Seven Pages Every Bullet Journal Needs

My brother bought me my bullet journal for Christmas 2 1/2 years ago, and I've been hooked ever since! I'm very picky as to the designs I'll put in mine, which means I'm still only halfway through my first journal.

Most of my inspiration comes from Pinterest. So, if you don't know where to start for ideas then create a Pinterest account RIGHT NOW. Ideas for pages there are endless, and if you've got a specific idea in mind but don't know how to put it onto a page, simply search : '(insert idea) bullet journal' for plenty to pick from. I don't have a particular theme to my journal -other than lot's of colour- because I would never be able to stick to it, but feel free to make everything match if that's your style. 

Regardless, no bullet journal is complete without these pages:

1. Sunshine tracker

This is one of my favourite pages, because I love how bright it is. I know it's a bit cheesy but it does make me feel all warm and fuzzy when I look back over all the things that make me happy. I've had this page going for a couple of years and I'm still only about halfway down the sun's rays, because I think it's best to only write things that are really, really special.

2. Places I've been...

The easiest way to draw this is to cut a printed line map of the world out slightly smaller than a double page spread of your bullet journal, cut it in half vertically and slot both halves back together under the two pages. This way, you can use it to trace the world. If the lines on your printed map aren't coming through the pages, use a black marker to make the lines bolder. When I showed my friend Caitlin the finished map, she got quite annoyed that I had coloured in the whole of the US aside from Alaska, but I couldn't bring myself to colour it in when it looked so separate- sorry geographers.

3. Reading tracker

I love reading so much that I've got three trackers in my journal- one for books I've wanted to read for ages, one for the Bible, and I did a yearly one last year. It's a great way to make you read more, because it's so satisfying colouring in the books when you've finished them.

4. Mood tracker

This is probably one of my favourite pages I use day-to-day. Colouring in a square takes two seconds, so you're unlikely to fall behind and lose track. I like looking back on previous years, reflecting on the highs and the lows. There's loads of designs to pick from on Pinterest, but I like the simplicity of a yearly one. Just make sure you use pens that aren't going to run out soon at the start of the year!

5. Bucket list

I have to admit I made this page ages ago, and I've only ticked off two things- but I have got a couple more planned in the near(ish) future. Before you start filling in this page, keep a list going for a while first because you're sure to remember things you have missed when you first make the list. If you don't have enough space, you can always make it into a double page spread.

6. Bible verse/ motivational quote

The great thing about this page is you can create as many as you want- there's not exactly a limited amount of encouraging Bible verses or quotes. It's a great opportunity to try out new fonts and doodles too. If you want some Bible verses to start off with, why not have a look at Proverbs 31 v 35, 1 Peter 5 v 7, or Exodus 14 v 14. 

7. Ideal daily routine

This is the most recent page I've added to my bullet journal, and it's such a simple but effective idea. I've based my ideal daily routine on a day in lockdown, so hopefully the work/ meetings will turn into outside activities too at some point! It's been really helpful in making me get up at a sensible time and use my day productively, but also enjoying some downtime too.