How to start, define, and create a Curated Life Journal
What is a Curated Life Journal?
Why do we need to have one? What is a Curated Life Journal? Here is a bit of background on how I started mine. I carry a sketchbook as an Interior Designer (and avid gardener). I used my sketchbook to write down ideas for spaces, write project lists, sketch out designs on the spot for carpenters and clients, and draw something that caught my eye when I was out and about. I used my sketchbook to draw herbs while waiting at an airport, make notes on recommended books and movies, and for quotes I came across during my day.
Then, one evening, I was scrolling through Pinterest and saw all these Bullet, Creative, and Travel Journals. Those journals called out to me. I had left the Design World and started a storefront (more on that later). I missed my handy sketchbook. So, I purchased a dot matrix journal. Bullet Journals – Wow! They are extensive and beautiful in the same breath! Then I started watching YouTube how-tos — OVERWHELM hit big time!!! So, I put it aside until I needed a new morning journal and journaled daily in it.
Using a Journal to Curate Life
Well, like many ideas that need time to grow and blossom. I started this blog as I was walking into my 50s. I was needing direction back to me, my soul, myself. Then it hit me that my journal could be my atlas or my journey log of clues about myself. So I started using it and writing ideas down, snippets from the books I was reading, lists for daily life, sketching out ideas, and brainstorming solutions for the things that were no longer working in my life. My Curated Life Journal was born.
Steps to Start Curating Life with a Journal
Here’s how I got started:
- First, I started journaling about what I wanted in my life and how I saw myself living every day as my life was at that moment. I’m not living it as to when I had more money, lost weight, and a better home; you fill in the blank—Start a Journal about how you want to live today.
- Second, I wrote about the obstacles or problems I encountered while living that life. Then, number the issues in order of importance. Creating this list will help with where to begin.
- Third, I wrote a title of an issue or dream on a page (also called a banner). Then, start brainstorming every thought, idea, or project associated with it. Brainstorming may seem overwhelming, but it is not to be – just free-flow and write everything that pops into your head.
- Lastly, I created a page to track the intention; then, I made another page to keep book club selections, friends’ suggestions, and book titles that I saw in the media. A tracker page is a two-page layout in the journal.
I am showing you the pages I created to bring back an old love of reading that I had left behind when life got busy.
Repeat these steps as needed throughout your Journal
As time passed, I worked on other problems or frustrations with the same method. Let me explain my use of the word frustration. My frustrations were often “a feeling of persistent anxiousness about something.” Like “What’s for dinner?” I ran it through the above steps and created an accessible page to help with that.
I keep using this method in my journal. It has helped me go forward in the life I want to create. The journal helped me curate the life that was mine, with my wants and needs in my life. It will work for you also. I will say this isn’t a quick solution. Creating the life you want is a journey. Enjoy trying the solutions as they come. Say “No” to what does work. Just start writing. I advise finding a writing tool you like to feel in your hand. I love pretty pencils. If you want to color things in like some creative journalers do, then go ahead and use markers—there are no rules except for what you set for yourself.
The many uses to start curating your life with a journal
Other ways I have also used my Curated Life Journal
- To capture ideas until I had time to create them
- To track my progress in creating a new habit
- For notes at events, zoom meetings, and classes
- To create lists for projects and holidays
With a Curated Life Journal, start with what is rolling around in your mind and get it on a page. There is no ruining a journal. Use an Index page to log where items are in your journal. If you don’t like what you have done, X it out and write, This is not for me.’ Believe me, you’ll smile when you see it because you are curating, exploring your life, and getting rid of the junk. This journal, for me, was the best tool for walking into the life I wanted. I hope you find it does for you also.
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