November Notebook Challenge [The NaNoWriMo Diaries 2022 - Day 11]

[@bahora3]

Your story journal inspired me to get one for myself as well and I really hope it will reignite my inspiration and motivation for writing! As always, your journals are so lovely! 💜

[@HeartBreathings]

Excited to hear that!

[@HeartBreathings]

Hi Bahora!! You are the winner of this month's Notebook challenge!!! Email me at [e-mail] and let me know which notebook you prefer. thanks!

[@bahora3]

@@HeartBreathings Thank you so much!!! 💜

[@HeartBreathings]

Whew sorry for the late upload but my internet was not happy today! Yay for November notebooks! Hopefully your writing is going well

[@jamielawlor9538]

I use a binder separated into sections to track all the aspects of my life on a daily basis. I have specific journals where I delve deeper into topics.For example, in my binder I track the books I've read (title, author, date finished, and star rating). Then I have a reading journal where I have the book covers and my thoughts on the book. Sometimes, I only have time to update my binder and when I have time I can go back and update my reading journal. My binder acts as a trigger to help me remember what I've done. The specific journals are for when I want to explore something more. No pressure! Keep on lifting everyone up!!

[@HeartBreathings]

This is so smart!

[@mayadeslilas]

You should do a video on it!

[@OnlineTherapistGroup]

I honestly don't know how you get everything done that you do. When I watch your videos, and I see you running your whole life AND running all of these businesses and getting all of this content out, I'm just like, DAMN! We need you around for the long haul so whatever we can do to support you in your journey to "balance", we are here for it!

[@AndiLea]

I have notebook & planner FOMO, so I completely understand the disappointment and frustration that comes with beginning and not following through. You are not alone. At all.

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you for your comment. I just love to look at everything and think of the possibility of it all.

[@a.m.kimber]

I recently simplified, and honestly, I don't miss my other planners. I realized they were tools for procrastination for me. Now granted I don't have nearly as much stuff going on as you do, but I found that having a work planner and a home planner was enough. In my home planner: I keep note of my errands, books reading, movies watched, fitness, mood & weather tracker, and the occasional memory keeping. I took the other (4) planners and am using them for art journaling (collages and quotes mostly). There is so much freedom in letting go. Maybe consolidate and try using fewer planners for December, if you enjoy that freedom, yay! If not, January 2023 is waiting for you and all your planners with open arms :D

[@HeartBreathings]

Good idea to try it out for December!

[@ghostyplans]

I keep three notebooks and that is all. I force myself to fit everything I need in three journals. 1. My narrow TN holds my monthly, journal, writing, and lists inserts 2. A random notebook (right now it’s a Moleskine) that has my art, my scribbles, my to-do lists, my commonplace 3. My Composition Leuchterm houses my plotting and book notes. I have a system, and I love it!

[@beccaplans]

Something cool I've seen people do, is make a 3 topic notebook. So for example, like you mentioned having one for manifesting and gratitude and something else, you can count the pages and divide by 3 and those are the pages you use for each area.

[@HeartBreathings]

Oh good idea!!

[@RiaKay91]

"As authors we use to be like ahhh my precious" ... I feel so called out :'D

[@HeartBreathings]

😂

[@queeniequilts3356]

While not an author I am a lover of planners and stationery. My favorite is 9 notebooks, but when life gets crazy I find that I need to revert to 2, it usually only lasts for 4-6 months as I put out a new major project or release a new class….while I am in crazy town, I keep one for work and one for home, and color code everything.

[@brookdwyer4554]

I have two planners. One for personal, budget, and family. And one for my writing. In the writing I have a monthly, weekly, and weekly hourly. And my plotting and scene outlines in the back. I keep one lay flat notebook that I journal and take any notes for any courses I am currently taking. I go through more notebooks that way, but it is much easier for me to manage. Hang in there! You are doing great!

[@valerie33]

i use my daily journal for everything! photos, writing, bookish art spreads etc.

[@k8mae656]

I feel like we can all relate. I started last month really trying to change my self care (buying pens, notebooks, markers, stickers) to shifting that focus onto what winter clothes do I need for the new season? How many sweaters, cardigans, etc could I have purchased that I actually need and will use within the next 6 months? (I live in the cold Northern Illinois area.) Instead of just looking at a pile of all of my precious and lovely notebooks, pens, etc that I haven't even opened in the last 4 to 6 months. It's difficult, but necessary. Thank you for another totally relatable video! And no matter what you end up doing your true fans will support you and all of the beautiful magic that you share with us! 😊🤩

[@Manu29080]

I really love the notebook challenge. 😍 For me 2023 is going very special because our baby girl arrives in February. It is my first child so I'm super nervous. For me planning is very important but I know I have to downsize a bit. For my daily life I'm going to use the discbound system. It's very flexible and I can change if i need it.

[@reneeg9507]

I love watching planning videos, but my planner setup is simple: a pretty Levenger Junior with side tabs, all of it color-coded so it is pretty. I handle everything on a monthly or quarterly basis depending on what tab it is, moving pages out to my yearly storage notebook that is more flimsy at the end of every month when I do my monthly review. I'm starting to use stickers and washi more, but it is a pretty basic setup, but easy to cart around and, wonder of wonders, I've kept it up for every day for the year (first time!!), primarily because I love checking things off. I have other notebooks for brainstorming, morning pages and NaNo thoughts (not related to my WIP), along with a big letter-sized notebook for NaNo, story prep, and writing notes. I've started tentatively planning for 2023 with the main thought of continuing this system but changing out my tabs and incorporating more HB90 into my daily. Still thinking though!

[@cassieb1588]

Is it strange that you are the first person on KZbin that has said anything about veterans day. Thank you. I am not a veteran. Just appreciating the thought.

[@elizabethdelafield7533]

I think your idea of focusing on one planner/notebook is excellent. It's so easy to get overwhelmed, and it's worth a try to see if picking one to serve a couple different purposes helps you feel less so. I tried a notebook for each story but found it difficult when stories could flourish or die rather quickly. One journal for my story ideas might be a better fit for me. I definitely think you should try your idea. It certainly won't hurt and may help you cultivate joy. Best of luck!

[@luisaraegan3849]

I struggle with the same thing! I have decided to stick with a writing journal/planner, a spiritual/mindfulness/mental health journal that I fill out every Sunday and then I have been using a journal for my notes I like to take when reading non fiction books. I find if I pick three for each month minimum that helps me feel fulfilled because I find it feasible to keep in a rhythm. I just bought my first happy planner today actually! 😊

[@candiceziminov]

I recently started using planners and have found what works best for me : One planner for work notes and calendar, although every electronic productivity tool out there is available through my work nothing is more satisfying as writing a to do list and checking it off when complete, so I’m sticking with that. My second planner is for personal budget, calendar, reflection, menus, chore lists. My third one is a three subject style that I use to write down craft project ideas and take notes on what settings and such works best for Cricket, heat press and sublimating. And finally I just purchased my first Erin Condren notebook, thank you for introducing me 😊. This notebook I will start to write in for a future book I’d like to write. I’ve never published or completed anything more than a short story but have written tons of papers for college courses through the years. I’ve enjoyed your videos and can relate to a lot of your struggles and finding that happy balance with work, kids and taking time for yourself.

[@genniwithag6877]

You could always try having a set day for each hobby. Like you mentioned planning the week on Sunday. Monday’s hour could be for gaming, Tuesday for reading, Wednesday for tv/movies etc. that way you still can use each notebook but on any given day the decision is already made for you.

[@ErinKathleenwrites]

Oh gosh i love all the notebooks and planners. I have had to pair down because my brain was overloaded! But then i go to the store and want more🤦🏻‍♀️

[@mariahsmall487]

I’ve been wanting to change things with my notebooks too. I do really enjoy sticking to one notebook as just a catch all for in the evening and go by day for theme. This way I miss writing for one of those areas, I probably won’t notice. If I feel inspired to use another I gotta keep reminding myself to use it as needed. The neglecting it guilt is hard 🙏🏻 🥰 Excited to see what this change brings you!

[@failte9910]

Been watching your videos for a long time. I just love notebooks. I find it helpful to place them where I’m going to use them the most. Gratitude journal on bed stand, planner by my desk, art journal with my supplies, dump journal in my purse, etc. I also combine my Happy Planners into one big one for my daily planner, work planner, exercise/meals, and budget. Each section has one month in it and I just switch them out monthly. Best wishes!!! 💕🤗

[@intothefire9270]

I've got 4 that I use. planner, workout journal, tarot and writing ideas. Anymore than that and I know i will forget about it and that makes me sad. I like individual rings and make my own backs and fronts to each one. I have a sketch book but i don't use it often enough to be considered part of my line up. I got a Tokidoki while I was up in atlanta! Had major FOMO.its so cute.

[@kaseylealma]

I have one notebook plus all the planners I use. That one notebooks holds anything - journaling, visions, goals, plotting. And if I write something that I may need to reference for work or story needs I just put a tab on the page where I write in it. I usually fill up one a year.

[@lashaunkinard1118]

I have streamlined down to one B6 notebook I keep and carry with me everywhere along with an Ipad and pencil for writing in my digital planner and digital notebooks..... these are what I keep close by usually at all times... I have a disc bound note book I keep on my office desk for tracking. Before streamlining, I had so many notebooks, and loved it. To help keep my space from being overwhelmed, I have been trying to keep a little less and it seems to be helping so far. 🙂

[@tenayamkd3229]

I’ve definitely felt that exact sort of overwhelm with having too many notebooks going! Ive had to accept that I can only keep up with 4ish on a day to day basis. I like to use customizable systems like travelers notebooks, binders, discs, etc to combine whatever I can into one space and then I only have separate notebooks/planners for the things that I feel like I absolutely have to have separated out for them to be functional (my personal journal and my writing journal) I hope you find a solution that works for you!! 😊 If I won the giveaway I’d love the Erin Condren notebook 😊

[@andrea28655]

I have one planner with an additional 10 journals. 1 journal is my daily brain dump of what is going on; 1 is to track exercising; 1 is my gratitude journal (one page, one day a week); 1 journal I write down story ideas in; 2 journals I keep notes and hints on writing better; 1 journal I'm tracking my challenge to read a poem, short story, and essay each for 1,000 days; 1 journal to keep track of the movies I've seen and my impressions; 1 journal to track the books I'm reading or listening to and my impressions; and finally, 1 journal for tracking my writing submissions and feedback/rejections/one day an acceptance/win. I'm not feeling overwhelmed because each journal has a specific purpose and I'm not in everyone of them every day or even every week. My planner is the only one I'm in every single day at least once though usually more than one time a day.

[@HeartBreathings]

Yes I love to hear this process!!! I feel drawn to something similar because I like having things separate like that. I think your uses sound really focused.

[@JDawnKing]

THIS!!! I was wasting too much time trying to decide which journal to write in each night so I took my barely used Hobonichi A6 and gave myself five minutes (yes, I use a timer) to splash stickers on a page. I’m going broke buying awesome book/writer stickers but I LOVE my Hobonichi now. It is fat and chunky and it sparks so much joy. I can’t tell you how good it feels to hold. As soon as this is full at the end of the year I’m going to choose another partially used journal to use my Tombow markers to doodle. Again, five minutes each day. These Notebook challenges have reminded my why I love journals. Thanks, Sarra!

[@JDawnKing]

Please don’t enter me since I am buried in planners. Best wishes to the one who wins.

[@HeartBreathings]

There is a definite satisfaction to watching it get full and well loved!

[@DeeBlaregold]

I love notebooks! I think, I started the year with 11. I told myself in 2023, I want to narrow it down to only 7. Daily journal, business, reading/movie (a must), Christian journal (a must), Dream, work (my job) and gratitude/intuition fun journal. These are enjoyable.🥰 I'd like to record everything else electronically. That's another challenge for me.😅

[@AndreaJCline]

I definitely understand planner FOMO! I have so many planners that I ended up never using that I bought just because they were pretty 😂. Honestly though my ADHD only lets me have a single journal at a time because anything else quickly falls into the ‘out of sight out of mind’ category. That’s why I love bullet journaling so much, because I could literally throw whatever I want into there and keep everything organized using page numbers and the index. It’s organized chaos!

[@WrestlingwithBooks]

When I was in Junior High my friends and I kept a notebook we’d pass back and forth to each other instead of passing notes. As an adult, I think having a notebook penpal where you send the notebook back and forth would be a really unique way to keep in touch and even share stickers or small supplies!

[@shenellmaye11]

I always find your transparency to be so brave . I totally get the overwhelming feeling of too many notebooks. I had my daily planner, my faith planner notebook hybrid my reading journal and my story notebook. Because who doesn't like all the things . I felt sad cause it wasn't working so sometime in August I decided to put it all in one a5 binder (that I switch monthly thanks for the suggestion) I only have one month at a time for planning but it is ok I have a day job section personal section with all things reading health faith business with books and content (blog newsletters Soical Media) and budget. It sounds like a lot and she is a chunkier but it helps. All that to say I pray you get the system that is best for you .

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you for this! I maybe should think about inserts for my A5 to see if I can simplify. And yes the sadness of not using so6 the things is real too!

[@katiem7142]

It’s so hard to decide which notebooks and journals to use when there are so many lovely ones we want to try! I hope you can find a way forward next year that brings you more peace and helps you embrace your love of stationery too 😊

[@definitelynotskynet]

Definitely simplify. I just had this conversation with my therapist. I had been keeping a mood tracking journal but it made the chopping block. So often words come into my head that belong on paper, but they never make it there because I didn’t bring the right notebook with me. So my suggestion for you, definitely combine your gratitude and manifestation books. That feels like just a good vibes only book. Your personal journal and morning pages could also be combined. Keep the media journal, but let go of thinking about the finish line. Just focus on the next entry. I got lost in your work and home life planning books, so I’ll bet there’s room for combining or trimming there. I love you channel and I’m rooting for you. You’ve inspired me to give nano a go this month, which feels good even if I never let anyone read my word vomit.

[@christiannaauthor]

I have committed to way to many notebooks Im going to try the rings system this year to help combine somethings I do most of my planning on my breaks at work so having it all in one spot I think will be helpful. and boy do I feel you on the struggle of finding time for self between work and family. Great video thank you!

[@patricialivangood3748]

Notebooks are life for writers. That seems to be a theme lately for me too. Just take it easy on yourself and when the time is right you'll find the balance you're seeking.

[@dkannapan]

I have tons of notebooks going in parallel too - a handful by topic, and one catch-all for everything else. The key to not getting overwhelmed: they are all undated. Some take years to fill, some take months, and I don’t worry about it.

[@nikkismith2858]

I've been loving watching your nanowritmo diaries it's very inspiring and relaxing to watch. Xx

[@clsmls2]

I admire your ambition with your notebooks…no advice for 2023….glad your children are on the mend

[@milicag7]

omg I'm in exactly the same situation with the "free-time" paralysis! please keep sharing how you're dealing with it 😅

[@maiagaskell4216]

I'm so glad you're in the same boat as me Sarra! I think it's hard because it's looking at your future self and your ideal lifestyle, but life is never that simple 🤷‍♀️ That's just the way it is. But I think if I was you, I would make a list of all the notebooks I'm using and their purpose, notebooks you haven't used yet and what you plan to use them for and narrow down your choices that way. Like you said, combine notebooks that are ideal to you and see if there's a loop hole that you're overseeing. I hope this helps and I look forward to seeing your progress 🥰

[@SallySueSaywhatagain]

I feel a bit the same re: getting overwhelmed. I love the idea of a different notebook for each different aspects of life, but after a few tries to do something like that, I'm coming to the conclusion that I can't maintain more than one at a time. If it's not sitting open on my desk, I won't use it, and if there's more than one open notebook on my desk, I get distracted by the clutter. But I am going to try having a separate notebook for each WIP, so that I can switch between projects without cluttering up my thinking space with multiple stories. Am about to crank into my new notebook for my new WIP, so we'll see how that goes, lol...

[@brittney3165]

i made a point in 2022 to avoid the impulsive "yes" at every work or personal project drifting into my view. It's been a painful game-changer. Glad to hear that you're looking for ways to scale back in a way that doesn't feel like you're depriving yourself. Always appreciate the willingness to try something new and report what does and doesn't work.

[@cukrkandl]

I started binge-watching your videos this November and you inspired me to start using one of my (many) notebooks, so I started a daily journal! 💜

[@garnetmooncrow99]

I love that you are honoring yourself and your need for reset. Much love to you.

[@KaceyEzellWriterLife]

oooh Sarra! (Catching the Replay) You're singing the song of my people when it comes to feeling that the plate is full, but still having more new projects and ideas and growth that you want to explore. And that bit about having only an hour and feeling decision paralysis as to how to spend it... I get it! 100% there with you!

[@pewcat]

If you haven't seen it already, Cindy Guentert-Baldo put out a video recently about how she reevaluates her planner system and I think that could be really helpful! I'm looking forward to applying her method to my current system and see what might be worth changing come 2023.

[@cate5029]

Cindy's video was awesome and I know Sarra will really be motivated by it...I mean she uses index cards...totally Sarra!!

[@leialohahumpherys]

Always love the notebook challenges and feel so encouraged to start using my notebooks!!! Thank you for your honesty and authenticity!!! Hope the kids get feeling all the way better soon!!! 💙💙💙

[@salomebeukes]

All the hugs, Sarra!! I so understand how you're feeling right now - I've had to scale down my notebooks/journals/planners as well as I hated it more having them partially completed. What I've come to is 1 planner for planning (HB90), and 1 notebook for bookrelated things (separated into sections for each book, which includes notes, character arcs, plot/edit notes etc.) and 1 notebook for 'me stuff' so I have daily entries which I've schedule time for in my day which includes journaling, tarot reads, gratitude lists and manifesting. I color code the edges of the pages so I can see from a glance what I did on which days (if that makes sense, almost like a commonplace book) That way I work through the notebooks rather quickly and get the joy of replacing them when full :)

[@elizabethw.9042]

Hi Sarra! You are doing great on the writing! I know you are behind where you want to be, but you will get there!! As far as notebooks go I think your A5 binder staying is a must keep. Then, just from seeing you work I feel like your EC monthly calendars work great as your editorial calendars and I would keep them. And of course keep your current plotting notebook for your current work(s). The story notebook, manifestation notebook, gaming notebook, etc. I would consider those hobby notebooks. Have your hobby notebooks on a shelf and come to them when you want to do them. They last as long as they last. No rush. As far as my notebooks, I currently have 6 going. There's my work planner, personal planner, my regular journal, my manifestation journal, my reading notes notebook (for notes from non-fiction), and my training courses notebook. I may add a social media planner soon. My reading notes notebook has been going for 3 years! So I say do what works for you!! If I do win, I would like the mosaic notebook please. Thank you!!

[@tinapullen6421]

Love all your notebooks. I am trying to decide what notebooks I am going to use for 2023. I did decide to put away any notebooks that I didn't finish, and call it a wash and start over. Nano was going ok, but now I am stuck. 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@mariannederjean7067]

I think that your word is 'simplify'. I did that a few years ago in my craft room.... and came to realise that if I do not use what I buy, there is no point, also stuff creates stress. So I now have 1 planner where I write work and life in. All in one place. Think of alike with alike. Social media/work/courses together. Manifestation/6mfl/gratitude/games/reading/nurturing together. And then your book plotter by itself. One thing I did for myself was to withdraw from subscriptions, as they only created a need for something I already had plenty of if that make sense. The space and calm it created is better. For now in my life. That goes with simplifying. You are on a journey and doing great.

[@lindaa1540]

I use one journal as a catch-all for everything right now, for memory keeping, lists of things to do, lists of things I've accomplished, quotes I find, cartoons, brain dump, etc. So far, so good, but I don't think I could keep up with more than one or two. Wish I could! I certainly do love my paper playthings!

[@crystalpackard4117]

I have a lovely Happy planner that I decorate monthly, but I haven't been using it. Instead, I've been using a simple to-do list notebook that has adorable woodland creatures on the cover, lol! At first I felt guilty, but then i said "You know, the simple one works so go with it!" As for what I'm reading, I'm finally going to startHolly Black's Folk of Air Series. Yay! Thanks for another great video!

[@HeartBreathings]

Oh good!!! You will love it!!

[@jenniferbaumer1654]

Definitely in the same place. Too many planners and can't imagine giving up any of them. Writing in them makes me happy. Having a dedicated Tarot planner makes me happy and consistent. Each planner has a purpose, even if it's just that it's pretty (Daphne's Diary, which I rarely remember to use, but love.) No solutions to the too many! Do what makes us happy!

[@ddlorenzo]

The process of pivoting is a living, breathing thing. We love something, then need to pivot because of other changes. I love your honesty. I think this video is going to help many people to take some pressure off themselves. ♥️

[@barbaralucas6915]

I look forward to the notebook challenge every month. I get so many good ideas for things I can try.

[@lleary7979]

I keep two different planners on the go at all times. One is for life and family etc and, the other is for my writing and to keep track of my book plans. Then, I have a small notebook I keep with me all the time to jot notes, thoughts, to do's etc. They do sometimes cross over but, I find that helpful because I can't forget things then. Hee hee.

[@themagicalkat]

Notebook paralysis is definitely a thing!! I have so many beautiful notebooks I’m afraid to use.. but you’re inspiring me to maybe get creative with my printer and make something a little less stunning and a little more utility-focused for my NaNo project!

[@rosebud447]

Great video! Love all the notebooks. I just bought a happy notebook today to keep track of the publishing and writing. Was going to use separate notebooks but since this was a three section notebook, decided to use it for both. See how it works.

[@joannalewis9441]

You amaze me with how much you do get done! Paper, planners, pens and stickers make me happy too!. I made junk journals during the lockdown that I use for monthly memory keeping, often forgetting to write in them for days. My goal for 2023 is to create my own disc system with leftovers from old planners and ephemera that makes me happy💜thanks Sarra

[@JillianFlodstrom]

Did you see Cindy’s recent video about choosing planners for next year? I found it super helpful because I love having tons of planner options but I really need to narrow down what I’m using for next year too. Can’t wait to see your follow up video on this process!

[@HeartBreathings]

I haven't watched it yet but it's on my list! Need to watch that tomorrow!

[@cate5029]

OMGOSH you are so right. That video with not cards is so up Sarra's alley!!! It was an excellent video and I am so grateful to her for it.

[@Elizabeth-wr7mn]

I totally feel you on the overwhelming notebook thing. I did have a catch all notebook once with literally everything in one notebook. Tarot spreads, book notes etc. I really liked it. But I didn’t really stick with it once it was full. I might go back to it though.

[@emilysewell6360]

Reevaluating how your routine is working for you is essential. If you don't reevaluate to determine what's working and what's not, you can fall into a rut that continues to overwhelm you. It's great that you are looking at which notebooks you are utilizing and are beneficial to you now. If you decide to set aside one you enjoy because of time issues or whatever, it doesn't mean you can't pick it back up once your circumstances change. I think this a very healthy exercise!

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you so much for this encouragement!!

[@jekaterinapetrakova4508]

I can understand you so much. We do love the notebooks and writing in them!

[@marissas9642]

I always love these monthly notebook challenge videos! Maybe you could assign yourself a day of the week when you would write in each notebook. Manifesting Monday's and Gaming notebook Friday's. If you have a half hour of free time, you could do a timed set for each notebook. The smallest bit of progress is better than none.

[@EMenozzi]

In the last couple years I have found myself branching notebooks off for specific purposes, all for really rational, logical reasons that mostly end up coming down to the time horizon I expect to be using that notebook for (ex: expectation that my reading journal or a plotting notebook / story journal will be in use for at least a year while my BuJo will maybe only last me for 6-9 months). However, I've been having a similar experience of dedicated notebooks not getting used for a variety of reasons. So, I'm seriously considering consolidating EVERYTHING into my bullet journal for 2023. That said, I don't "BuJo" like the pretty Amanda Rach Lee style spreads. I try to stick more to the original Ryder Carroll method. If you haven't read The Bullet Journal Method (book) by Ryder Carroll, I highly recommend checking it out. Even if you decide that's not the right thing for you, it might give you some good ideas on how to consolidate.

[@WrestlingwithBooks]

I definitely resonate with having one miscellaneous notebook for gratitude, manifesting etc. As much as I love notebooks and as many as I have, I get overwhelmed!! New to your channel and it’s making me so happy!!!

[@HeartBreathings]

Welcome!! So happy you're enjoying the videos!

[@shelbyanderson3304]

I always love watching the notebook challenges. I am trying to finalize my planner lineup for 2023 ,too, so it's fun to see how other people are starting out.

[@charberss]

I don't need another journal...I don't need another journal... And yet I buy it anyway! I can't help but love them and I do use them for projects, or for work... My collection grows more than it dwindles, but I've always had a love for the notebooks. I've found my crew! ☺️🥰🥳 Can't wait to binge more of your videos! A notebook challenge? Can't wait!

[@rosalee3522]

All of your notebooks are very creative and inspiring. I’ve enjoyed following along with your NaNoWriMo diaries. At the end of Day 12, I’m at 21,645 words. Go Sarra Go! 💜

[@HeartBreathings]

Wow you're doing great!

[@nicolabagworth4321]

Hi Sarra, your words resonated with me so much, I used to keep different notebooks for different activities, but it got to a point where I had no time to complete any of them, I basically felt like a rabbit in car headlights, it really got me down. When I finally did get around to picking up my well-being journal I hadn't written in it for about two weeks, and this made me feel even worse. It finally reached a climax, and I just had to sit down and admit that I was not failing, but failing myself. I had put myself under so much pressure trying to complete so many different tasks that it all just fell apart. (this is just my example, we are all different), so, despite the pain it caused me to collect up all my incomplete notebooks and put them all back on the shelf, a part of me sighed in relief. I spent the evening with my family, then the next morning, I made a quick list of all the absolutely critical things I had to complete in a day, of course, getting the family sorted, what brought in my income, and then my writing, because, after those three things nothing else mattered, I combined all the important information in a Hobonichi Cousin, using the daily pages at the back to combine wellness, my thoughts on the day etc, I decorated it on the same day I wrote in it, so that made me feel happy again. I have a hello kitty notebook for any meetings, and my happy planner for my writing, that's it. I had gone from 10 books to 3 and these 3 were the only 3 I really needed. I've written 31,599 words to today for Nanowrimo, but if I hadn't had the time to organise myself and feel back in control, I would have failed like I did last year. It was really difficult to change my habits and it made me unhappy for a short time, but now I won't look back. I still buy notebooks, and one day I will use them. Thank you so much for your Nanowrimo planner this year, it's helped me so much. Take care x

[@mxsirhc]

I look forward to these videos every month.

[@t.s.611]

I have been struggling with the exact same thing this year! I am the kind of person who needs a lot of me time to be a happy and even functional human, and I just wasn't getting enough of it! What I've done so far is take an extra day a week off. Obviously, I still have obligations on that day off, but I only perform the ones that absolutely cannot be pushed to another day, like walking the dog and cooking. House chores can wait, errands can wait, etc. I spend my time that day each week focusing on what I *want* to do and not what I feel I should do. At first the choices were overwhelming, so the night before, I'd pick 2 or 3 activities that were calling out to me most and choose from those the next day. This has made such a huge difference for me! I am able to be more present and enthusiastic with my partner on the weekends, I'm not nearly as grumpy or tired all the time, and my focus during working hours has improved! I know you're a mom, so your list of obligations is longer than mine, but maybe each week you could take half a day or even just a few hours off for just yourself? It's made such a positive impact for me, so may be worth a try for you, too! (I tried focusing on one thing at a time for a while, but it turned out I'm too much of a mood-based media consumer/hobbyist for that to work long-term. Now I just go with whatever feels most fun or exciting at the time!)

[@HeartBreathings]

I love this!

[@francineh.7825]

Because I live in a very small cottage I don't have too many notebooks so I keep spiritual/meditation one, one for my notes for writing, and one for courses I may take. My problem lies that I am an artist so I have several sketchbooks and then common place notebooks for all of my random squirrel ideas haha. I've been trying to really simplify my life as well to counterbalance, I guess, this stress the world is experiencing so like you trying to find balance in life.

[@pamdwriter]

1. I'm glad your children are feeling better. 2. You look cute in braids. 3. I hear you about being behind with NaNo. I'm currently 2000+ words behind, so you're not alone. 3. Regarding your notebooks, it sounds like you have a good idea what's needed so you can achieve the balance you're looking for. I'm picking up on some crusty and perhaps impatience (which is completely natural). Try to give yourself grace and follow your intuition while keeping in mind what you want to achieve. I know, **so** much easier said than done.

[@ellenmariedrummondscurtis]

Your kindness supports us. 💜 So we support you, for just being authentic and brave and strong. I love your content and feel empowered to excel!

[@riotthill]

Beautiful notebook choices - I find most useful for my own use is a single planner / journal for EDC -- for 2023, I've added a study and tarot journals, focusing on weekly and monthly journalling. I keep striving for simplicity, so I don't start feeling guilty. I've also thought of dividing between work, family, self, with weekly spreads that incorporate a sliding scale employing time blocks -- that way a visual record with helpful feedback to fine tune a comfortable balance. I'm enjoying your NanoWrimo vlogs.

[@silviaviolet41]

I completely understand the overwhelming choices when you have some free time. I often end up scrolling TikTok because I can’t choose then being frustrated that I didn’t do what I intended. And my personal self care time is what is most likely to be cut. It’s so hard to condense when I love all my notebooks but I think I need to do that too. One thing that helped some this year is using an Erin Condren folio and petite planners so different things were all together in one cover.

[@augustinaiturra8037]

Oh man, I can really relate to this video. I come up with some grand plans for my planners, then repeatedly fall short. It's always so obvious with my Habit Trackers. I feel like I need a Habit Tracker for my Habit Tracker, ugh.

[@dippiehippie9211]

I've definitely been feeling like I have too many notebooks and planners. I was totally inspired by your Frankenplanning of Erin Condren products to do the same for 2023. Instead of your 6 months in each, I set mine up with 3 months, so that I could fit in a whole bunch of pages of things I want to keep track of.

[@Jens9526]

Thank you for this today! I’ve been loving the NaNoWriMo Diaries videos.❤

[@lindsayseals4082]

I like the OG idea of one notebook at a time which may help simplify. ❤️

[@nicholewatson8452]

I have a planner for each project and a planner that has important dates and things for all of my projects. Each project has its own binder. I love these videos and learning what others are doing to be organized.

[@kaitlynne95]

Seems like you have a hard choice ahead there Sarra! I really like using a variety of notebooks and planners too but I often let things fall by the wayside when life gets busy. I have decided to simplify a bit next year, bringing my work planner and general life planner in to one and having one journal. That doesn't mean I wont hoard and collect notebooks to use because I am a magpie!

[@stephanie0311]

That punctuate journal is beautiful! The colors make me so happy :)

[@victoriarabbit9883]

If your notebooks make you happy, I don't think you should stop using them. I have several and some time ago I was frustrated I couldn't use them more. When I realized they were stressing me instead of bringing me joy, I took the conscious decision of using them when I was in the mood, and not stressing about completing them. I know this sounds silly, but for me it was a big thing. Now, I have a 2022 planner that is completely blank, and it makes me happy just looking at the pretty cover, matching with the ones from the last years; I am no longer stressed about it being blank. This is not a recommendation, I'm just letting you know what worked for me. I hope you find your "notebook peace". In the meantime, I'll cross my fingers and manifest the lovely notebook with the flowers that you are giving away (it would sparkle my work days). Good luck with whatever decision you make. 💖

[@HeartBreathings]

Oh such a great reminder about mindset!!

[@OnlineTherapistGroup]

I'm definitely the phoenix style too!!! We are all just figuring it out...what works for us personally. The phoenix has worked well for me for a time, and sometimes in the past it hasn't. I'm starting to get to a place where I feel rested enough that working a bit each day seems to be working...for now.

[@ailismckinney1750]

I don’t have any suggestions for downsizing but I do love when you do the notebook challenge. I am a paper nut so I do love these. Thank you for everything that you do for us.

[@LuskaTheWusky]

I’ve only recently gotten back into buying planners and notebooks. I had hoarded so many and grew out of them quickly with ich resulted in me only using 2-20 pages before retiring it. But since getting a happy planner I’ve gotten much better about it. Been using it for 4 months now and it’s been amazing. I’m super behind on my NaNo word count as well. Fiancé got Covid a couple days before Halloween so it was too chaotic to hammer out the goals like I had wanted. But I’m past 6,000 words and excited to get some sprints in today! Thank you for always being so inspiring 💜

[@cam632]

Hi Sarra, sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do, you know? For you, that might be scaling back on some obligations next year until you can find the right balance again and it's perfectly okay! Don't beat yourself up too much. Sometimes, we have to refill the well or how else are we going to pour into others? I'm just loving the honesty in your vlogs. Helps me feel seen. Loved this notebook challenge😍

[@HeartBreathings]

Such wise words thank you!

[@anacosta5635]

Hey Sarra, thank you so much for taking the time to do this video during Nano! I’m feeling quite the same with the non-use of some of precious journals and notebooks… BUT, thanks to you and your tireless inspiration, they’ve all been set up and used to some degree instead of sitting pretty and collecting dust 😅. Love both the giveaways btw.

[@elegantgrannytv]

Love all the notebooks, Sara! Sometimes, there are no easy answers to manage them all. I once stressed over at least 12. I have managed an easier system for myself with 3 categories: planning, time, working (now sticking to only 3). This way anything that could fall under any of those, goes into those particular notebooks and I'm not stressing over how many I need to keep up with. Each have subject tabs for different things I want to keep up with, but they are all in one of the 3 notebooks. I hope you find a resolution to help you Sara. Both giveaways are beautiful.

[@Samantha_lifecoach4moms]

It’s so funny, because I’ve been feeling the same way about my notebooks and journaling…too many to feel the joy. I’m still working on my solution as well, so I wish you so much love on your journey as you dive in for yourself ❤❤

[@timostudios]

I love watching these videos and getting idea's for my own notebooks. it gives me a lot of inspiration

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you!

[@KellysCreativeDreams]

Good morning, Sarra. Wow... Yeah... I swear you and I are twins in so many aspects of both our past and present selves. I have been working on simplifying. I had several planners/ notebooks I wanted to use this year but never seemed to get to all of them for one reason or another. I'm still hoping to modify so I can add 2 of them back into the mix for 2023. You are the conductor of your own life. Don't let anyone else try to muscle in. They don't know you and what you need. I know as the main bread winner, there's a lot of pressure on you. Take time to just snuggle with George and chill. Each day is a new beginning. I think you know that Bob is home 21 days and gone 21 days. I would work like crazy when he's gone so that I didn't have to work as much when he's home. He was home for all of October and gave me a work schedule. He said my business doesn't allow me to work the schedule I have been. I know work 9-5 or 10-6 when he's home. I still worker more hours when he's gone. But it's making a difference to have an actual BUSINESS type of work schedule. I'm getting more time to play/ relax. I'll try to remember to post my task bar sheet in the HB90 group. We got you, girl! Love & Hugs

[@kellyrees4619]

Hi Sarra! At somepoint we all hit our stride amongst the chaos of inspiration. Take your time and enjoy your pretty things. My only suggestion would be to try doing your pre-course exercises from Publish and Thrive and do a vision board, or HB90 goal setting day, and then have one notebook per those 3 goals? That would get you down to 3 notebooks. (And then maybe just a "scribbles notebook" which could be a catch-all for random thoughts. Sending you happy thoughts, Sarra!

[@chanelpayne4789]

Notebook challenge video is my favorite! This message has totally resonated with me! Thank you! I too need to scale back or reorganize how I am using them. I get caught up on the filling out and organizing and not the doing of the things that will move me forward.

[@tracyover50naturally]

Sara, I think it’s so helpful for You to make the videos - for us and for you! I have the same notebook struggles. Notebooks are amazing! I look forward to seeing how you design 2023, and I will be doing the same for myself. It’s always work that pays off. ❤