A few months ago I was contacted by I Love my Journals – a brand new business that designs and sells bullet journals made in South Africa. No stranger to journaling, you can read me preaching self-reflection, planning and organisation in last year’s blogpost “10 EASY SELF-CARE TIPS FOR MOMS” – I couldn’t wait to tryout bullet journaling or BUJO (as the cool kids say).

How to  start a bullet journal

STOP overthinking it and just START! You may think it’s only for the artsy-kind but actually that’s not the point. Sure these journals are great for sketching and doodling but you’re only limited by your own imagination. At it’s core journaling is meant to help create order and structure in your life. It doesn’t have to look pretty or even make sense to anyone except yourself.

Maud Purcell wrote an entire article on the proven benefits of journaling. 

The act of writing accesses your left brain, which is analytical and rational. While your left brain is occupied, your right brain is free to create, intuit and feel. In sum, writing removes mental blocks and allows you to use all of your brainpower to better understand yourself, others and the world around you. 

Other benefit include:

• Clarity of thoughts and feelings.
• Better self-knowledge.
• Reduction in stress.
• More effective problem solving.

Read the full article by clicking HERE.

Your bullet journal could be a thoughts diary, a place to list your goals or things that need to be done. Maybe it’s a space to meal plan, budget and keep family recipes. Use it to track healthy habits, sleep patterns, your monthly cycle… Record the books you’ve read and movies you’ve seen. Storyboard your future travels! Anything that might be keeping your mind occupied.

Why I Bullet Journal

I’ve always kept a diary (since primary school) and you’ll find small notebooks filled with doodles and ideas in every drawer of our home. I probably have at least 20 ideas floating in my mind at any given moment and if I don’t put pen to paper they’re as good as forgotten.

Life has also become busier as our blog and family has grown and with it, my “to-do-list”.

For me, bullet journaling provides an opportunity to create and organise according to my specific needs. This ultimately leads to an inner calm. Once the “nitty-gritty” has been planned and journaled I feel free to embrace the now and enjoy our family moments. My mind isn’t pre-occupied and if something unexpected occurs I can deal with it without feeling overwhelmed.

My journal is also my secret source of inspiration. I make sure to include pieces of scripture, meaningful quotes, a gratitude list and photos. Looking back at these always puts a smile on my face and gets me through the challenging days.

Lastly my journal reminds me of our future goals, travels and dreams.

When do I journal

Sunday evenings are for bullet journaling. I love finding a scripture of affirmation for the week and drawing up a weekly spread. I might just add a cute little doodle or splash of watercolour too. Come Monday morning I fill in the plans for our week. Sometimes by myself, however most of the time Ava will sit with me enjoying some quiet reading time too.

(I’ve actually decided to make it a goal to start introducing journaling to Eliana and Lia over the winter school holidays. How amazing would it be to foster this life skill from an early age?)

Now all that’s left to do is tick off my daily tasks and goals as the week goes by – it’s kind of like a game.

My journal is still pretty all over at the moment and lack of self discipline has lead to a few weeks being skipped but, when I do journal, I see and feel a clear difference in my on mental state as well as our household atmosphere. It’s something I’m figuring out as I go and I LOVE the way I get to unwind.

Maybe when I buy my next journal – because I’m definitely hooked – I’ll follow a theme. For now I’m exploring every font, pen type, colourful vs. minimal design and simply allowing my creative side to run free. Even if it turns out less presentable than I had hoped.

Some fellow “BUJO journalist”that inspire me:

• @journalbeanie
• @minimalistbulletjournal
• @bulletjournal.ideas

CLOSED: Congratulations Lelani Groenewald!

I want you to enjoy the same creative outlet and peace of mind.

Win a Bullet Journal starter pack from I love my Journals!

The prize includes:

• Hard Cover Bullet Journal (of your choice)
• 6 x Fineliners – assorted
• 4 x Journal Stencils – assorted
• 2 rolls of Washi Tape – 3mm perfect for journaling

TOTAL PRIZE VALUE: R340

How to enter:

1. Leave us a comment below telling us which starter pack you would like to win, see them on the I love my Journals online shop HERE.
2. Make sure you follow I Love my Journals on Facebook or Instagram (both would be fab too).
3. Follow me on either (or both) if you like, but it’s not compulsory. (@justamammablog or @justamamma)
4. For extra entries be sure to enter on either this Facebook post or this Instagram post as well.

The giveaway ends on Wednesday, the 29th of May 2019.

COMPETITION RULES: 

1. Comments left below and on the applicable social media posts count as valid entries.
2. Instagram and Facebook is in no way responsible or associated with this giveaway.
3. Competition only open to South African residents residing in South Africa.
4. Winner must be 18+ years old.
5. Competition closes on the 29th of May 2019.
6.  The winner is picked at random and announced via social media and this blogpost. 
7. This prize is not exchangeable for cash or refundable.
8. Please enter a valid email and contact info. If we can not get hold of you within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.
9. The greatest care will be taken when sending your prize but Just a Mamma and I live my Journals, do not accept any responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged goods.

PHOTO CREDIT | Anje-Ilana van Dalen from Madison & West Lifestyle Division.