These are from Ali’s 31 More Things class. More context here.
So here’s my day twenty-one – paper.
(journaling below)
Journaling:
Even though I work with computers and absolutely love computers, I still do most of my planning and todo lists on paper. There’s something wonderful about sitting down with a pen and making lists and then getting to cross them off. Something the computer can never replace for me.
I’ve used these squared Moleskine notebooks for a few years now. Last Spring, I briefly tried to switch to a planner but despite multiple efforts and a nice amount of money spent, i never stuck. What I love about these notebooks is that they are not bulky and I can take them with me anywhere I go. I also love that they are squared. Each time I start a new notebook I print out my vision board for the year, some photos of my family, a calendar, and my goals for the year. I glue them to the front and back pages of the notebook.
I use the front side of the notebook to do my weekly planning, daily notetaking, etc. Each Sunday, I open a new spread and decorate it to my heart’s content. Then I lay out the appointments for the week and make a personal and work todo list. Things move around and change all week, of course, and the real copy of my calendar lives on the computer but I still like having a record of it all on paper. I love going back to previous weeks and having a written record of my life.
Starting at the back of the book, and upside down, I use the notebook to do my journaling. This way, when I am flipping through the book, I don’t have to worry about people seeing my journaling.
Over the years, I’ve also done my sketching, drawing, painting in these same notebooks. I love that when I look through them, I can see the days of my life. What I did, what I thought, what I created, what I felt. What I filled my moments and worries and wishes with for all these years of my life. When I was little, I used to keep a diary every day. I guess in
their own way, these journals have become my replacement.
I have moved several parts of my daily life to the computer. I live by my Google Calendar, contacts on my phone, and Gmail. But when it comes to todo lists, paper is still my first and last choice. I doubt I will ever give it up.
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