"The Bullet Journal Method": Books you will find on my "This book changed my life" bookshelf . . .

I am currently reassessing my long-term goals, a healthy thing to do, and a practice of many following the start of a new year.  As part of the process, I am re-reading (for the 4th time) Ryder Carroll's book, The Bullet Journal Method.  

Ryder is the creator of the Bullet Journal, a method using a paper or electronic journal, where you learn how to effectively "Track the Past, Order the Present, and Design the Future."  I have been using the Bullet Journal method for well over 7 years, and I have a stack of Moleskine and Leuchtturm journals to prove it.  The method is one I can identify with . . . and I have always enjoyed tracking my days, thought and plans.  I will admit that I get distracted by other "better than a Bullet Journal" products, but I have always come back to my BUJO!

The section in this book on Goal Setting is worth the price of the book alone.  My problem with goal setting is that I set goals that are far too big, and far too scary as a result to begin working on.  Dividing the goals into simple and orderly steps is the key.  Ryder breaks this all down in a simple to understand way.  This is the sort of book where you will say more than once to yourself, "why didn't I think of that?"

The Bullet Journal Method occupies space on the bookshelf in my home study reserved for books that I try to re-read at least once a year, or once every couple of years.  There are only about 12 books on this shelf at this current time.  Each has made a profound difference in my life and in my way of thinking about, processing, and affirming what is important to me.

Yes, I know, Ryder primarily stresses an analog method . . . and that's a lame concept for some people.  I embrace both digital and technology . . . but I so enjoy using a "real" pencil (yes I have an Apple Pencil as well).   I have found a place for both in my life.  I'm 62.  Hey, I'm hip!

Well, maybe not.  However, the Bullet Journal Method resonates with me, and has ever since I first discovered Ryder's first video about it. I can say without a doubt, that using this method has helped me make the intentional choice to be more productive in things that truly matter to me.  DayTimer didn't do that.  Franklin-Covey didn't do that.  Planner Pads almost did (a good resource if I had lot's of focused projects).  Bullet Journaling is what helped me turn the corner.

If you are a "creative", or just need a process that helps you clear your mind and learn how to focus on what's important to you, then give this book a read.  I think you will be glad you did.

Final thoughts . . . long live REAL pencils and REAL notebooks and journals.  How I long for the quality of pencils and notebooks from days past.

Rick ><>

When Life Comes Calling . . .

A truth that we sometimes want to avoid at all costs, is when life comes calling and you find yourself, as a result, dealing with something you didn't plan or expect to deal with.  Often these are things that you would rather not deal with, let alone choose to deal with. Truth be told, nobody wants to deal with such things . . . like these:

-Almost 10 years ago . . . life came rudely calling with an unexpected cancer diagnosis.  I didn't want to deal with it . . . but had too!  Two surgeries and 5 years of follow up protocols later . . . I am still cancer free.

-3 years ago . . . both of my knees finally gave out, and I physically could not navigate the day without pain, the level of which clouded both my mind and judgement.  Pain that almost negatively affected my personality.  Two knee replacements later, and I am more physically active that before, and mentally in a good place.

-1 year ago . . . the catacts in both eyes became so bad that I had to stop driving at night, as well as effecting my sight during the day so that I became unable to truly enjoy the scenery during our family travels to Colorado and Tennessee. Taking photographs using the camera view finder was impossible.  Two lens implants later, and I can almost see 20/20 for distance, and only need corrective lenses to read.

Life recently came calling again when I suddenly (out of nowhere in fact) developed an involuntary "tick" causing me to roll back my eyes.  People asked my wife if I had suffered a stroke!  I wan't aware of it . . . and people that love me finally said something about it.  To make matters worse, I had a case of allergic conjunctivitis in my eyes.  And, since the accident, I have had some bad neck pain that has slowly seemed to get worse despite treatment by my chiropractor.

I have a new family practice doctor since our move to a new community.  Fine man who I love, admire, and completely respect already!   He listens carefully, and he knows that Liz and I were in a bad truck wreck south of Abilene back in October of 2019.  What he did next floored me.   He ordered an MRI of my brain and my neck.

An MRI . . . he sent me in for a brain scan.

Well, fast forward a couple of weeks, and the results came in.  First, I do have a brain!  Apparently nothing is wrong with it!  That is outstanding news . . . and a great relief to my family and myself.

The neck MRI . . . pinched nerves / possible nerve damage.  Accident related . . . well,  that is something that a doctor will have to advise me about.  I am not a doctor or diagnostician.  I will start therapy this next week and will follow up with a neurologist in a few more weeks.

I write all this to share that prayer has gotten me through a lot of things, and will get me through what is yet to come.  I'm at the age where perhaps I am little bit more spiritual than in my early (I am indestructible / immortal / nothing can hurt me!) years.  I truly believe that I can feel the prayers of other people.

Should life one day call you in a way that you least expect it . . . I hope that you do not have to face what follows alone.  Even if people can't be with you . . . even if you are private about some things and open about other things . . . let some people who pray know about it.

Let me know about it.  I will pray for you.  Hopefully you will feel the prayers prayed on your behalf.  Perhaps getting through what life deals us is helped when we know that other people care about us, enough to say a prayer to a God that they believe in, hope in . . . or cry out to in a moment of desperation.  I do know this . . . prayer can't hurt.

Rick ><>