Bullet journaling has been popular since 2013, when digital product designer and author, Ryder Carroll, created bulletjournal.com. Bullet journals are essentially a fun organization of thoughts, homework, drawings, and more. They’re customizable. One can fill a journal with sketches, to-do lists, physics homework, inspirational quotes, and more! It’s easy, it’s all in one place, and it’s motivating.

The history of bullet journaling itself is inspirational. Carroll was diagnosed with learning disabilities in childhood. Bullet journaling was an innovative and alternative approach to learning disabilities that helped Carroll be productive and focused in school. Carroll considers bullet journaling to be “the art of intentionaliving” and “mindfulness disguised as a productivity system.” Carroll hopes the practitioners of BuJo live meaningful and purposeful lives.

Journaling can even boost creativity and productivity by giving a peace of mind through organization and artistry. Shawnee freshman Maggie S says bullet journaling “…inspires me to be more creative. It gives me the freedom to write about whatever I want.” ‘BuJo’ can also help avoid consumptive behavior.

There are some misconceptions about bullet journaling that makes many curious people hesitant to start their BuJo adventure. One misconception is that it takes too much time. One can work on the journal on their own time, even if they just write in it once a week. 

Another misconception is that you have to be good at drawing in order to bullet journal. Bullet journaling does not have to include artsy drawings, it can be purely notes and lists. Maggie says her bullet journal is where she writes about “fun moments with friends or poems.” If drawing isn’t your thing, you could try stickers, stamps, washi tape, or other crafting options. The good part about bullet journaling is that you don’t need a lot of supplies. A couple pens could do the trick.

Since bullet journaling is versatile, anyone can do it, at any time. Whether you like art, appreciate having organized notes, write poetry, love music, enjoy keeping diary entries, doodling, or even just writing your thoughts, all you need is a journal and a pen to express yourself. You do you the BuJo way.