My Journal, Ms. Journal

If you are one of those individuals like me who often feels overwhelmed by everything you need to do in one day, let me introduce you to Ms. Journal.

Ms. Journal is my life line to an organized life. Often too many things are left undone for too long because of disorganization. Ms. Journal helps to remedy that.

Ms. Journal is a simple 8 1/2" x 6" hard cover book filled with empty pages that serves as my life line. It's a daily record of all my thoughts, experiences, memories and observations.

If you don't have a journal, now is a great time to get one and a good time to start fresh and get organized. For me, organization is step 1 toward a happy and stress free life.

In order to accomplish this organization task, I recommend you purchase a Ms. Journal, as I call her. I usually purchase one per year and keep everything I need to do for that year in it. Most journals sell for less than $10.00. I was able to find mine for $2.99 at Ross. Many people use their smart phones or computers to organize themselves, but I still enjoy a good journal for keeping my thoughts and ideas in order. With a journal, you are able to use each page for a different topic. After the year is over, you can keep it to look back on all you have accomplished or all the memories you have made.

Organizing everything in your life helps you have a sense of control of what happens on a daily basis. I was encouraged to use my journal even more after my unemployment. I wrote down all my thoughts, ideas, worries, and what I needed to do next. It helped me keep control at a time that I felt a little out of control. If you prefer, a notebook or planner can work just as well.

Your journal or notebook should include anything and everything to get organized. Some things to include are to-do lists, supplies needed, timeline for each task, and step by step ways of getting everything accomplished. Your journal can also include any ideas you have, actions you need to take, goals you would like to accomplish, doubts you may have, or memories you have made. It can include pictures or articles that inspire you. Not only will your journal help you stay on track, it's also an easy way to clear your mind by writing everything down. It helps you not forget when and where things that are important happened.

I personally use my journal for jotting down my "to-do" for the day and for listing all my goals and future dreams. I include pictures of my family, articles I enjoyed, inspirational quotes, and lists of things I would like to do in the future. I write down accomplishments made by my children, special days with my husband and other small details of memories made.

Your main list could include the following topics:

• Relationships and Family
• Schedules and Calendars
• Finances
• Career and Work
• Home
• Health and Self
• Tasks and Time
• Your Mind or rather Your Peace of Mind

For each topic include things you need to do, what you would like to do, what you have done and any pictures or article you wish to keep.

So if you are like me and enjoy the old fashion paper and pencil for getting organized, a journal is a great way to start. Organization will make you less stressed and when you are no longer stressed, you are happier.