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my notebook secrets revealed

Posted on Author April EdwardsPosted in Intellectually Alive

a quick peek into all the notebooks I currently use & inspiration to start your own imperfect stack of notebooks

To see the video from this post go here.

At the risk of you all thinking I am a bit frivolous, I decided to do a notebook stack tour.

This is a quick peek into all the notebooks I currently use. I will share some links, resources, and notes that were not in the video.

Hopefully this sparks you to start your own imperfect stack of super helpful notebooks. 😁

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Let’s jump into it!

[note: this post is NOT sponsored, I just want to share what I'm using and how]

My Digital Organization –

Here is a look into how I organize things digitally. My life is layered and there is always a lot going on, so digital organization is super helpful for me as well.

{If there isn’t a plan, I’ll probably make one anyway… just for fun.😉}

Writing/Homeschool Notebook –

I do have binders and digital organization for these areas but this is my messy lists of what I am currently working on.

I have a shut down ritual for both my jobs. Anytime I am done writing or teaching I clean up the area and then write a few notes about what I need to do tomorrow.

It is a kindness to my future self.

The next day when I show up to write or teach I can glance over my notes and I know what tasks need to be done and where to start.

If you peeked in my notebook you would find: posts to edit, SEO and tags to add, or papers to grade, history lessons to plan, and notes on Literature lessons to do that week.

Idea Notebook –

I kept coming up with ideas to put into another book while writing my first book: Subtle Resistance – Practical Tips to Live Deliberately & Avoid Overwhelm. To keep focused, I got this cute Idea Notebook and jotted down anything that popped in my mind.

It became a landing place for story ideas, tips, and practical things to include in my next book. I am still adding ideas there for now.

Bullet Journal –

I have been using the Bullet Journal Method for over 8 years. It has given purpose to my random lists, post-its, and phone notes.

Usually my weekly spread includes stickers, a color theme, and detailed notes. But during busy seasons it’s simple and compact.

{Spontaneity is great, but have you tried writing it down first? 🤣}

Resources:

Personal Journal / Morning Pages –

This journal is often like a best friend, therapist, and confidant.

Taking 15 minutes with this notebook makes a huge difference in my outlook and ability to cope.

I have learned that when I am feeling overwhelmed it often comes from frustrations that I haven’t put into words yet.

My journal helps me be honest and move forward with small action steps.

Church Notebook –

I like to take notes to remember what I have learned. This applies to all areas of my life but especially church because I am there often.

I even have a special pencil pouch full of my favorite highlighters, pens, and washi tape.

I love a “fill in the blank”, main takeaways, and Hebrew/Greek translations of specific words in verses discussed. {Yes, I am constantly in full nerd mode! 😜}

Watercolor Sketchbook –

This is one of my newer hobbies that I started last year. I don’t try to create life-like stuff, I enjoy the cartoon and kid-ish style.

It’s just something I do for me and it is fun. 😁

Resource:

Drawing & Nature Sketchbook –

More on this topic coming soon!!

But for now I will just note that I am learning how to draw in new ways.

{😉spoiler: I am terrible at it…}

I am enjoying working through these books:

Commonplace Notebook –

Someday I will probably create a digital system where I could search up specific topics or phrases. But I just can’t get away from the ascetic of writing with a nice pen in a beautiful notebook.

I enjoy looking over my underlines and highlights in a hardback book then rewriting them in my Commonplace book.

This process keeps the ideas in my memory longer and gives me a myriad of ideas for my own writing.

More about that here: My Commonplace – Notes On Learning

Meal Planning Notebook & Clipboard –

This notebook is the most utilitarian and boing of them all but my family appreciates the creativity and time I take here. I often thumb through a cookbook or browse my online folders to gather ideas.

I try to save myself from decision fatigue by doing the thinking all at once.

About every week or two I clean out the fridge, make a grocery list, and do my meal planning (not always in that order).

💙 Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video.

I would love to hear from you!
🖊️Are you more of a digital note-taker, a paper person, or a mix of both?
✏️Do you have a favorite pen, notebook, or journaling tool you can’t live without?
Leave a comment

Every notebook in my stack brings me peace and clarity in a different way.

I believe that it is never too late in this very digital age to return to the practices of journaling and notebooking!!

Especially with a set of stickers and a favorite pen. 😉

📒 Happy Notebooking!

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