Helen Horton

My Journal

In Helen's Words. What was the journey? How have you approached your journal writing?

I’m a Technical Writer. I spend five or more hours every weekday writing resumes, cover letters, blog posts, emails, instructions, tip sheets, proposals, and more.

For the 2023 Reunion Challenge, I am not logging any professional writing. It’s inspiring and motivating personal composition. My time comprises journal entries, letters, To Do lists, and ad hoc. Since the Reunion Challenge started, I’ve already upticked time spent on personal writing.

For background on my current method, in October 2020, I talked with Holly about her Bullet Journal. She described its flexibility, customizable by each person. A list maker since High School, I loved the idea. My thoughts leaned to combining journal writing with my daily checklist.

I ordered Ryder Carroll’s book, “The Bullet Journal Method” which arrived the next day. An easy read, I consumed essentials before the day ended. I researched multiple bullet journal options on the internet and set forth how I wanted to design and format it. Over the next few days, I converted a journal I already had from the Princeton Architectural Press. A cloth-covered book with 120-weight paper, I love the eight repeating grid designs and line-less canvas. With 140 pages, it lasts for four months, leaving a few extra pages to track dedicated notes. I don’t fill up every page. Some days writing is limited to capturing my To Do list. Other days I write few additional words. More densely written, some pages fill and even spill onto the next page.

My TO DO list keeps me on track, but most importantly, it means I’m cracking open my journal every day. I might write what I cooked for dinner, a brainstorm idea, or a gratitude note. Scaffolding without rules.