If you have a hyperactive mind, then sitting down to ‘journal’ in the traditional form can feel like a task. To do it successfully requires me to carve out time. Both for the actual journaling, and the preparation beforehand of nurturing my introspective landscape. I have to create a physical environment that allows for my thought process to flow freely. Otherwise, my journal entries are simply word vomit.

Sometimes, to get into my “flow”, I take a long steamy shower first. Something about being in the shower always helps to untangle my discombobulated thoughts. My biggest aid is cannabis. TBH, whether I’m having general anxiety while driving, or in the middle of a heated argument with my husband, weed is the most effective medicine anytime I need to harness my overwhelming emotions. These are just a couple of ways I prepare for a good journal session. The problem isn’t feasibility, it’s not having the luxury of time to do it.

I was introduced to bullet journaling years ago, but never actually tried it until now. It’s helped me redefine my reflection process to accommodate a busier lifestyle than I’ve ever known before now as a new mom.

Here’s what my first entry looked like:

• I’m here to guide Hiro’s journey, not dictate it
• Why do I keep rejecting the idea that I deserve love?
• How can I exercise more discipline in my self-love practice?

It’s helpful because I’ve been able to shorten the amount of time I need to block off for journaling from a minimum of thirty minutes to less than five. I’ve found that I actually retain more by reading these entries back to myself, because they’re not cluttered with all the jargon of my emotional dumping. It’s also been a really useful tool I’ve learned to use in therapy. Sending my therapist a bullet point list such as this one, I’m sure is much easier on her than having to read the novels I used to send her.