When Things Go Wrong - Traveler's Notebook Journal Edition

I think it's important to step back and remember the original reasons for doing something! Thank you for listening.
/ stationery.shenanigans

[@TheKoffeeVerse]

Sorry to hear you are struggling. It happens to all of us. There is nothing wrong with taking a break from "planning". Just use the bare minimum to track your schedule and a plain notebook if you happen to feel the desire to journal or draw. This is for YOU not for your "audience". And as for "aesthetic" I don't play that game... If I like it is what matters not what anyone else thinks. I followed you on Instagram. Enjoy your vacation and don't stress over the aesthetic.

[@stationery.shenanigans]

Thank you for your support and kind words! I think it's really easy to get caught up in the "aesthetic" of everything - it feels like 90% of the channels and content about stationery are to make things look perfectly. My planner and journal are messy and therefore I am overthinking things. You are right, stick with the basics and see! Thanks again

[@deborahlynn9294]

Sending a comforting hug. It’s perfectly okay to step back for awhile when feeling overwhelmed and tend to self care. Even the things we love can become too much at times. But after a break, it’s easier to come back with a fresh perspective. For what it’s worth, I love the way you set up your tn! Have a restful and fun vacation!

[@stationery.shenanigans]

Thank you for your support and kind words! I decided it's better to just be real and not edit anything out. It was almost a weight on my shoulders getting heavier as I was trying to decide how to set up this TN. I also had a fear that I wouldn't even use it afterwards, which is a symptom of a bigger problem! I'm going to take a step back and breathe, it can only help! Thanks again

[@saintvltn]

I was there as well, and just like you it was not a schlump. It was well over a year where I felt I didn’t have anything to write about, or anything worth writing about. I was down bad and still kind of am hahaha but when it came to journaling it was just about starting small. I started with just a passport insert that I set no expectations for. I just tried to write about whatever I was feeling, negative or positive because it helped me reflect. That self reflection provided some understanding, by no means were they the answers to my problems, but they helped me identify that journaling was important and it allowed me to find joy in it again. Then I started with a bigger journal with a focus in gratitude, I really only journaled when I had good days, and then I challenged myself with starting up my weeks again. Which later helped me complete a daily journal for the month of June! Again, I still don’t feel like I’m 100% myself but I think what got me to this point was setting small goals and remembering to have kindness for myself. As you can see from the comments, we’ve all been there, to me it’s a reminder to not to be too hard on yourself. Best!

[@stationery.shenanigans]

First of all, I'm sorry for the delay in my reply! I've been traveling for over 2 weeks and haven't kept up with my normal day-to-day. I'm eager to get home at this point lol. When you write in your Passport insert, are you using it with a cover or just the notebook itself? Because that is interesting. You're right, self-reflection is not only important but sometimes the only opportunity we get to do that is through journaling. My problem is sometimes I am getting too self reflective and start to overthink things LOL. Then I get hung up on those nostalgic feelings and it's all I can think about for a few days (not sure if this is making sense). Do you like to journal at night or maybe throughout the day? Thanks for commenting and I am also on Instagram @stationery.shenanigans where I chat there as well! Cheers!

[@saintvltn]

@@stationery.shenanigans I totally understand the feeling. There are times I sit down and I feel I can't focus because I can't let go of something, and it occupies all the space in my head lol. I've recently changed passport covers and I've added a pen holder clip that honestly is only there for decoration. It's no longer able to lay flat so I've had to start separating the insert to write. I like to journal at night. If I begin writing earlier in my day I feel a bit awkward pausing because it feels like I'm going through the rest of my day looking for material to write about (if that makes sense haha). I guess it just feels most organic for me to write once I feel my day is done. I just started a stationery insta! I'll look for you on there once I've fully set it up.

[@stationery.shenanigans]

@@saintvltn It makes total sense to write at the end of the day, my problem is that I am usually mentally too tired to write at night haha - and then if I start writing about stuff, I'll start thinking and it's really difficult for me to turn of my brain to sleep (I'm such a bad sleeper lol) - but I wonder if I write early in the morning after waking up, if that will set me up for a good day!

[@stationery.shenanigans]

@@saintvltn I was just going through my emails and realized I never replied to your comment 😅 Did you start your stationery insta?? Maybe I already follow you.

[@SquibbleDesign]

Sometimes it's good to just step back and take a break! Otherwise if you keep pushing through you might end up burnt out from a hobby that is supposed to bring you joy! Followed you over on Insta, hope you have a nice relaxing holiday!

[@stationery.shenanigans]

You are so right and thank for your support and kind words! I used to have so much fun with this but lately it has seemed twice as hard to approach. I'm hoping a short break will cure this. Thanks again!~

[@tortagialla]

Oh no, I’m so sorry you are struggling… I think we can all have low points and it’s also easy to get into a spiral in our heads… I can definitely relate to the weird issue of am I doing what I want to do or am I trying to make content or what’s going on? Sigh… it’s a process! I hope you will be able to rest and recharge!

[@stationery.shenanigans]

I feel like for most of the time I've had my channel, I didn't really struggle with this. I did stuff I enjoyed and people either watched or didn't..either way I was happy. I think taking a step back and breathing will help, I just miss journaling so much! Didn't expect this would happen now that I have off for the summer, in fact, I thought I would. be able to dive in deeper. Go figure! Thanks for your kind words and support.

[@tortagialla]

@@stationery.shenanigans I get the frustration of having time and then maybe not feeling it! lol! Maybe you just need some rest time!

[@PaperPensandCoffee]

oh now so sorry that happened to you. I hate when it gets that frustrating. I understand about the growth of the channel her in YTland. Happy to see you over on IGland. Have a great holiday. You totally deserve it.

[@stationery.shenanigans]

Thank you for your kind words and support! It really does becoming overwhelming to try and grow the YT presence, I feel burned out and lacking creativity. Hopefully it will change soon - I have been doing simple journaling in my capybara notebook at least!

[@zenglyph]

Hi Greg! I'm sorry you're feeling this way ❤ Your year has been a lot, you moved, changed jobs and took on difficult school work, that takes a lot of energy. I hear ya about feeling like you have to plan for KZbin, I find myself feeling this way too. I also want you to know that you are the reason I kept up with my KZbin channel when I started it - you were the first person to comment and make me feel seen and I am forever grateful to you for that ❤❤❤ Take a break, pick a journal you won't show anyone and journal in it just for you. Take care!!! See you on IG. ❤

[@stationery.shenanigans]

Thank you for making my day!! I'm so glad you kept going with your channel, because look at it now! I'm learning that there is always a group[ of people, somewhere, whether silent or not, who can build a community and DO watch your videos, even if it doesn't always feel like it! I started doing some journaling in my capybara notebook and I already feel so much better!!

[@zenglyph]

@@stationery.shenanigans Absolutely! There are "out" people out there for each of us! You are achieving so much already with your university work, it's incredible! I think you just need an awesome restful summer break and enjoy yourself! Capybaras are adorable and a capybara notebook is the perfect solution! 🥰

[@lisahessabi4089]

Do what makes you happy and allow yourself to go with the flow, and enjoy your summer!

[@stationery.shenanigans]

Thank you for your kind words and support! Yes, I need to just do what I enjoy and let the rest happen. Do you have any fun summer plans?

[@dlmarsh1916]

I love your comment about not hoarding our special stuff. Enjoy your break. Rest up. Come back refreshed.

[@stationery.shenanigans]

Thank you for your kind words and support! I've been thinking about making a video (series?) about using my "special" stuff because I don't want to save things like that anymore.

[@dlmarsh1916]

I NEED to see that video/series. Part of me wants to just get down to a single fountain pen with black ink and my planner/ journal. I'm ready to let go of some "stuff" but I'm not ready. 😂 Please make the video/s.

[@tatisehn]

In my experience the times when I'm not getting joy from my hobbies are times when work or other areas of my life have been overwhelming and I'm just burnt out. If you aren't enjoying keeping up with all your books maybe keep one as a catch all and then reintroduce other books as you feel like. It shouldn't feel like a chore, you do this for yourself.

[@stationery.shenanigans]

Linda - Tortagalia said something similar and that makes sense. I was going through so many personal life changes in the last 6 weeks, and all during that time I was looking forward to journaling and spending time getting "caught up" on my creative outlets - I didn't stop to think that this was applying some pressure. And yes, you're so right, I'm going to just use one notebook for awhile and let that remind me of what I like! Shouldn't be a chore - it should be fun!

[@tatisehn]

@@stationery.shenanigans remember to take your time, there is no right way to journal, just what works for each of us ❤️

[@iamcheryl3095]

Hey, Greg! I know the feeling of overwhelm, anxiety and all that comes with it. Enjoy your time away and take care of yourself! Happy to see you’re on IG. Feel better soon!

[@stationery.shenanigans]

Thank you so much for your kind words and support! I think just taking a step back for a short while will help me see a more clear picture!

[@tortagialla]

So I have been neglecting my tns - partly because zero travel but also a lot going on. I keep stuffing things in the covers for future journaling but it’s getting crazy. Sigh. Journaling problems, huh? Although I tend to think journaling issues might just be a symptom of other life issues 😂 I hope you have a lovely road trip and can relax and take the pressure off for your summer vacation! I think it’s always okay to take a break from everything and just unplug ❤

[@stationery.shenanigans]

I keep putting things in my epherma bag to journal with later but now it's overflowing! There had been a lot of developments in my career a the university in May and then needing to buy a new card definitely threw me for a loop, maybe it was too much personal change at once!

[@tortagialla]

@@stationery.shenanigans Yes - I tend to think life events really ripple out in weird ways in all parts of our lives but sometimes you don’t see the connection immediately. I hope you vacation will give you rest and inspiration at the same time!

[@h4r4s4r4]

Oh I was there... Usually a different size helps me out! By the way I am drooling over your new setup and I'd use it ASAP! But you do you!

[@stationery.shenanigans]

Thank you so much!! The more I worked on it, the more disappointed I was, and I had a feeling I wouldn't even use it. So maybe I can mix it up again and it will be successful!

[@daviyen]

To answer a question, it's Refill 027 - Regular Size - Watercolor.

[@stationery.shenanigans]

So it was a watercolor one! It's hard to keep track of them.

[@michellealdrich]

Take care Greg - we’ll be here ✨

[@stationery.shenanigans]

Thank you!

[@Sonicas_Studio]

I'm very interested to see your Academic Commonplace book. I'm about to start my PHD and would love some tips for research.

[@stationery.shenanigans]

Oh congratulations on starting your PHD! I just finished my 1st year, and have 4 more. I am going to think about making an academic commonplace book and will for sure make a video. Mostly I have been taking notes in my planner (with pen) and then transferring them onto a Google Drive document where I organize different ideas. I also use GoodNotes app on my iPad to highlight and annotate PDFs.

[@Guammaine]

Your channel or anyone's for that matter does NOT have to be perfect Astetic. I in fact avoid those types of channels because they are unrealistic. Unattainable. Planning on messy because life is messy. If you're planner/ journal is perfectly beautiful. It's Fake. Your fake, and therefore miserable. So don't do that to yourself. This matiralistic Astetic planning side of the community has become a monster. And from someone who was part of the planning community for years. It has been a complete turn of. I rarely watch planner/ journal content anymore. Everyones stuff looks the same.

[@stationery.shenanigans]

Thank you for your kind words and I couldn't agree with you more! It's really hard to carve out something on here that truly represents my life, and probably many other lives as well, because the online stationery community is centered around perfect-and-aesthetically-pleasing things. Sometimes I wonder if people just make up things for their planner, because there is no way they look THAT pretty if you are carrying it around to work, the doctors office, in your car, etc. I don't go into detail much because I'm afraid of offending people - but this is refreshing! I need to just remember to do my own thing and people will find me if they dig it. Thanks again.