I am a very unorganized person. Not detrimentally so, but I often have a lot going on in my brain. Because it is so hard for me to focus and get my life together in other ways, I found one way to help: journaling. Many people think of journaling as this very artsy, girly, calming pastime, and I guess it can be that. The point of journaling and bullet journaling, by extension, is that it can be whatever you want it to be.

I think journaling is especially good for people in college. We are in a very in-between stage in life. Our lives are changing and are very overwhelming in newness and different layers of things we have to remember. Because of this, I've found that journaling can help me keep track of and then look back at everything that changed over a year or even a month in my life.
Here are some different uses of a plain journal:

Memories

Reflection and plain diary entries are not often used in my journal but they certainly are beneficial. It's nice to look back on moments so you can more fully remember what was important to you at that time.

Gratitude journaling

Journaling has given me a way to reflect on things I'm thankful about. I do this monthly, but these lists or daily accounts of gratitude can be formed however you want. It's important for mental health and life perspective to take the time to be thankful for our lives and all the cool things inside of them.

Goal setting

One important use to journaling is goal setting. Whether it's training for a marathon or keeping track of drinking water, journals are great tools to adapt, reflect, and keep track of your goals.

Calendar

While I don't use my journal for this, many people use bullet journals, otherwise known as plain journals, as calendars. Whether weekly or monthly or daily, using all of this in one easily adaptable and accessible place is nice.

Lists

I don't know about you, but I think and strive to organize my life through lists. This accessible journal is perfect for to-do lists and any other fun lists. Fun lists include what books you've read and more.

Bible journaling

A personal journal is a perfect place to work on goals. One personal goal for me was to study the bible more often. A journal is a great opportunity to work on private but important goals such as your faith.

Anything else!

Whether you're an artist or a writer, this is a great way to improve and work on your passions. Whether doodling de-stresses you or you want to write out all of the song lyrics to High School Musical, there are no rules. Just have fun and incorporate however much or little you want into your journal.

While I recommend journaling strongly among people my age, journaling can work for everyone. It's an artistic outlet and a way to organize your thoughts and jungle of post-its you use daily. I think it's important to take steps to prepare and reflect on these busy schedules we call lives.

So please consider starting a journal. Make it your own. At the very least, in the present, it's a way to look busy when you're just relaxing, and in the future, it's something you can look back on, either with laughter or with pride.