Creative Journaling Tips | Write With Me in My Journal! | Functional After the Pen | Happy Planner

[@christiannaauthor]

Bumble growling so cute lol 😂

[@chrelainel5833]

One of the best quotes I have ever heard is "Sometimes good enough is good enough." I am trying very hard to let go of perfection so that I spend more time enjoying the imperfection that is my life :)

[@lenettetillman-greene7582]

I really enjoy watching your videos. Not only do you share your creative side with us, you share some of your struggles and life tips as well. Thank you so much for being so open and letting us know it's ok to be in our feelings sometimes.

[@janneville7765]

I love this video. It is okay to just "Be". I'm learning/accepting this as well.

[@jessicawagner958]

This video is amazing, and not just because it’s inspiring me to start creative journaling, but because you’re chatting with us like we’re friends! You’re real, you’re honest, and what you share RESONATES! Why are we so hard on ourselves? Would we treat our friends and loved ones the way we treat ourselves? Hell no! Be kind to Mary Ellen - she’s our friend 🤗

[@PlanningwithBumble]

❤️❤️❤️

[@tbee1575]

Your handwriting is amazing! Can’t believe you actually wrote the word “overwhelmed.” If I wasn’t watching, I wouldn’t believe it. 😆 Enjoy your videos!

[@kristenchumley1421]

In July, I started a creative journal and was inspired by you. I love it! It's like part memory planner, part brain dump. I find that I'm enjoying writing in it every day and I think it's helpful for my mental health. Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@DEBSCRAFTINGROOM]

Plant Based Bride, pretty sure she uses Archer & Olive. I like her videos.

[@Amber-fj2wv]

I really appreciate how open you are with feeling overwhelmed. I am under immense pressure with school that there are days I just cry. Your videos are apart of my morning "calm" routine as I now have a creative space to outlet. I have made this a place that is bright and joyful and no stress zone.

[@PlanningwithBumble]

I am honored to be a part of your routine!

[@stephanieblake4618]

Doing the writing even overwhelmes me.. But you talking this out has helped. Thank you.

[@katieskeels7169]

I really love the way these end up looking. I totally agree with your feeling of pressure to be better ALL THE TIME! A very good friend of mine has a saying - "Stop 'should-ing all over yourself!" This helps me when I start feeling like I'm not achieving everything I want to achieve. I switch my thinking to "I WILL do [this one small thing]", and the feeling of actually getting that small thing done is amazing. I need to relax and accept where I am and celebrate achievements, even the small ones.

[@balletgirl172002]

I hear you on trying to figure out having time to do all the things you want!!! I have found that The Organized Money on KZbin has a great brainstorming method that might be helpful. If you ever do find things that work I'd love a vid on that!!! Not that you need anymore!🤣 you are awesome and thank you for all you do put out!! Hearing your process is so super helpful and you inspire me to break the mold that aren't serving me anymore!!

[@JustScribble]

I’ve been creative journaling inspired by your method and love it. First it’s faster than my other “diary” journaling so it doesn’t take much time daily to do. Plus it gives me memory keeping and it uses up stickers which is awesome 👏🏻 since I’ve become addicted!! My journaling is very similar to yours but it’s more focused on other family and memories than my feelings since I want it as a family creative journal and have journaling in my bujo and my “diary” journals too. You and I are a lot alike as far as how we work and our passion for our work and tendency to be a workaholic when we enjoy our work and are good at it. And also in our expectations for ourselves.

[@PeaceofthePlans]

I love your journal videos! So inspiring. 🤩

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thank you so much!

[@tanyagmarshall]

As soon as I clicked on the video and saw those "Spoonful of Faith" stickers by Jena Holliday, I knew I would like this video! I have that sticker collection and LOVE using them in my planner. Your ideas are so inspirational and helpful. Thanks for all you do. 🤗

[@dutchkim]

This spread is so impressive but I LOVE the honesty you shared even more. I feel the same as you, constantly pressured by myself to do more, be more, save more, clean more, cook more, smile more, socialise more. I'm really tired of feeling disappointed in myself so often because when I look at the breadth of my life....I achieved a lot, grew a lot, tried a lot and smiled so so much. This is so much inspiration for a Creative Journal, thank you!

[@bethpodoletz842]

I once heard….”There is no room for growth if you are perfect”. I like to keep that in mind when I am evaluating a class, coworkers, job references, myself, etc.

[@lynetteplans7974]

Love your journal spread. Watching and seeing your journal spreads, I was inspired to start writing a word or 2 on the monthly section of my planner. I really love how it turned out. Now to continue 🤣 Agree, we are hard on ourselves as women to do it all. Sometimes it best to do just a little. Life is too short to stress ourselves out on things that don't really matter in the whole scheme of life. (talking to myself more than anyone else). My A&O order arrived this week. I was so excited that I had to find a sticker to change the color on. It was magic. I used your code. Appreciate the savings.❤😊

[@mcdee1313]

I do a very similar type spread in my Big except all the writing is memories for the week. I love it full of writing with no white space when done. This is odd as I am otherwise a very minimal person, but something about looking back through this book and seeing all the writing just brings me so much joy.

[@plansandjacy]

Thank you so much for sharing these creative journaling spreads! I prefer them even more than your planner spreads, and I’m so grateful for your vulnerability! 🖤

[@alexj-w]

Last night, I just rewatched your older video about how you use your creative journaling spreads. I'm excited to watch this one now!

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@lindamarshall754]

What I feel always helps me is to get the ideas out of my head and on to paper, it frees my mind, makes me less stressed and sets me on a path to actually achieving them. Always remember...a dream without a plan is just a wish! Don’t worry, you’ll get to 50,000 and 100,000. Patience and plans go a long way. Good luck.

[@christinegould5779]

This reminds me so much of when I used to SMASHbook. Miss those products!!

[@anjichurch4406]

I left Happy Planner last year for the first time since they first started…mainly because I retired…I found you while searching about journaling, and yes, I am back. Went to Michaels and go the spring release for50% off, so I am back and so happy I found you!

[@alias065]

I love your journaling style. I have journaled for a while but yours has inspired me to be more creative in my journal pages. They are more fun and interesting. 🌻

[@LeenerAnn]

Mary Ellen, I can so relate to all that you shared in this video...trying to let go of trying to be "better". To be able to "just be" would be so nice! At 60 hrs of age, I still am evolving to figure all this life stuff out. Love that you keep things real!! God bless you sistah!

[@loriobrien1246]

I have always had the same feeling, where other people seem to be able to juggle so much and I just can’t take on as many things as they do. Some of it is wanting what we do to be as close to perfect as we can get it, and quality takes time. I’m not ok doing things “good enough” too often. And people are just different. I’ve come to accept it better at my also 50+ years, but I still have a bit of envy. You inspired me to do creative journaling (I use a mini vertical because I can’t take on as much), as well as helping me tremendously with my regular planning. What you do is meaningful to many many people, and it really is more than enough. ❤️

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thank you! ❤️

[@caycollie8284]

Mary Ellen, thank you so much for sharing this. I tend to make myself overwhelmed also. I do have a lot on my plate that involves taking care of others, so sometimes I find myself shutting down to escape!! That’s when my journaling & planning is so helpful ❣️

[@g5kids1213]

You have absolutely sparked me and helped me in my processes of figuring out how I’m wanting to journal!!

[@bedilliasosa4388]

We love you Mary Ellen! This spread is beautiful in so many ways! Be kind to yourself always!❤️

[@traceyparry5432]

You are an inspiration to so many. Wishing you success as you modify your approach to projects etc. Thanks for sharing your life with us.

[@misskayjournals]

I can totally relate to your feelings of expectations for yourself. I appreciate you sharing. Thank you!!

[@darlenewashington185]

Your spread is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your process of journaling, it was a big help!!

[@joyousone4859]

New subscriber here from 🇨🇦. I love your journaling style. Reminds me of a colourful newspaper. I love that you are being you!

[@sheenalaplante4585]

Super cute and I love those colors together as well!!! I know exactly what your are talking about for sure!!! If someone asked me what have accomplished since high school, I would definitely say not how I thought it would be. If I said woulda shoulda coulda I would have big issues!!! I sometimes feel like bummer but I can't go backwards and sometimes that helps in a small way!!! I have to remember "I WILL NOT STRESS OVER THE THINGS I CAN'T CONTROL"!!! (((((((HUGGGGGGGS))))))) Also it's perfectly fine if you don't show us everything, no need to be sorry!!! YOU DO YOU!!! 🤗🤗🤗

[@JulietTiu]

You hit the nail on the head with Overwhelm and wanting to do all the things. I'm there myself. Thank you for putting words to the feelings.

[@jessica_g16]

I just love you . Always enjoy watching your videos, so relaxing!

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Oh thank you!

[@cindyplansherlife]

Thank you for this video. I have been watching your videos for year and I tend to watch them again to keep getting ideas. I recently started journaling because you are such an inspiration to me. Thank you for everything that you do and continue to do. Keep up the great work.

[@jodimurar4602]

I can so relate to everything you just said. not being productive enough or not being cleaning, not being fit enough. I’m feel exactly the same about myself.

[@launaford4185]

I started my creative journal in April. You inspired me to do it and I love it! I also appreciate how much you share with is about your struggles. Sometimes I feel like I am a bee trapped inside a jar and banging the glass trying to get out and be free. I get overwhelmed! I have anxiety. Journaling helps.

[@happilyeverafterenterprise2239]

LOVE IT! IVE BEEN AWAY FROM MY PLANNER SYSTEM AND MY GRATITUDE JOURNAL! SO IM VERY RUSTY LOL ITS SORTA LIKE IVE FORGOTTEN WHETE AND HOW TO START THE PROCESS AGAIN. HENCE--THIS BEING SO EXTREMELY HELPFUL!! LOVE THESE! MY PREFERABLE AESTHETIC IS SIMILAR TO YOURS, SO I REALLY LOVE SEEING HOW YOU ACHIEVE THAT !! TFS

[@walkingwiththelord777]

This is very inspirational! Thank you! I love it! You are so talented! I love what you said about accepting yourself! No more shoulds!

[@lesliem358]

I have been doing more creative journaling after watching your videos. I think this is what I have been missing. Thank you!

[@walkingwiththelord777]

I'd love to see more of these videos! I know you said you don't like to do these but I really loved it! I don't usually watch videos that are this long but I wanted to see the whole thing!

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Glad you like them!

[@SweetDreamsofParis]

✨Loved this video and how you shared your creative tips and more importantly shared your heart!!❤️❤️❤️

[@yiannSC]

Thank you Mary Ellen, for this amazing video about your creative journal. I've been thinking that I want to do something similar that is just for me and not my channel/IG (at least not the process until I manage to produce more videos. Sometimes, I just feel like playing with my planner and stickers. I also understand what you talked about pressuring on doing all the things, all the time, all the goals etc etc. I've been feeling the same way and I find it unhealthy because at the moment of not being able to do it, then we feel guilty for not achieving those goals. Anyway, beautiful spread as ever. Thank you for the inspiration❤️

[@jeannietrapnell2226]

Loved this video. Journaling is so good for all of us. And it was great to see your process!

[@kristamendez8873]

Just hit the button! 50 000 here you come!

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Yay! Thank you!

[@tahniguglielmina1715]

I love all of your creative ideas. This video showed a layer of you as a person that I can relate to on many levels. Thank you for sharing all of your gifts. You inspire me to plan and journal for my own happiness.

[@sharonoconnor6355]

Thanks for sharing. Both your creative genius and your honest emotions. Sometimes we need to admit that we are” perfectly imperfect”❣️

[@PlanningwithBumble]

For sure!

[@lisaschrimpshire9259]

I have been journaling in my classic since July and absolutely love it. It has helped me so much with my anxiety, and I appreciate you so much for inspiring me to use my HP this way.

[@anabeanonamission]

I'm working on letting go of perfection and comparison. This video is so inspiring! I'm trying to simply fall in love with the person I am!!!!!!!! ❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@SK-rs3vw]

I love your posts...you are the same age as I am so super inspiring! And you keep it real and you are just amazing!

[@jenniferhoward4324]

This is one of my favorite videos of yours!

[@MsMaddog1968]

I love that you talk through your process. I am glad I am not the only one with the same perfection issue. I am sure others appreciate your honesty. Can you tell me which happy sticker book has the big boxes. They would help a lot in my journal. Thanks for any info.

[@PlanningwithPeggy]

So much to say about this spread and you. I too suffer from all the same things. I feel like I was in your head or vice versa. When you said drink the friggin water I feel like we’re twins. You have absolutely helped me in my life in ways you’ll never know. I don’t ever want anyone to suffer but it’s nice to know I’m not alone and people go through it too. When I’m down or stressed out, I always go to your you tube, it brings me so much happiness and calmness. Thank you. I don’t know if it was this video or another one. I can’t see this whole page now that I am writing but there was a T that you didn’t cross. Oh my God I kept telling you to cross the T cross the T. LOL. now I have to go find it see because that’s the way I am. I hope that last part didn’t stress you out or anything

[@PlanningwithBumble]

I’m glad my videos help you! Hahaha maybe I never did cross whatever t you mean. And I don’t really care lol

[@nessie1015]

You have truly inspired me since I have discovered you (days ago). Your truth about “letting go” speaks to me. We are contemporaries and I so agree. Thank you, for your creativity and transparency🙏🏾❤️

[@adelahernandez6058]

I can relate so much with ALL that you said! I love your journaling style. I also enjoy your videos so much! Thank you for an outlet when I need it. 🥰

[@ulrikarosen1498]

This video really helpt me. I'm might even got brave enough to try for myself. Thank you so much 💓

[@kathygarcia496]

I love this video, you helped me spark an idea for my journaling. Thank you!

[@yellow000ish]

Loved this video. And I love your journal spreads. They are my favorite. Thank you for sharing your process with us. It is very helpful. 💙 More journal with me and journal spreads pretty please! 😃

[@nvlst11]

Coulda, woulda, shoulda, is a mantra in my life. LOL

[@dolifewithmandy5347]

Thank you for being such an amazing inspiration

[@tishar]

I also have a hard time drinking water. I need to get it together! On another note, this spread is awesome.

[@lz9401]

I love your video! Thank you so much for sharing your thinking process with so much detail! You are amazing and so inspiring!!!!

[@PensAndAPlan]

Loved this! 💙💙💙 Always enjoy seeing your process!

[@keri_fully.planned]

So often you talk about yourself and I'm thinking "me too!" I am constantly trying to improve myself and no matter what I never feel "improved"...ugh! At least we are not alone 💜

[@PlanningwithBumble]

New video coming soon all about that! Probably next week. It’s about letting go

[@keri_fully.planned]

@@PlanningwithBumble yay, I can't wait!

[@talorgarza1238]

I have been wanting to start a journal section in my planner. Thank you for the inspiration! ♥️♥️♥️

[@towermanager4144]

I hope you can allow yourself to be who you are and just be in the moment. You are great just as you are created, more is not always better!

[@handinhandwithhim8175]

I love this spread 😍😍😍

[@deemeetreeah]

New Subscriber 💗 I can totally relate. Live your style. You are amazing! Don’t quit 🤗

[@momsplanningagain1211]

This is beautiful. Thanks for sharing as I learned some great tips!! 🦋💕

[@buckeyethor]

The “shoulds” get to me too. All. The. Time.

[@Reginacycs11]

Wow I love it! I really appreciate this share. Very creative release.

[@suewilson2829]

Great spread!! You are so inspiring!

[@julesgeremaia4663]

I love this video and this beautiful spread!

[@ellenmargrethelarsen80]

Your video is verry inspiring thank you😀

[@maryromero5497]

Stream of consciousness writing!

[@vanessadvenegas]

New here, thank you for sharing your journaling, it is so personal. Your stickers and layout is beautiful. Your handwriting is amazing🥰

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thank you so much!

[@andreambrownridge7642]

Da bomb! Thank you for sharing your flexibility reality. I’m super psyched to begin mine. 😍💛😍

[@juliacb4339]

I love your channel so much😭😭💖

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@walkingwiththelord777]

I can understand about not being a hustler and needing to change something so you can do the things you want to do! I've been feeling the same way. I've been praying for help with that. One thing I'm trying to do is to not spend as much time on the phone.

[@AH-ik3pv]

One of my favorite sayings is you need to stop "shoulding" all over yourself. My mom says "should" is the "S" word and rarely used the word. It's a good practice. I also suffer from feeling like I have to be productive in order to be worthy. Like having a restful time means I was lazy and now I have extra work to do. Why? Where did this come from? I'm glad you're putting it out there that enough is enough!

[@ColorOfCharisma]

It was absolutely helpful. Getting thoughts down is so relieving. Thank you for sharing once again. Also, I know your daughter use to help you, but maybe you should get an assistant to relieve some of your stress.

[@PlanningwithBumble]

My daughter will be helping me again soon. Hoping her wifi is good enough in Germany

[@kristinesimons5743]

I have a hard time drinking water too. I purchased one of the water bottles that have the time stamp on them….and because i hate to fail at things…when I see I haven’t drank the water I should for that time of day…I tend to drink to catch up. Has really helped me drink more water.

[@carianderson2254]

Oh boy this is me to a T! Have you ever done a Myers Briggs test? I’m an INFJ and I am always striving to be better. Blessing and a curse for sure. This is a huge trait for an INFJ. I read a blog post about being constantly in your head wanting to be better/do more and I’d never seen myself and the source of my anxieties described so perfectly. Believe me- I get it. I hope you succeed with the letting go. If you do, post a video and tell the rest of us your secret 😘

[@PlanningwithBumble]

I am also an INFJ!!! I’m posting a video very soon making a page of things I’m letting go of.

[@carianderson2254]

@@PlanningwithBumble I KNEW IT!!! 🙌🏻

[@yesabenson]

I don’t know if you told us but what sticker book did you use? I love those stickers and this spread is AMAZING! You are so talented!

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Sorry! I used the new Spoonful of Faith sticker books. Thank you!

[@marcelacadima4582]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💕🇧🇷

[@lucylouise1249]

I wonder if it's an ADHD thing about using all of the spaces and gaps on weekly spreads? I am here in the UK, so some of the items aren't so easy to get hold of. I also struggle with monthly spreads too - do you have any tips?

[@mysfitfitness]

Where do we find the application for the design team with Archer & Olive? I didn't spot it in the video details... Thanks!

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Hi! Here you go: design-team-application.mailchimpsites.com/

[@jaminl2000]

Hi what is the name of the video where you show how you can use any size sticker in your mini planner.

[@PlanningwithBumble]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHeXpmekrq-WgJo

[@MsPinkpeppermint]

Thanks for sharing your struggles, that takes guts. It could be our age, or the crazy world we live in, but know that there's many women who feel the pressure too. I see where your doctor is prescribing synthroid, if you are hypothyroid, this will help you in every system of your body. I've been on it for 14 years, after having thyroid removed, radiation treatments for cancer.

[@PlanningwithBumble]

I am starting it tomorrow. My level isn't that high so I am still kind of on the fence. I struggle with hair loss so I am hoping it won't make it worse. Even though it is meant to help. lol

[@MsPinkpeppermint]

Planning with Bumble if you are loosing abnormal amounts of hair, it's a good indication that you need thyroid med. Check symptoms of hypothyroidism, part of your stress and feelings of being overwhelmed can be misdiagnosed as depression, when all you need is more thyroid hormone. Getting the correct dosage is critical, most doctors only treat the numbers, not the individual.

[@jasminebraxton3686]

I just started this happy planning madness and I'm getting a little obsessive. Anyway, I subb'd. I wanna help get you to 50k

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@iselaortiz1123]

You are my fave

[@kristimoore8763]

I don't think of it as "improving myself" because that already insinuates "not good enough". I enjoy personal growth and development, because I am satisfied with myself the way I am yet I enjoy learning new things and growing. Does that help your mindset? Hugs. Thanks for being you just the way you are.

[@buckeyethor]

I think a lot of people pay video editors, assistants, social media managers, and office workers to take care of the backend stuff. For instance, if you spend 20 hours a week editing, you can figure out what you could do during that time to figure out how much to pay someone.

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Yes, my daughter Heather will be working for me again soon. It's hard for me to give up control to someone I don't know.

[@DEBSCRAFTINGROOM]

Why do I always forget the markers !

[@debbiew7496]

The self improvement treadmill is not helpful for mental health. When we just enjoy the things we are doing and notice what we like, we naturally improve because we get exciting ideas we want to try. Way better than a list of “shoulds”.