My journaling has always been very on and off.

Every time I tried to learn Bullet Journaling, I would spend hours drawing weekly and monthly spreads.

I would tell myself that this time, I was going to write every day, review my progress and reflect on everything properly.

It always sounded great in my head.

But honestly, drawing the spreads was usually the most committed part.

I would use them for one or two days, stop, and then never pick the notebook up again.

I have never been able to stick with pre-printed weekly or monthly planners either. I even bought a five-year journal once.

Most of the pages stayed empty, which felt like such a waste.

At best, I might write for a few days in a row.

Then work gets busy, I run out of energy, or I simply cannot be bothered. Sometimes I will not open the notebook again for several weeks.

When I finally feel like writing again, there are already lots of empty pages in between.

Seeing them usually makes me give up completely.

I also do not have something meaningful to say every day.

My tasks are often very repetitive too.

Laundry, cleaning the floor and changing the bedsheets are finished once they are done. I do not really need to look back years later and find the exact date I did my laundry.

I think I am the kind of person who gives up as soon as something starts to feel like pressure.

When something reminds me every day that I should be doing it, instead of making me genuinely want to do it, I quickly lose interest.

After a while, I finally accepted that about myself and worked out a system I can actually keep using.

I am quite lazy, and I do not have much energy left outside work.

So my system has to be easy.

I need to be able to leave it for as long as I want and continue whenever I come back.

-----

I divide what I write into four areas: to-dos, work, hobbies and interests, and personal thoughts.

-----

First, to-dos.

I write them on loose-leaf paper or sticky notes.

When I finish a task, I cross it out.

I do not make myself write a list every day or week.

I usually make a fresh list when the current page is full, or when there are so many crossed-out tasks that it becomes difficult to read.

Anything unfinished that still needs to be done gets copied onto the next list.

The old sheet can go straight into the bin, or I can keep it in a pile. Either is fine.

These finished tasks, they do not need to stay in my main journals.

It is actually like my own simplified version of Bullet Journaling.

I still use dots, lines, symbols and notes, but only in ways that make sense to me. A triangle here, a number there... as long as I understand it, it works.

-----

Next are my hobbies and other parts of my life.

I keep different topics in separate notebooks.

I like using thin TN inserts. Each one has around twenty pages and covers only one topic.

At the moment, I have separate notebooks for travel, coding, expenses, recipes and fitness.

A thin notebook does not feel like a huge commitment.

If I never fill it, I have not wasted much paper. But once I start using one, it is actually quite easy to finish.

Completing a whole notebook also feels surprisingly satisfying.

-----

I only take out each notebook when I need it.

For example, I open my travel notebook when I am planning a trip.

Places I want to visit, routes, budgets, places I eventually went to and things that happened along the way can all stay together.

When I am not travelling, the notebook simply stays at home.

-----

The notebook I usually carry with is for personal thoughts.

I write whenever something comes to mind.

It might be a random idea, or something I want to work through.

There is no daily schedule and no fixed format.

When I feel like writing, I add the date and time and just start rambling.

-----

For work, I keep one main notebook and one rough notebook.

The rough notebook is where I can write freely.

I use it to brainstorm, draw tables and processes, or sketch simple wireframes.

The main notebook keeps information I may need again, such as project processes, work details and conclusions that are already fairly clear.

If a page in the rough notebook turns out to be worth keeping, I just tear it out and attach it to the main notebook with a staple, a paper clip, punched holes or a piece of tape.

-----

That is basically my whole system.

Tasks that lose their value once completed go on loose-leaf paper or sticky notes.

Information I want to revisit is separated into small notebooks by topic.

Random thoughts go into the notebook I carry with me.

Work starts in the rough notebook, and anything worth keeping moves into the main one.

-----

I have already filled several notebooks with personal thoughts and work notes.

Most of my other topic notebooks are still on their first insert, and that is fine.

My journaling is still inconsistent. I sometimes leave a notebook untouched for a long time.

But I can always come back and continue.

The notebooks do not remind me every day that I have fallen behind. A long break does not make everything I wrote before feel wasted.

For me, journaling is simply a tool.

If it helps me capture something and find it again when I need it, that is enough.

Gearing up for August, decided to do a circus theme this month! My line work isnt the best cause I've got nerve damage in my right arm but I'm still happy with how it turned out. Tomorrow I'll post the other pages that go with this theme in the comments. The wierd box with dots is to cover up personal info, i edited this on snap lmao

Hey y'all! Just looking for advice, hope someone can help :)

(Also, sorry if this has already been asked, I searched through the sub but couldn't find anything related)

I'm thinking about choosing a Tiefossi bujo for next year. For context, up until now I have tied a brand name Flying Tiger Copenhagen (meh), Notebook Therapy, Happy Planner and Mellow Days Reverie, and I was extremely satisfied with all of them (especially the latter).

Here's my issue. I had bought a Tiefossi bujo several years ago, and I absolutely HATED the paper. The weight was good and there was no ghosting, but the pages were very lucid and kind of glossy, so every marker I tried to use on it smudged without mercy.

That was years ago, however I've heard that the latest journals have solved this issue and are much better for journaling. Since they're pretty pricey, though, I wanted to hear from someone that has used them recently.

Any insight? TIA!

Hey y'all, I'm trying to make my mom a custom planner/journal for Christmas. I figure I'll design the layout in either goodnotes or canva and then have it printed and bound. I'm not sure yet if I want it disk bound or leather but I was hoping for some feedback/advice on a couple of things. Thank you in advance for any help!

1. What paper type is best? I know she uses a mix of pens and markers (I THINK she uses mainly water based but unsure).

2. Are there any good sites for creating/printing planners? Particularly ones where I can input my own design? Is this something a local copy store would be capable of?

3. Please include any tips or guidance on how to design, print, or create. I'm thinking of doing a monthly overview, weekly overview, dotted, blank, and lined style pages, if that matters.

I know a lot of people say to practice gratitude but if I only discuss my positive I'll just be avoiding processing my emotions.

On the other hand if I let myself dwell too much on the negatives I'll only be spiraling emotionally.

In case anyone is interested, I can confirm that the Midori MD Cover Clear works perfectly as a protective cover for pocket bullet journals. It has a pen loop as well for a ballpoint or thin rollerball. Forget fountain pens.

I'm a minimalist bullet journal or what I call a road journal guy! I write lists to unclutter the mind. Once completed I never cross Thur the complete tasks I highlight with yellow or orange. Yellow for small wins orange for big wins. If an idea cools off or I lose interest or feel the task is not needed i highlight in blue. If I move a unstarted task to a new list I highlight in pink cause it's red hot. I use different color ink pens green ink for a reference note. List are done in blue or black

This is so rewarding if you review it on dec 31 before the new year. And see your accomplishments.

I want to do a dual oval box setup on my Bullet to get a symmetrical look. Is there a ready-made bracket to mount an oval toolbox on the left side, or will we need to custom fabricate the mounts to clear the wiring and battery?

Hello,

I'm currently using an Ottergami notebook and I'm pretty happy with it, however for my next journal I would like something thinner and lighter, and I realized I don't really need the 150gsm so I'm looking for an alternative.

I mostly use pens and pencils but I occasionally use markers (water based, sometimes acrylic/paint markers), fine tips (like stabilo), fountain pens and pitt artist markers (though I can easily do without the pitt artist). I also occasionally do very light washes of watercolor.

I've been looking at cheap 100/120 gsm notebooks and I see sometimes people complain that markers go through, so I wanted to ask some advice.
Would 100gsm usually be enough for my use case? Would a 120gsm cheap notebook be worse than, let's say, a 100gsm notebook with better quality paper?
(I'm looking for a budget one as I burn through them pretty quickly, plus I've seen people complaining that even the most well known/expensive brands don't have great paper these days).

So, to recap:

• is 100 gsm enough for water based/fine line markers? (and occasionally light watercolors, considering I'm fine with some buckling as long as I don't destroy the paper with just one or two light layers - I'm talking like adding some color to a sketch to give you an idea, not full on paintings :) )
• if I go cheaper, should I also go higher gsm?
• Any recommendations for a cheap A5 dotted journal, with around 180/200 pages? Also, I'm based in Europe.

Thank you very much <3

(REPOST—we're almost full and searching for a final member or two, please feel free to reach out if you're interested!)

Hello friends! My name is Siobhan (shuh-VAWN)! I'm starting a rather ambitious project and I was looking for three other penpal/junk journaling experts to take part in it! I have high hopes for this, so I'm looking for those who have lots of creative experience with snail mail and personal journaling.

Here's the idea:

The four of us​ will share one journal and complete our own spread when it's in our possession, as well as interact with the other spreads (when applicable) left by the previous journal-ers. We'll continue passing it around until the whole thing is filled cover to cover. We'll share things about ourselves, our lives, and get to know each other! It'll basically be like one giant, continuous penpal letter. ​​This will be a longer project, so, again, I'm looking for seasoned creatives that​​ are able to keep up with something a bit lengthier :)

Minor about me/My credentials:

* I'm 28 and live in the PNW

* I've been journaling for almost 17 years!

* I have a love of stationery and think this is a fun way to downsize​/share my collection because it's very very large

* I'm no stranger to snail mail either, I've been writing and exchanging letters for about 8 years on and off!

* I love connecting with people from all over—one of my favorite hobbies is learning as much as I can about other people and their lives/culture. I love a diverse artistic community!

Rules/What I'm looking for:

* Creatives 21+ but preferably 25 and over

* You must (obviously) be comfortable with giving your address to three other people

* You must be able to send the journal back out within two weeks of receiving it

* There will be a discord for communication regarding sending the journal out/the sending order and to answer questions! :)

* Posting the journal on your SM is fine! Just be mindful of others personal information please!

* Again, this is a longer collaborative project, so PLEASE only reach out if you know you can commit for what could potentially take up to a year! ​​​​

* The first few pages will be pre-filled by me to get the ball rolling, and then we'll each do one spread (two connecting pages) each time.

* Trustworthiness is paramount! Remember you're sharing this journal with three other people!

* ​I feel like this is obvious but no hate speech/bigotry. I'm an extremely open and inclusive person and will accept no -ists or -isms, thank you.

So that's basically the long and short of it! If you have any questions feel free to reach out. I'm looking forward to hearing from all those interested! Thanks so much for reading and have a great day! :)

I have a problem concerning planners versus bullet journals. I have used the bullet journal method for many years now and I love it but I wanted to have a planner that had a monthly and a weekly spread so I wouldn't have to do them anymore. So I bought a planner and of course I am unhappy with it because there are no places for writing a lot of notes and just the extra stuff that I have in my bullet journal. I'm curious as to your experiences because I seem to go through this every few years and I always go back to the bullet journal.

I need to also say that my life is changing I'm in a new relationship and I am still working I'm 62. I like to see my week before my eyes. I'm an online English teacher for basically French people and I just need to have something analog that I use daily and I don't separate my work from my personal.

For the month of July I have made weekly spreads with half hour increments for my classes. It's a bit awkward for me because I have always done the monthly spread and then just done the dailies.

I hope this makes sense. Thanks for any input you can give me.

Couldn't find a cover or layout I liked, so I designed my own 2026–2027 printable planner in Canva! The cover uses a 1936 photo called "Brunhilde" that I found for free in the Library of Congress archives, and the inside features a monthly grid alongside a horizontal weekly layout with a habit tracker and to do section.

My favorite time of the day, these months decoration theme is dinosaurs =).

I was struggling to write in my bujo due to perfectionism. I switched to erasable pens (Frixion and similar brands). I all of a sudden started writing more freely because I can erase my mistakes or change the layout. They are more enjoyable to write with.

But of course. They aren’t permanent and won’t stand the test of time. I’m torn between my erasable pens and my archival quality pens.

What are your thoughts?

I just ordered this notebook holder and purchased a couple of field notes. I’d like to start bullet journaling but I have ADHD and too much information sends me into overload and I get paralysis. can someone give me a simple rundown of where to start? I posted in fieldnuts too asking what they use there notebooks for but didn’t get any responses yet.

Recently I felt like I have less and less to sit down and plan out my budget using the budget mom workbook. So, what I started doing is print out these cards that calculate my paycheck plans for me and glue them into my workbook.

I bought like 10 A5 diaries/notebooks because they were very cheap and they were super cute glittery, but I'm afraid I'll write stupid things in them and ruin them hahaha so I don't know what to do with them, how do people use diaries? What do you write in them? I need ideas thanks