My word of 2020 was ‘create’ which I didn’t think too much about after March. The end of December I was reminded of it and was like, ‘well so much for that.’ Then I was like HEY WAIT A MINUTE. I did a whole 100 day digital drawing project and am doing a song a week project with my band RBK. I also created routines around exercise and bedtime that helped so much, especially when I was feeling all the dread and spending too much time doom scrolling. We created space in our home for the four of us to come together and also for spending time alone when we needed it. Maybe it ended up being the perfect word?
2021 is not getting a word though. On ‘The Mom Hour’ podcast, Hopes For An Uncertain Year: Episode 293, Meagan and Sarah talk about tiptoeing cautiously into the new year which I keep thinking about. In 2020, we learned to live without plans and no end date in sight. This year is no different really – especially with the current pace of the vaccine rollout and sky-high Covid numbers. One day at a time.
But none of that is what this post was supposed to be about. ☺️
Bullet Journaling
Before New Years I started watching all the Youtube videos about Bullet Journaling. The original one by Ryder Carroll and the prettier decorative ones. I enjoyed all the videos and find them super relaxing to watch but wasn’t totally sold on either version for myself. I don’t need to have tons of space for everyday or keep track of my whole life. My days are pretty slow and consistent and I already have a system in place to organize work projects. I had almost given up on the idea until I came across this video from Elsa Rhae.
At 6:43 she shows how she tracks her sleep, mood, and stress. I LOVE the way it looks – and such a cool way to see the data all together and see how one thing effects another. Listening to her talk about how she tracks all of the stuff is so fascinating. It feels very doable and simple too, not as intimidating as seeing a journal full of amazing illustrations and colors.
I chose the Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Dotted Hardcover Notebook (amazon) which I’ve been wanting forever. It does bleed and I’m not sure if that’s the paper or the pens – but I’ve always enjoyed the texture it creates so that wasn’t a concern.
I’ve filled it in every day so far this month and it only takes a few minutes. I always sit down at my computer after dinner to do my Duolingo Spanish Lesson (459 day streak?!) and after that I’ll go through and fill out all the habits and write a little note and gratitude for the day. I think it’s helping with my daily habits because I really want to fill in that tiny little circle. 🤓
Journal Tour
So that’s all I have so far! There are a few changes I’d like to make for February like more than one line for ‘daily notes’ and possibly adding some sort of aches and pains tracker. I haven’t used the little calendar at all so I might leave it out but haven’t decided yet. 😜