I have over 25 notebooks. Some are still empty, some are ripped, torn, and filled with scribbles of thoughts and ideas. There are stories written in the pages. Between the stories are plans for the future, my ultimate cops and robbers team, and random thoughts I had that just had to be written down. These books are more truthful about my life over the years than any picture album my parents could put together… And much sloppier.
Despite being messy, unorganized, and confusing, I have two very strict rules when it comes to my notebooks.
- Never let anyone see what’s inside. Your notebooks are your safe space. No one else is allowed in. If you ever do want to share something,
either open to that specific page or just paraphrase. - Be honest. Now that you know no one is supposed to see what’s inside, be honest with yourself. If something’s bugging you about what your friend is doing and you’re either not sure what it is or how to tell them, write it down until you figured it out. The only person who can judge you here is you.
I’m a writer, that’s why I have so many notebooks. But I had notebooks even before I knew I was a writer. When I was younger, I wrote down or drew anything I could think of. It was so cool to be able to put down any idea, drawing, or story, and have it all in one place where no one could see it unless I let them. As I got older, my notebook collection grew to what I have today, when I can barely keep track of them all.
I believe everyone should have at least three notebooks — let me explain why.
The Planning Notebook
I use my notebooks to sketch plans out for the future. I have lists of what I’ll need when I move out. I have daily to-do lists and reminders for the week.
It’s helpful to have a “brain dump” every once in a while, especially if you have a lot on your plate one week. Handwriting is slower than typing, so you’re forced to organize your thoughts as you put them down. It gives you a chance to remember things you might have forgotten, and I always feel calmer and more in control when I do this.
This notebook can also have five-year plans, possible career paths, backup plans, and gift ideas for friends.
The Feelings Notebook
This notebook is filled with all your deep concerns, the things that worry you, the stuff that makes you happy. This is where you get the most personal.
Out of all the notebooks you have, this one is especially private. It’s not supposed to be pretty, organized, or reread by anyone, including you. Write how you feel, then turn to a new page and don’t let yourself read it.
Find the best way to let your emotions out here. Draw a picture of how you feel, write a poem or a short story, pretend you’re talking to a friend and you have to explain what’s going on.
The Ideas Notebook
Do you have an idea for a tv show? Did you just hear a quote you found inspiring? Did you think of a new business idea? Write it down here. If you’re ever lacking in ideas one day, just crack open this baby and find something to
Write out the stories you want to workshop. Draw a map of your dream house. Make up a recipe. Experiment with a new style of writing or poetry. Learn a new word and write it down.
My notebooks are not as organized as this. Sometimes I’m looking for an idea I wrote down and have to avert my eyes when I come across a feelings page. I have a notebook that is only a half-finished first draft of a novel. The first half of one notebook is a weird mix of ideas and feelings, and the second half is purely day-to-day planning. Yet another notebook is slowly being filled with all the memories I have with my best friend to be given to her as a present in the future.
It may sound dramatic, but I don’t know what I’d do without my notebooks. They are extensions of myself, and I’ve prevented many embarrassing social media melt-downs and spams by writing down my concerns or ideas beforehand.
Even if you’re not a writer by trade, everyone can benefit from having these notebooks. Get into the habit of using them and I promise your life will seem more organized and under control.