At the end of 2017, I had an epiphany. It was solidified after trying (and failing) to work a “regular” job due to my illness’ that I wouldn’t be able to regularly attend and pursue work outside of my home. Being the independent person that I am this fact got me down. I decided that if I was going to be bound to the house that I was going to be the best damn “housewife” I could be. This resulted in me making lists and regularly keeping a log of things to do both inside my home and inside my mind. It was then I found a plethora of YouTube videos dedicated to something called “keeping a bullet journal”.
Typically, these were elaborate setups of to-do lists and logs and I found myself intrigued and motivated to keep one. If you are unfamiliar with what a bullet journal is, it is essentially a journal of dates, to do lists, projects, thoughts etc. and you can completely customize it to be a keepsake. However, I found that the more elaborate I made it, the less likely I was to continuously keep to it. I have narrowed down what set up works for me to keep me motivated, organized and aesthetic enough for me to keep this journal to look back on.
Here’s a list of things you’ll need:
I spend time creating an appealing front month page. This is also a great way to de-stress and spend a little time getting ready for the month ahead.
For me, I love incorporating color and some days I spend time making it look more aesthetically pleasing. On other days, when I’m down and out, I’m less likely to keep up with the journal if I feel like I have to do extra work. So, I keep it simple.
When it comes to day to day activities and so forth, this is my setup.
Its clean, simplistic with some colorful flair. I find that filling in the boxes after I’ve completed a task is really satisfying. Just that small action alone makes me feel more accomplished.
You can get really fancy with different calligraphy pens, pencils, markers, stencils, stickers etc. This journal is yours, so get creative! I also recommend doing your designs in pencil first, to minimize mistakes.
When it comes to logging and keeping a consistent track of moods, side effects and medications, the easier the better. If your mind is in a state of chaos the last thing you want to do is write a paragraph about how you’re feeling. That’s why journaling in the past was something I couldn’t keep up on.
Due to my chronic illness’, I have dedicated pages to keep a track of my symptoms and pain levels which may or may not apply to you. I highly recommend if you have an illness of any kind, it is extremely important to look back on your pain, symptoms, moods and any new medication you’re trying.
This is a diagram which I use to track my pain levels through the day. This setup is easy for me to maintain and effective. I bring it into my doctor’s appointments and when they ask what my pain levels are like I just whip this puppy out and it saves me the trouble of trying to remember how severe my pain has been.
Doctor’s will often ask you questions pertaining to how you are doing and having something to look back on to see your progress (or lack thereof) is so important. I found that keeping this intertwined in your bullet journal is an easy and effective way to keep track of these things.
Starting from the very back of my bullet journal, I have dedicated those pages to glue or tape keepsake items over the year. I have always loved the idea of scrapbooking but alas, I’m too lazy.
This is what works for me and how I stay consistent. I hope that this was helpful for you and I’d love to hear your feedback!
I have linked some products that I have used (affiliate links marked with an asterisk*). Should you choose to use them I make a small commission based off of your purchase. It’s a great way to support me, get some cool stuff and it doesn’t cost you any extra schmoney.
Love and Light as Always
Cannabeera Kingdom 
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