though I aspire to that, I do write a couple of times a week.

I love this method. It’s helped me keep track of loose ends and to plan for bigger projects, but more than anything this approach has helped me become more mindful.

Planning for the New Year

Right now I’m setting up my bullet journal for next year. I’m considering things like:

• Trips I hope to take
• Home and garden projects
• Reading ideas
• Annual events

It’s nice to have the time to think about what I wish to accomplish in 2022. This journaling method gives you the space to both look back to the oast and use that to inform future plans.

Believe it or not, I’m feeling hopeful about 2022.

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My Rating

5/5

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