Two Years Later: My Bullet Journal Journey

Back in January 2024, I wrote about my fascination with bullet journaling and junk journaling — the aesthetics, the creative possibilities, the relaxing feeling of designing spreads and adding stickers and die cuts. At the time, my journals were mostly unused, and I felt guilty for not having the time to commit to them.

A year later, I’m happy to report some progress: I finally found the time to create a bullet journal that I consistently fill in every month. I’m now in my second year of journaling, and the difference is remarkable.

I’ve learned what works for me: which spreads I actually use, which decorations enhance my pages without overwhelming them, and what I want to track versus what I can skip. My design has improved, I’m more intentional about my layouts, and I’ve embraced the balance between aesthetics and functionality. It’s no longer a source of guilt — it’s become a creative habit I genuinely enjoy.

Looking back, I see the first year as a learning period — figuring out what I wanted, what I could realistically do, and how to integrate it into my busy life. This year, journaling feels like a reward rather than a task. It’s become my little corner of calm and creativity amidst a busy schedule of work, travel, band activities, and family life.

Bullet journaling has shown me that even small, consistent efforts can grow into something meaningful and beautiful. And while I still admire junk journaling, I’ve found a rhythm that works for me — one page at a time, one month at a time, and with a lot less guilt along the way.

Balancing Pasta and Pressure: Life Lately

Earlier this month, I had a much-needed evening out with a couple of friends. We discovered a unique Italian restaurant that had actual Fiat car parts incorporated into its décor—definitely not something you see every day! It made for a fun and memorable dining experience, and the food didn’t disappoint either. Those kinds of spontaneous nights out are always a great reminder to enjoy the lighter moments when you can.

On the work front, things have been far less relaxing.

We've had a couple of major projects roll out recently, and unfortunately, both ran into issues. The core problem? Key stakeholders weren’t looped in ahead of the changes, which led to confusion and miscommunication across teams. It’s been a frustrating situation—especially when you're trying to manage the chaos and still find yourself on the receiving end of the criticism.

One project, in particular, aimed to streamline operations by eliminating an estimated 25–30 delivery routes per week—a target we’re now successfully meeting. Ironically, the transportation director, who led that project and was informed of the planned reductions, is now concerned about having drivers without enough work. It’s one of those classic “cannot win for losing” moments.

Amidst the stress, there was a new opportunity for growth: leadership in action. Our department managers recently asked the supervisors to start leading our weekly meetings. I was the first one asked to step up. While public speaking isn't exactly in my comfort zone, I leaned into the challenge—and even added a little humor by creating nicknames for each of the supervisors based on the areas they oversee. It helped break the ice, and hopefully set a tone that the rest of the team will feel comfortable following.

It’s been a month of mixed experiences—some energizing, some draining—but all reminders of how unpredictable both work and life can be. I'm learning (and re-learning) that sometimes, a good meal and a laugh with friends can be just as important as meeting deadlines and running meetings.