With the influx of digital tools such as notes apps on phones, calendars that sync across devices, Ipads to write on, and even smart watches to catalog dates on, why would anyone plan and organize their life manually on paper?
Writing down dates, deadlines, reflections, thoughts, and ideas, on paper is a very intentional and mindful practice. There is an intimacy in scribbling on paper that cannot be replicated by tapping on a screen. When we write things down, our mind processes and considers them better. This ultimately helps us be more aware, alert, and present in the moment with our lives. You can also decorate and personalize your journal in any way you like, further adding to the experience.
You can use a planner. You can use a journal. Or combine the two and create a Commonplace Notebook.
What Is A Commonplace Notebook?
It is a singular notebook where you can document everything. You can make to-do lists, plan out your week, write diary entries, write reflections, create shopping lists, jot down quotes you like, scribble any thoughts you have, and so forth.
A commonplace notebook is an extemporaneous dialogue between you and the notebook.
Oftentimes, we designate specific notebooks to specific categories. For example, we may have a bullet journal for planning, a diary for reflections, a small notepad for ideas, and so forth.
A commonplace notebook aims to combine all categories while releasing perfectionism. It is meant to be a notebook that encapsulates your life at that moment in time, what you were doing, what you were planning, what you were thinking or feeling.
A commonplace notebook will often go everywhere with you like a companion.
Why Should You Keep A Commonplace Notebook ?
The main reason is that it lets you document your life in a way that hinders perfectionism. This can help greatly on your journey of self-healing and improvement. We are often told to write as a therapeutic way of figuring ourselves out. But, many of us suffer from perfectionism. We want our journals and diaries to look perfect and only hold selected memories.
A commonplace notebook forces us to mix multiple categories and topics of our life into one notebook. This forces us to let go of perfectionism and just write down things as they are.
In one notebook, we can jot down our daily to-do-list, goals, track our habits and diet, while also scribbling away reflections of our most deep thoughts and feelings.
A commonplace notebook is holistic and encompasses the entirety of us on to its pages. By having all the tidbits of your life in one notebook, you will be able to spot patterns in your behavior and correct yourself to further improve your life.
How To Keep A Commonplace Notebook
First off, select a durable and easy to write in notebook. Select a main writing pen and a few colored pens for decoration if you wish. Keep your notebook mid-sized and easy to carry. This way you can carry it in your bag to school or work. You can keep the pens in a small pencil pouch with you at all times.
Date each page or entry and simply write whatever you feel like. Pinterest has many options of journal layouts and ideas. At the start of your day, create a to-do-list of all the important tasks you have to get done. Check them off throughout the day. Jot down any ideas you get throughout the day and write reflections and vent your thoughts when you need to.
You do not need to write paragraphs and paragraphs. A few sentences each day is enough. You can write in the morning before you start your day, or during your lunch breaks, or even at night before bed.
Do not baby the notebook. Take it everywhere. Don't be afraid to use it in public spaces such as cafes. Do not worry about coffee spills, rain, or bumpy handwriting from writing while riding the bus.
All of this adds character and lets you truly capture your days. The whole point is to release perfectionism and simply journal.
Try A Commonplace Notebook
Try it out and see how you like it! Observe the changes it brings to your moods, behaviors, and daily life. But above all, have fun with it! You can paste pictures, receipts, and stickers into it as well. Truly make it your own!
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