I am not good with organizing anything--not the room, not my drawers, sometimes not even my thoughts. It isn't uncommon for me to have multiple ideas at the same time--plans, current projects, new endeavors, daydreams, chores. I would obsess over the ideas until I get overwhelmed by everything. Then I would sit on my bed with a blank stare, left paralyzed.
While I love obsessing about these flights of ideas, being overwhelmed by them leaves me feeling helpless and sometimes frustrated. This kind of frustration leads to two things: a long nap and one or two unproductive days.
To try to fight off being overwhelmed by life and everything that it entails, I like writing lists and drawing plans out on multiple notebooks. Some might think this idea is pretty obsolete when we're in the advent of smartphones and going paperless (don't worry, I recycle!). However, I find that paper still appeals way better to me, more than electronic notes and lists.
+ I use the planner to write down duties, chores, reminders, meal plans, shopping lists, deadlines. Mind you, I rarely ever write anything under the right dates (my mind just has this inability to plan my days ahead) unless they're important dates like appointments, birthdays, etc. [Note: I just realized that my planner isn't included in the picture above!]
+ The inspiration notebook has everything I like and any idea that comes to mind. It's like a visual journal, where I keep everything that inspires how I am planning to curate my life.
+ Then, there's the sketchbook. It has everything and anything else. It has plans and blueprints. Sketches and dreams. Mostly, it's where I transfer my long-term plans and business model ideas.
+ The new handy-dandy notebook.Recently, Mean Bean came home with free notebooks from work and being the notebook/stationary hoarder that I am, I just had to use at least one of them there and then. I just call it the "handy-dandy notebook" because it's the one notebook that's always in my purse.
To stay functioning and sane (for the most part), I have to unload ideas and mental clutter once in a while. It helps clear my head and make space for even more ideas. It's just like how we sometimes have to restart the computer when it's starting to run slow; how most of us need to rant or vent about everyday stress in order to unload the emotional burden.
How do you clear your head or deal with mental clutter?
I love making lists and writing things out with a pencil and paper. Somehow it makes it stick better than typing it up. I've been meaning to get a planner/agenda type of notebook to keep my life a bit more organized, but I haven't found one I liked.
ReplyDeleteBut your post totally just inspired me to get one. And even though they didn't have a planner that I actually liked at the store I just got a plain notebook instead that can fit into my purse. Hopefully that'll get me started :)
You can always personalize it too! I sometimes favor plain notebooks for that reason. Saw this customizable, refillable and expandable notebook (arc notebook, I believe) at staples, where you can add calendar, to do list, graph, or blank pages depending on what you need. I might have to check that one out...
DeleteNo wonder why you have a sketchbook. Your drawing is so nice and cute. Anyway inspiration notebook and sketchbook function quite similarly? Hmm I'm just thinking if you have quite a few different kinds of paper like that how can you handle that
ReplyDeleteThe inspo notebook is more of a pinboard/ moodboard with anything and everything at all that I find interesting. It has pictures, clippings, little things, notes and quotes. The sketchbook is more of where I refine the ideas and my take on ideas I find inspiring.. Or draw patterns, etc. :) I don't know, I guess I just always liked scribbling and jotting things down, so having multiple notebooks is just second nature to me. :p
DeleteHey Denise!
ReplyDeleteI came across your blog from the Canadian Bloggers forum on BBN.
I know it isn't a part of this post, but I SO feel you on the starter home itch! I'm living in company housing in a really small town, and all I want to do is move back to Toronto, spend literally every penny I have, and buy a little box to call my own. I've been living in rental homes for the majority of my life, and the woes of having never been able to decorate or paint my bedroom literally ever, has seriously lost its charm!
So, obviously, I love the financial tips you're giving on your blog. They're just what I need to stay on track.
--Erin
predictionspast.blogspot.ca
Hey Erin! Thanks for dropping by. I've been itching to decorate too! It can be really frustrating when you don't even have the creative freedom to decorate the house the way you'd want to, makes it difficult to feel "at home".
DeleteGlad you like the financial tips. Hoping to make it a weekly post. :)