I always enjoy these monthly videos. I've never won a giveaway but I always enjoy your videos. I also am at a space where I need to focus on my health as well. I finally am almost done with one of my notebooks!
I live by morning pages for my emotional health. I have been working from home and I have an autistic son so I needed to change my mindset. When I have 20 minites any time in the morning I complete them. Also, I have a chronic illness (lupus) and balancing self care is an ongoing evolution just continue to be mindful of the cues your body gives you. Awareness and effort count so much more than perfection. I love your positive journal I think I will make one myself. 😊
I have a Xiaomi Miband. It's really affordable and it's super compatible with any kind of phone, and you can buy new plastic/metal bands for it on eBay.
Oh no, im sorry to hear about your panic attack, i hope you are feeling better. Art journaling has really helped me during difficult times, it is a great tool. One of the best tips I’ve heard is that you dont have to start on the first page or go in order that really helped me with the “i dont want to ruin this notebook” mentality, i just open it to a random page and do whatever, even if its just gluing a bunch of magazine pieces. And that six month project idea, is amazing i might need to steal that idea. I feel that in the last few years my life has been falling apart and this seems like just the perfect think to rebuild it. I know you said you weren’t going to share much of it but if you ever feel like sharing a bit more of your process or how you made your plan it would be much appreciated. Much love to you and your family 💕✨⭐️🌙
I definitely look forward to your notebook challenge every month. Maybe it’s weird, but I love watching the notebooks you’ve shared before fill up! I’m really looking forward to your time tracking video. It’s been really cool seeing that come together in the snippets you’ve shared in these videos. Wishing you the best! Take care of yourself!
I love these videos. Social media is filled with people living the dream without any struggles. I really appreciate the honesty you bring to your channel. The highs and the lows. That’s real life. You can be living your ideal life and still have challenges mixed in there too. And the healthy eating struggle is a challenge. I’ve just gotten back on that wagon myself. I think it’s fantastic that Andrew is finding his own way of story telling.
I've struggled with constant pain due to endometriosis, fibroids, and cysts. I would sit down to write and have ruptures and be bedridden for days. Not to mention my house was so out of order due to my inability to even walk. 2 years ago, I became vegan and have taken a more holistic path to health and my symptoms have went from 100 to a 5. I'm finally starting to get my life back again and for the past 7-years I've been watching your videos trying again and again. Thanks, Sarra.
Thank you for sharing your experience. The pcos and ruptured cysts are a constant in my life as well. I have never gone vegan but cutting out sugar and flour made a huge difference for me before. I have just had the hardest mental struggle to be that strict with my diet this year. I'm not sure what to do to get back to that place but I'm trying!
Hi Sarra, I’ve been following you for about a year. I love how honest you are in your videos. As a mom of two and a former preschool teacher, my advice for your morning routine is to include Evie. She is at an age where she wants to be with you and do what you do. Bring her notebook, give her a tarot deck, read the meaning of the card you draw, and play some music while you journal. Her attention span will be short, but you are more likely to get to your morning tarot draw if you include her. I hope this helps.
I have two kids about the same age as yours. I keep trying to find time to write my second book and it just hasn't been happening, even after creating a nanowrimo project for motivation. Just doing my best and plotting when I was hoping to be writing. I FORGOT HOW MUCH WORK GOES INTO WRITING! I used to have much more time on my hands before my second baby. Lol I also struggle with weight loss and diet and projects that take forever to get to. Did i mention I homeschool and I don't have a baby sitter? haha I have to remind myself what a great mom I am and how much I have accomplished just by being a mom. Happy early mother's day to all you mothers! You are amazing! #Momlife #dontbesohardonyourself #allindivinetiming #justbreathe
I'm sorry to hear about your flare-up and panic attack. I've been watching your videos for almost a year now, and I wanted to tell you you've been a big inspiration! I saw your struggles as you tried to finish your book series and I saw how strong you are as you overcame your breakdown. I hope journaling will help you. It's been very therapeutic for me, seeing my thoughts on paper makes me feel less overwhelmed for some reason. Thank you for sharing your journey with us :)
“It’s not perfection but it’s progress.” I love that!!!! Mom of 2 here as well who has similar health goals to you! I’ve recently found you and I’m really enjoying your videos. I’ve had so much motivation from your videos I finally finished draft one of my second book!!!
I love how open you are discussing the challenges that you face, you really do help so many people feel less alone with their own health struggles! We are all here to support your journey no matter what the path looks like! Thank you for sharing
I love Evie's notebook. I imagine it will be such a wonderful keepsake because I can't even think of a person who has a journal going back to the age of 2! xoxo
LOVE these monthly challenges - you always inspire me, Sarra. The six month project especially speaks to me. When I saw the notebooks, at first I thought, 'Yay, Hello Kitty for sure!' but then you pulled out that A&O, and wow, beauty! 🥰 Thank you for the inspiration you share, being real, being vulnerable, being here. I needed this today.
Being a parent is like having 6 Masters Degrees and speaking 4 languages fluently! I love watching your videos! You accomplish so much and are a great inspiration! I am sending good vibes out into the universe for your continued success!
I'm a list maker but they're scattered all over the place. Have all these notebooks/planners and so undecided on how I want to use each of them. I feel overwhelmed. I want to do so much that I can't seem to get started...only in my head I have these great ideas 🤔 I just don't know how you do it...love all your videos. You're such an inspiration Sarra❤Thanks‼
As a some who has an anxiety disorder, wishing you strength, and wellness!! And I love how you digitally planned I definitely want to try that someday, but until then it’s the perfect reminder for me to actually make my vision board that I’ve ignored for too long and do all the little steps in the meantime but most importantly make sure I keep up with journaling 🙏🏻 and just maybe I’ll be finishing a notebook :) thanks for the inspiration!!!
You are the only one youtuber I see who use alot of planner book, journal book, etc but not feels like you just wasted the paper or money! It's lot, but it's works! I Really want to watch your video about your time block system 😊😊😊 Love the Archie & Olive #wishmeluck. 🙏🙏🙏
I'm constantly finding unused notebooks in my room. I found one when I was cleaning out my desk that I remember that I bought when I was working at a craft store almost 12 years ago. It's strange how we hold on to them without using them.
I can’t wait to see your walk through of the time tracker. I’m really intrigued by the time block system. Being stay at home with a kid in full time online school I suspect something similar would work well for me. And, OMG, that Hello Kitty notebook! So cute!
This video has really inspired me to pick up journaling again. Thank you, Sarra! I think the reason why I've been afraid to journal is because I have a sort of trauma when it comes to journaling. A friend of mine had been emotionally abusive to me at times back in high school, and he would be nice to me when he wasn't in a bad mood. It honestly confused me, it's also the reason why it's been hard to get over him. It's been 3 years since we last talked, and I think that if I journal about him, it'll bring back awful memories. But, I know that if I journal about him, that it'll help me to get over him in time. Thank you again, Sarra! Thank you for inspiring me to journal again. Lots of love! 💖💖
Thank you Susan. I think maybe being home more this past year really made me understand that I want my house to feel more open and clean. We can do this together! Sending hugs.
I love watching these monthly notebooks. I finally got some disc-bound notebooks and my life is forever changed. It makes planning stories so much easier. I can move pages around and find all my notes easier. So thank you for showing me all the different types of notebooks there are!
Thank you for sharing both the good and the bad. We're all trying to find balance. Also, thank you for reminding me to journal more. Venting stress is what all of these crazy little paper books are for!
I love that the kids got notebooks and how they are using them! That you'll have this cute "doodle" book of memories of her "planning" with you, and his (first) comic book when all is said and done, wonderful!
I always look forward to the notebook challenges. They inspire me to complete some of the ones I have been holding onto for years versus buying more (which is my favorite expensive hobby). Hopefully I will get through the month completing at least half of one if not all the way through 🖤🧡 It was really cool while you were showing us your gaming notebook how your favorite character was framed by your ringlight showing all her glory 😁
Can't believe it's been two years, and this notebook challenge video is still one of my favorites that I look forward to every month! Also, sorry to hear you've been going through a rough time, much love.
I love your ideas for keeping track of your anime and t.v. shows as well as your gaming notebook. I have made a list of what I want to watch over the summer and get caught up on with my kids. Quite a few anime titles made my list. I'm currently watching my guilty pleasure of "Elementary" the t.v. show at night before bed. I haven't played Warcraft much since my divorce, but I think I am ready to dive back into my characters and lose myself in them again. Thank you for sharing your excitement over Everquest II. It reminded me of how much I use to disappear into Azeroth when things got bad to bring me peace. If chosen I would love the Moleskine Hello Kitty. :)
Yes! It's so fun to play MMO's. It's like a second life to just lose yourself in and have fun. I like the escape and I'm excited to at least give it a try again for a bit.
I am happy to say that I finished a notebook in April😍 it lasted a year and I used it as a keepsake journal for all the cards and friend mail I received from April 2020 until April 2021 Apollo happy Sara mail is also on that journal😘 and I already prepared a new one to start whenever I get more. This is the second completed friend journal and I will continue to do them as they make me happy. I also started a "fabric" notebook to make some stories with my niece and a stories notebook where I put 2 stories I started probably 10 years ago that I decided to try and finish.
I am also learning that I gotta do me! There are days I wake already feeling anxious and the fear mongering that comes with job hunting as well as my own feelings of fear of failure and disappointment don’t help! It comes down to doing you because you know you and what you need! So I stand in solidarity! You gotta do you, boo! Always! Take care!
Thank you for always being so open with us and I am sorry to hear that you have been going through a hard time lately. When my daughter was 2 I used to have a special box of toys that I would only bring out when I needed to talk to family or friends when I was going through a hard time. She only ever got to play with those toys when I was on the phone so she was occupied and then when I got off the phone they would be packed up and put away. It didn't work for hours cause, as you would know, 2 year olds have the attention span of a goldfish, but I did get some solid talk time in. When she was 3 I was studying a certificate and the only way I could get any readings done was when she was in the bath with those bath markers that she could write on herself or the tiles with and it just washes off. I would sit on the bathroom floor and read the text book out loud. She didn't know anything different other than mum was reading to her and she was occupied with the markers so I could get through a whole chapter. It wasn't perfect cause of course she wanted me to look at her things and I just had to pause to oooooh and ahhh and yes wow every now and then but it was 80% better than not having the time at all and of course it didn't work every time but majority of the time yes. My daughter is 18 now, but I still remember how hard those days were when she was little. I love that black quilt planner. It is so luxurious looking 😍 Sorry if this sounds selfish, but I am glad that you are back and I am looking forward to seeing you on the lives again if you are feeling up to it. Sending healthy vibes to you 💗
My daughter loves to write and make lists in her notebooks like me. She's only 5 though so it's mostly scribbles. Warms my heart and she's using up all my old notebooks so win win!
I'm new to the notebook challenge & I'm loving it. this is the first time I've had separate notebooks for separate areas of my life. It's helping me become more organized, I'm brainstorming more because I know exactly where to record the brainstorming, & we're already using my house/camper projects book to complete projects we planned a YEAR ago when we bought our house. Really loving it!
I have given up on a morning routine until my kids are older. I could get up earlier, but I'm a better mom when I get more sleep. (Also my youngest seems to sense when I wake up and will call for me if I do get up earlier!) Thanks for the video--I love the creative ways you use your notebook stash. :)
This comment may be a little long-winded, but... I really enjoy watching your Notebook Challenge videos, but what really stood out to me was you talking about self care. Our lives are all different. No one can tell you how you feel or what you need to do to feel better (unless they're qualified like a doctor). And even then, you are the only one who knows what YOU need. Not saying that George, Andrew, and even little Evie wouldn't support you in what you need to do to regain your physical and mental health. I have (had) IBS and high cholesterol. I have arthritis in my lower back, minor scoliosis, and acute sclerosis. Add thyroid disease to that and it takes all I have to get up and go to my day job. My weight had spiraled out of control and I was on medication daily to keep my stomach issues under control. I was moments away from a heart attack or stroke (which my mother had both). My husband, bless him, kept trying to tell me that I just needed to exercise and watch what I ate. But, he wasn't living with it...I was. I also suffer from depression and panic attacks. I finally got to a point that I HAD to do something. I changed my diet to Keto (that was my last straw and I researched it for months before I tried it). It actually worked. My cholesterol lowered (my triglyceride count wast nearly 400 and within less than a year, had went down by over half). I lost 30 pounds in about a year...only eating by the Keto food recommendations and no exercise whatsoever and I've maintained that weight loss for 3 years now. I no longer had migraines that I had suffered with for as long as I could remember. I didn't hurt in my back or hips. I didn't have acid reflux anymore. It's been over 3 years and I do "treat" myself every once in a while to chocolate or something I loved to eat before but couldn't on this diet, but I have to go right back to eating what I know won't hurt me. The reason I said all this is to say this...You are the only person who knows what you need to feel better. Your family needs you...you need to feel good about yourself, physically and mentally. I love your books. And, being an indie author, too, I know how mentally draining it can be to write a book. You put your heart and soul into each one. I completely understand if a book release has to be rescheduled. And I appreciate that you would rather put out a book that you feel your readers will enjoy and appreciate and it's the best it can be, instead of just publishing it for the sake of a deadline. That's what being an indie author is all about. You control your final product. Take care of yourself. You have so much to offer all of us. And, I hope I speak for all your followers and fans, we'll be here cheering you on.
I 'accidentally' found you when I was looking for Kikki K flip throughs a while back and I cannot express enough how much you have inspired me since. I have made the decision to start writing my first book and I am still in the process of watching all of your videos with tips and tricks. However, my dedicated writing notebook is all set up and I am ready to go. Thank you for al of the amazing content that you provide for free! Additionally, I also went through all of my unused notebooks and have found a purpose for almost all of them after watching several of your older notebook challenges. This makes me feel so productive and I just love to write. I also notice that I stopped buying random notebooks all the time. I have only bought one with a specific purpose. My planning/journaling system consists of a combination of different Happy Planners, Kikki K A5 rings and bullet journals. I live in the Netherlands and a lot of brands like Erin Condren are nearly impossible for us to find unfortunately. I would love to 'win' the Archer & Olive notebook and use it as a journal for my son. He is currently 1,5 years old and I am planning on starting a journal where I write a few lines a day about new things he learned, words he said for he first time and write down what activities we did that day. Hopefully he will appreciate this when he is older! Good luck with your path/journey to self care, you can do it!!
I’m so excited for you to embark on your “Six Months Project” journey. I would love to see any random updates as I’m also on a life-improvement journey. I had a rough covid experience without going into details, and feel it’s necessary to get back to a balance of life and school, and preparing for a full-time job as an essential worker. If chosen, I would absolutely be over the moon to receive the Archer and Olive-because I can start it this month or in June and really get control of my life & find a balance in my schedule. Thank you for continuing this Notebook Challenge! I look forward to it every month to see what notebooks, planners and books you’ve been using/reading. ❤️
So many hugs Sarra. I'm using one of those monthly Erin Condren planners to track/journal my progress on writing my book. I'm using the dashboard section for mood board/quotes/research stuff. I'm nearly done with my Stalogy that has been going since last October, so yes, those will take time to fill up. I actually preferred gridded notebooks if I can, so that master list looks amazing. I'd love to win the Archer and Oliver one.
🥰 Can I just say thank you! ☺️ When you feel like what you’re facing is bigger than you, often times you’re in the right place. Let those blessings flow!!! AND 🌼 So glad you’re back. AND happy to hear you’re allowing yourself grace. It’s the wellspring, ya know. 😇 I always love seeing your notebooks. (Cuz I have too many myself. 😛) I like the 6 month project idea... TFS!
I was just talking with a friend today about how we are pen and paper girls. We were showing our many notebooks and paper full desks. Then I see your notebook video posted and I just smiled so big!
As always, thank you so much for your honesty and light. You sharing your anxiety issues really helps all of us who struggle with the same thing. I hadn’t really considered sugar as part of the issue. I do need to think about that. I lost 50 last year, but am struggling as I gain - and I have another 80 to lose. We’ll all figure it out. I’m also glad you are putting the video series on hold- you have to take care of yourself.
Thank you so much, Laura. I don't know for sure that Sugar is an anxiety trigger for everyone, but it definitely is for me. I feel so much better after I've been away from it for a month, but it's that darn month of struggle with the cravings I can't seem to get through! Thanks for the encouraging words! It means a lot.
@@HeartBreathings I will look into it. I have a mental health cookbook I used to recommend to clients. Lol. Why would I take my own advice? That would be crazy. I’m considering getting one of those five day fasting boxes to kick it off. And I’m considering diving in to some shadow work. I’m finishing your video now- I hope you didn’t take my comment about you pausing your ideas video as criticism. I applaud all of your efforts & your bravery in sharing with us!
So glad you are back! I hope you are feeling better. I was just printing out the how to edit your novel handout you made. My happy notes notebooks came today and I am so excited to set them up. I got one for editing/plotting and one for books and lists and stuff.
In working on my own notebook challenge...about to start my last year of my PhD coursework and feeling the need to use what I have to help me prepare for my research. Inspired by your use of all the notebooks you have.
This is my favorite monthly video because you inspire me to creatively use the notebooks I’ve been hoarding for the right moment. I’m also doing an intense focus on certain goals I want to achieve for a better life experience.
I was diagnosed at 28 with a chronic illness, and the hardest part was the visible bit of me using a walking stick, never mind everything else I had to deal with, so I hear ya. Tfs all your notebooks
i feel so much better seeing you have so many books and use them for different things. I want to start using ones I have instead of them looking pretty on myself.
You're doing great, Sarra! We all have tides and seasons. I look forward to hearing about the Manifestation Babe course when you're all done with it and reading The Witch's Door eventually-- a wait makes it all the sweeter a read. Thank you for these monthly notebook challenge videos, I find them really inspiring. I really like the archer and olive undated, I've really wanted one for daily art journaling. Whenever I'm hesitant to write in a notebook, I draw a silly stick figure first thing. . . . maybe you could let Evie draw on the first page of your art journal and then you could make a design out of her line marks? That might be fun.
Writing every day makes a huge difference - I've ended up binge writing to meet deadlines before (and probably will in the future!) and wow, the stress difference is unbelievable. I write 2K every morning before I go to my day job, and manage other writing-related stuff on the weekends. Getting it done first thing every day means less stress/worry about fitting it in later - and ideally, means no binge writing necessary.
Man, I love watching these videos and seeing all of your ideas on how you use your notebooks and journals. I do a morning tarot card draw and put it in my daily planner, but I'm thinking I might make a separate notebook for those draws instead like you do. Also, I want to say thank you for being open and honest with us about what you go through. It's inspiring and since I started following you, I've realized that it is important to give myself more grace than I was. I'm much happier and healthier mentally since I started doing that. I've also been more productive. It's funny how it all works together.
Thanks for reminding me to maintain my notebook on regular bases. I used to maintain my daily keto diet notebook but I forgot to do that in recent months. Really love to see that you are doing it with passion. ...👍😍
You asked about how to have a morning routine with a young child who will just get up when you do. You mentioned that the card journalling takes 15 minutes--set a timer and have Evie stay in bed writing in her own notebook, widely playing, etc, while you do the journalling. I trained my then-3-year old to stay in his bed until a quiet radio alarm went off. It was fabulous. (He was consistently wanting to get up at 5-5:30 in the morning...)
Please do not be hard on yourself if you need to take a hiatus from social you're awesome you're a legend and you are amazing creator. Please don't find this creepy I really like and appreciate!
I am a notebook person too! Eventhough I can't use them as much as I was ever since I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, I still make sure to keep a few and use them in drafting/outlining my WIP. It is a lot satisfying looking at my notebook than my notes in my laptop to be honest.
Excellent video, Sarra! Thank you for sharing and encouraging us to continue to try and do our best. Allow ourselves grace, and a reset every once in awhile too.
Sorry things have been rough for you lately. Sending you my best healing vibes and very much looking forward to following along on your 6 month life makeover project!
I love planners, agendas, and notebooks and always look forward to these videos! I would love to see what Andrew's journal looks like. My son is now grown, but he had a journal where he created stories and illustrations when he was younger. My daughter also had a journal that she used for her poetry. These are my favorite keepsakes!
Yay!! A fun monthly look at what notebooks I'm using. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to enter this month's giveaway!
I always enjoy these monthly videos. I've never won a giveaway but I always enjoy your videos. I also am at a space where I need to focus on my health as well. I finally am almost done with one of my notebooks!
I love me some notebooks!!!
I live by morning pages for my emotional health. I have been working from home and I have an autistic son so I needed to change my mindset. When I have 20 minites any time in the morning I complete them. Also, I have a chronic illness (lupus) and balancing self care is an ongoing evolution just continue to be mindful of the cues your body gives you. Awareness and effort count so much more than perfection. I love your positive journal I think I will make one myself. 😊
I have a Xiaomi Miband. It's really affordable and it's super compatible with any kind of phone, and you can buy new plastic/metal bands for it on eBay.
Sarra, I can't imagine doing all the writing you do with two young children. My children are grown, and I still struggle. WE LOVE YOU!
Oh no, im sorry to hear about your panic attack, i hope you are feeling better. Art journaling has really helped me during difficult times, it is a great tool. One of the best tips I’ve heard is that you dont have to start on the first page or go in order that really helped me with the “i dont want to ruin this notebook” mentality, i just open it to a random page and do whatever, even if its just gluing a bunch of magazine pieces. And that six month project idea, is amazing i might need to steal that idea. I feel that in the last few years my life has been falling apart and this seems like just the perfect think to rebuild it. I know you said you weren’t going to share much of it but if you ever feel like sharing a bit more of your process or how you made your plan it would be much appreciated. Much love to you and your family 💕✨⭐️🌙
I definitely look forward to your notebook challenge every month. Maybe it’s weird, but I love watching the notebooks you’ve shared before fill up! I’m really looking forward to your time tracking video. It’s been really cool seeing that come together in the snippets you’ve shared in these videos. Wishing you the best! Take care of yourself!
I love these videos. Social media is filled with people living the dream without any struggles. I really appreciate the honesty you bring to your channel. The highs and the lows. That’s real life. You can be living your ideal life and still have challenges mixed in there too. And the healthy eating struggle is a challenge. I’ve just gotten back on that wagon myself. I think it’s fantastic that Andrew is finding his own way of story telling.
Some people love to shop for shoes...I love to shop for new notebooks! Thank you for sharing the joy!
I could seriously listen to you talk about video games for an entire video of this length! I love that you plan/keep track of your video game stuff.
I love your monthly notebook challenges! When I saw the first one I knew we were kindred spirits!
Giving Evie and Andrew their own notebooks is a great idea!
I love this series of yours. It inspires. Loved what you said about not giving up on yourself. Everyday is a start. Cheering you on!
Thanks Heather
I've struggled with constant pain due to endometriosis, fibroids, and cysts. I would sit down to write and have ruptures and be bedridden for days. Not to mention my house was so out of order due to my inability to even walk. 2 years ago, I became vegan and have taken a more holistic path to health and my symptoms have went from 100 to a 5. I'm finally starting to get my life back again and for the past 7-years I've been watching your videos trying again and again. Thanks, Sarra.
Thank you for sharing your experience. The pcos and ruptured cysts are a constant in my life as well. I have never gone vegan but cutting out sugar and flour made a huge difference for me before. I have just had the hardest mental struggle to be that strict with my diet this year. I'm not sure what to do to get back to that place but I'm trying!
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Hi Sarra, I’ve been following you for about a year. I love how honest you are in your videos. As a mom of two and a former preschool teacher, my advice for your morning routine is to include Evie. She is at an age where she wants to be with you and do what you do. Bring her notebook, give her a tarot deck, read the meaning of the card you draw, and play some music while you journal. Her attention span will be short, but you are more likely to get to your morning tarot draw if you include her. I hope this helps.
I love that Evie and Andrew got their own notebooks. I would be interested in the Archer and Olive agenda.
I have two kids about the same age as yours. I keep trying to find time to write my second book and it just hasn't been happening, even after creating a nanowrimo project for motivation. Just doing my best and plotting when I was hoping to be writing. I FORGOT HOW MUCH WORK GOES INTO WRITING! I used to have much more time on my hands before my second baby. Lol
I also struggle with weight loss and diet and projects that take forever to get to. Did i mention I homeschool and I don't have a baby sitter? haha I have to remind myself what a great mom I am and how much I have accomplished just by being a mom. Happy early mother's day to all you mothers! You are amazing! #Momlife #dontbesohardonyourself #allindivinetiming #justbreathe
I'm sorry to hear about your flare-up and panic attack. I've been watching your videos for almost a year now, and I wanted to tell you you've been a big inspiration! I saw your struggles as you tried to finish your book series and I saw how strong you are as you overcame your breakdown. I hope journaling will help you. It's been very therapeutic for me, seeing my thoughts on paper makes me feel less overwhelmed for some reason. Thank you for sharing your journey with us :)
“It’s not perfection but it’s progress.” I love that!!!! Mom of 2 here as well who has similar health goals to you! I’ve recently found you and I’m really enjoying your videos. I’ve had so much motivation from your videos I finally finished draft one of my second book!!!
I love how open you are discussing the challenges that you face, you really do help so many people feel less alone with their own health struggles! We are all here to support your journey no matter what the path looks like! Thank you for sharing
Sarra, I love how giving and honest you are in your experiences. We all need to remember to be kind to ourselves. Thank you for your honesty.
You’re a woman after my own heart. I have SO many notebooks and I just keep buying. But then I can’t figure out how I want to use them 🤯🤯🤯
I love Evie's notebook. I imagine it will be such a wonderful keepsake because I can't even think of a person who has a journal going back to the age of 2! xoxo
LOVE these monthly challenges - you always inspire me, Sarra. The six month project especially speaks to me. When I saw the notebooks, at first I thought, 'Yay, Hello Kitty for sure!' but then you pulled out that A&O, and wow, beauty! 🥰 Thank you for the inspiration you share, being real, being vulnerable, being here. I needed this today.
The joy is just radiating from this video! I have gone through 5 notebooks since I started to watch these series from you, THANK YOU
Hang in there! You're doing all the things you need to do to get yourself to a good place.
Being a parent is like having 6 Masters Degrees and speaking 4 languages fluently! I love watching your videos! You accomplish so much and are a great inspiration! I am sending good vibes out into the universe for your continued success!
I'm a list maker but they're scattered all over the place. Have all these notebooks/planners and so undecided on how I want to use each of them. I feel overwhelmed. I want to do so much that I can't seem to get started...only in my head I have these great ideas 🤔 I just don't know how you do it...love all your videos. You're such an inspiration Sarra❤Thanks‼
Sending you good vibes to help with the anxiety and things! Love that hello kitty notebook. That book cover is 🔥 I’d pick it up just for that.
This video has really inspired me to use my “too pretty” notebooks to help my improve my life.
As a some who has an anxiety disorder, wishing you strength, and wellness!! And I love how you digitally planned I definitely want to try that someday, but until then it’s the perfect reminder for me to actually make my vision board that I’ve ignored for too long and do all the little steps in the meantime but most importantly make sure I keep up with journaling 🙏🏻 and just maybe I’ll be finishing a notebook :) thanks for the inspiration!!!
Also as someone who has restarted the weight loss journey countless times, I found this encouraging! Never giving up on myself 💜
You are the only one youtuber I see who use alot of planner book, journal book, etc but not feels like you just wasted the paper or money! It's lot, but it's works! I Really want to watch your video about your time block system 😊😊😊
Love the Archie & Olive #wishmeluck. 🙏🙏🙏
I'm constantly finding unused notebooks in my room. I found one when I was cleaning out my desk that I remember that I bought when I was working at a craft store almost 12 years ago. It's strange how we hold on to them without using them.
I can’t wait to see your walk through of the time tracker. I’m really intrigued by the time block system. Being stay at home with a kid in full time online school I suspect something similar would work well for me.
And, OMG, that Hello Kitty notebook! So cute!
I love the idea of making my self care a six month project. It gives me a deadline to work towards.
So in love with these notebook challenge videos. Thank you, Sarra.
This video has really inspired me to pick up journaling again. Thank you, Sarra! I think the reason why I've been afraid to journal is because I have a sort of trauma when it comes to journaling. A friend of mine had been emotionally abusive to me at times back in high school, and he would be nice to me when he wasn't in a bad mood. It honestly confused me, it's also the reason why it's been hard to get over him. It's been 3 years since we last talked, and I think that if I journal about him, it'll bring back awful memories. But, I know that if I journal about him, that it'll help me to get over him in time. Thank you again, Sarra! Thank you for inspiring me to journal again. Lots of love! 💖💖
I am battling weight, health, clutter. Trying to get projects going and am behind. I so sympathize. Your house is looking great.
Thank you Susan. I think maybe being home more this past year really made me understand that I want my house to feel more open and clean. We can do this together! Sending hugs.
We can do it. I appreciate the encouragement.
I love watching these monthly notebooks. I finally got some disc-bound notebooks and my life is forever changed. It makes planning stories so much easier. I can move pages around and find all my notes easier. So thank you for showing me all the different types of notebooks there are!
Thank you for sharing both the good and the bad. We're all trying to find balance.
Also, thank you for reminding me to journal more. Venting stress is what all of these crazy little paper books are for!
I love that the kids got notebooks and how they are using them! That you'll have this cute "doodle" book of memories of her "planning" with you, and his (first) comic book when all is said and done, wonderful!
I always look forward to the notebook challenges. They inspire me to complete some of the ones I have been holding onto for years versus buying more (which is my favorite expensive hobby).
Hopefully I will get through the month completing at least half of one if not all the way through 🖤🧡
It was really cool while you were showing us your gaming notebook how your favorite character was framed by your ringlight showing all her glory 😁
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Can't believe it's been two years, and this notebook challenge video is still one of my favorites that I look forward to every month! Also, sorry to hear you've been going through a rough time, much love.
I love your ideas for keeping track of your anime and t.v. shows as well as your gaming notebook. I have made a list of what I want to watch over the summer and get caught up on with my kids. Quite a few anime titles made my list. I'm currently watching my guilty pleasure of "Elementary" the t.v. show at night before bed. I haven't played Warcraft much since my divorce, but I think I am ready to dive back into my characters and lose myself in them again. Thank you for sharing your excitement over Everquest II. It reminded me of how much I use to disappear into Azeroth when things got bad to bring me peace. If chosen I would love the Moleskine Hello Kitty. :)
Yes! It's so fun to play MMO's. It's like a second life to just lose yourself in and have fun. I like the escape and I'm excited to at least give it a try again for a bit.
How sweet for Evie and Andrew to have their own notebooks, just like mom. I might need to do something similar for my kiddos. :)
I am happy to say that I finished a notebook in April😍 it lasted a year and I used it as a keepsake journal for all the cards and friend mail I received from April 2020 until April 2021 Apollo happy Sara mail is also on that journal😘 and I already prepared a new one to start whenever I get more. This is the second completed friend journal and I will continue to do them as they make me happy. I also started a "fabric" notebook to make some stories with my niece and a stories notebook where I put 2 stories I started probably 10 years ago that I decided to try and finish.
Yay!! Great job
I am also learning that I gotta do me! There are days I wake already feeling anxious and the fear mongering that comes with job hunting as well as my own feelings of fear of failure and disappointment don’t help! It comes down to doing you because you know you and what you need! So I stand in solidarity! You gotta do you, boo! Always! Take care!
Thank you for always being so open with us and I am sorry to hear that you have been going through a hard time lately.
When my daughter was 2 I used to have a special box of toys that I would only bring out when I needed to talk to family or friends when I was going through a hard time. She only ever got to play with those toys when I was on the phone so she was occupied and then when I got off the phone they would be packed up and put away. It didn't work for hours cause, as you would know, 2 year olds have the attention span of a goldfish, but I did get some solid talk time in. When she was 3 I was studying a certificate and the only way I could get any readings done was when she was in the bath with those bath markers that she could write on herself or the tiles with and it just washes off. I would sit on the bathroom floor and read the text book out loud. She didn't know anything different other than mum was reading to her and she was occupied with the markers so I could get through a whole chapter. It wasn't perfect cause of course she wanted me to look at her things and I just had to pause to oooooh and ahhh and yes wow every now and then but it was 80% better than not having the time at all and of course it didn't work every time but majority of the time yes. My daughter is 18 now, but I still remember how hard those days were when she was little. I love that black quilt planner. It is so luxurious looking 😍 Sorry if this sounds selfish, but I am glad that you are back and I am looking forward to seeing you on the lives again if you are feeling up to it. Sending healthy vibes to you 💗
I love that you share your vulnerability and flaws. I know you will succeed in getting a tv deal! You inspire me to keep pushing forward.
My daughter loves to write and make lists in her notebooks like me. She's only 5 though so it's mostly scribbles. Warms my heart and she's using up all my old notebooks so win win!
I'm new to the notebook challenge & I'm loving it. this is the first time I've had separate notebooks for separate areas of my life. It's helping me become more organized, I'm brainstorming more because I know exactly where to record the brainstorming, & we're already using my house/camper projects book to complete projects we planned a YEAR ago when we bought our house. Really loving it!
I love seeing your notebooks and getting ideas and encouragement for using my notebooks and improving my life.
Omg where have you been? I've been waiting lol kidding... this is one of my fave series you do. ❤
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I have given up on a morning routine until my kids are older. I could get up earlier, but I'm a better mom when I get more sleep. (Also my youngest seems to sense when I wake up and will call for me if I do get up earlier!)
Thanks for the video--I love the creative ways you use your notebook stash. :)
This comment may be a little long-winded, but... I really enjoy watching your Notebook Challenge videos, but what really stood out to me was you talking about self care. Our lives are all different. No one can tell you how you feel or what you need to do to feel better (unless they're qualified like a doctor). And even then, you are the only one who knows what YOU need. Not saying that George, Andrew, and even little Evie wouldn't support you in what you need to do to regain your physical and mental health. I have (had) IBS and high cholesterol. I have arthritis in my lower back, minor scoliosis, and acute sclerosis. Add thyroid disease to that and it takes all I have to get up and go to my day job. My weight had spiraled out of control and I was on medication daily to keep my stomach issues under control. I was moments away from a heart attack or stroke (which my mother had both). My husband, bless him, kept trying to tell me that I just needed to exercise and watch what I ate. But, he wasn't living with it...I was. I also suffer from depression and panic attacks. I finally got to a point that I HAD to do something. I changed my diet to Keto (that was my last straw and I researched it for months before I tried it). It actually worked. My cholesterol lowered (my triglyceride count wast nearly 400 and within less than a year, had went down by over half). I lost 30 pounds in about a year...only eating by the Keto food recommendations and no exercise whatsoever and I've maintained that weight loss for 3 years now. I no longer had migraines that I had suffered with for as long as I could remember. I didn't hurt in my back or hips. I didn't have acid reflux anymore. It's been over 3 years and I do "treat" myself every once in a while to chocolate or something I loved to eat before but couldn't on this diet, but I have to go right back to eating what I know won't hurt me. The reason I said all this is to say this...You are the only person who knows what you need to feel better. Your family needs you...you need to feel good about yourself, physically and mentally. I love your books. And, being an indie author, too, I know how mentally draining it can be to write a book. You put your heart and soul into each one. I completely understand if a book release has to be rescheduled. And I appreciate that you would rather put out a book that you feel your readers will enjoy and appreciate and it's the best it can be, instead of just publishing it for the sake of a deadline. That's what being an indie author is all about. You control your final product. Take care of yourself. You have so much to offer all of us. And, I hope I speak for all your followers and fans, we'll be here cheering you on.
I just have to say your voice is so soothing. I also have anxiety & when it gets bad I watch one of your videos to help relax me.
I 'accidentally' found you when I was looking for Kikki K flip throughs a while back and I cannot express enough how much you have inspired me since. I have made the decision to start writing my first book and I am still in the process of watching all of your videos with tips and tricks. However, my dedicated writing notebook is all set up and I am ready to go. Thank you for al of the amazing content that you provide for free! Additionally, I also went through all of my unused notebooks and have found a purpose for almost all of them after watching several of your older notebook challenges. This makes me feel so productive and I just love to write. I also notice that I stopped buying random notebooks all the time. I have only bought one with a specific purpose. My planning/journaling system consists of a combination of different Happy Planners, Kikki K A5 rings and bullet journals. I live in the Netherlands and a lot of brands like Erin Condren are nearly impossible for us to find unfortunately. I would love to 'win' the Archer & Olive notebook and use it as a journal for my son. He is currently 1,5 years old and I am planning on starting a journal where I write a few lines a day about new things he learned, words he said for he first time and write down what activities we did that day. Hopefully he will appreciate this when he is older! Good luck with your path/journey to self care, you can do it!!
I’m so excited for you to embark on your “Six Months Project” journey. I would love to see any random updates as I’m also on a life-improvement journey. I had a rough covid experience without going into details, and feel it’s necessary to get back to a balance of life and school, and preparing for a full-time job as an essential worker.
If chosen, I would absolutely be over the moon to receive the Archer and Olive-because I can start it this month or in June and really get control of my life & find a balance in my schedule.
Thank you for continuing this Notebook Challenge! I look forward to it every month to see what notebooks, planners and books you’ve been using/reading. ❤️
I feel you. I have a hard time keeping balance in my life. I get lost in others and prioritize them over myself.
So many hugs Sarra. I'm using one of those monthly Erin Condren planners to track/journal my progress on writing my book. I'm using the dashboard section for mood board/quotes/research stuff. I'm nearly done with my Stalogy that has been going since last October, so yes, those will take time to fill up. I actually preferred gridded notebooks if I can, so that master list looks amazing.
I'd love to win the Archer and Oliver one.
I use my dashboards more functionality but I really love this idea!! Thank you!!
🥰 Can I just say thank you! ☺️ When you feel like what you’re facing is bigger than you, often times you’re in the right place. Let those blessings flow!!! AND 🌼 So glad you’re back. AND happy to hear you’re allowing yourself grace. It’s the wellspring, ya know. 😇 I always love seeing your notebooks. (Cuz I have too many myself. 😛) I like the 6 month project idea... TFS!
Loved your idea about having a journal with only positive thoughts and a different one for venting
I was just talking with a friend today about how we are pen and paper girls. We were showing our many notebooks and paper full desks. Then I see your notebook video posted and I just smiled so big!
As always, thank you so much for your honesty and light. You sharing your anxiety issues really helps all of us who struggle with the same thing. I hadn’t really considered sugar as part of the issue. I do need to think about that. I lost 50 last year, but am struggling as I gain - and I have another 80 to lose. We’ll all figure it out. I’m also glad you are putting the video series on hold- you have to take care of yourself.
Thank you so much, Laura. I don't know for sure that Sugar is an anxiety trigger for everyone, but it definitely is for me. I feel so much better after I've been away from it for a month, but it's that darn month of struggle with the cravings I can't seem to get through! Thanks for the encouraging words! It means a lot.
@@HeartBreathings I will look into it. I have a mental health cookbook I used to recommend to clients. Lol. Why would I take my own advice? That would be crazy. I’m considering getting one of those five day fasting boxes to kick it off. And I’m considering diving in to some shadow work. I’m finishing your video now- I hope you didn’t take my comment about you pausing your ideas video as criticism. I applaud all of your efforts & your bravery in sharing with us!
I/we miss you, but you do what's best for you! Your family, health and happiness come before ANYTHING else...
So glad you are back! I hope you are feeling better. I was just printing out the how to edit your novel handout you made. My happy notes notebooks came today and I am so excited to set them up. I got one for editing/plotting and one for books and lists and stuff.
I love my notebooks! Especially the ones that have a deconstructed spine. As a left handed person, they are the easiest to use.
I hope you're feeling better, Sarra. As you said, we're all human and sometimes that means we have bad days.
I swear by my Fitbit! Just anyone of the Fitbits are amazing! It will suit you! 😇😘
I love my Fitbit Charge 4. Counts steps, and I love the silent alarm.
Oh my goodness. So many notebooks. I LOVE ❤❤. I am hoping you are feeling so much better. 💓 I love A&O notebooks. That paper is amazing.
Your notebook challenge videos are always so inspirational!
Wow. I haven't been so early to one of these. Unfortunately, it's super late so I'll watch it after I wake up. Can't wait to watch this!
I'm in the same boat. Sleepy time, then watch the video in the morning!
I should really try to split up my frankin'planned planners/notebooks.. thanks for the inspiration 🥰
In working on my own notebook challenge...about to start my last year of my PhD coursework and feeling the need to use what I have to help me prepare for my research. Inspired by your use of all the notebooks you have.
This is my favorite monthly video because you inspire me to creatively use the notebooks I’ve been hoarding for the right moment. I’m also doing an intense focus on certain goals I want to achieve for a better life experience.
Colour coded time tracking 🤯 love that! I time track anyway but this, this could be a game changer! Thank you for sharing 🤗
I love notebooks!! And the HB notebook challenge!
I was diagnosed at 28 with a chronic illness, and the hardest part was the visible bit of me using a walking stick, never mind everything else I had to deal with, so I hear ya. Tfs all your notebooks
Love the idea of keeping a list of episodes you watched, I never thought of that.
i feel so much better seeing you have so many books and use them for different things. I want to start using ones I have instead of them looking pretty on myself.
EQ2 is super fun! I also play EQ1 on a progression server. Gaming is a great way to reactivate your creativity! Good luck!
I love all your notebooks! I use good notes for school, and the zinnia app for journaling. 💞💞💞
Can't wait to see the success of your journey, Sarra. Take all the time you need. We'll be here waiting.
I love watching your videos for inspiration. I would love the hello kitty notebook. 🥰🥰
You're doing great, Sarra! We all have tides and seasons. I look forward to hearing about the Manifestation Babe course when you're all done with it and reading The Witch's Door eventually-- a wait makes it all the sweeter a read. Thank you for these monthly notebook challenge videos, I find them really inspiring. I really like the archer and olive undated, I've really wanted one for daily art journaling. Whenever I'm hesitant to write in a notebook, I draw a silly stick figure first thing. . . . maybe you could let Evie draw on the first page of your art journal and then you could make a design out of her line marks? That might be fun.
Writing every day makes a huge difference - I've ended up binge writing to meet deadlines before (and probably will in the future!) and wow, the stress difference is unbelievable. I write 2K every morning before I go to my day job, and manage other writing-related stuff on the weekends. Getting it done first thing every day means less stress/worry about fitting it in later - and ideally, means no binge writing necessary.
The archer and olive bujo looks very interesting
I love the Fitbit Versa 2. It monitors everything I need and isn’t too expensive
How you can accomplish everything you do is amazing to me. And I love the undated planner. It's gorgeous!
Man, I love watching these videos and seeing all of your ideas on how you use your notebooks and journals. I do a morning tarot card draw and put it in my daily planner, but I'm thinking I might make a separate notebook for those draws instead like you do.
Also, I want to say thank you for being open and honest with us about what you go through. It's inspiring and since I started following you, I've realized that it is important to give myself more grace than I was. I'm much happier and healthier mentally since I started doing that. I've also been more productive. It's funny how it all works together.
You're so organized with your notebooks! Talk about goals. :)
Thanks for reminding me to maintain my notebook on regular bases. I used to maintain my daily keto diet notebook but I forgot to do that in recent months. Really love to see that you are doing it with passion. ...👍😍
💜💜💜 Because of this notebook challenge I have bought notebooks but also have many uses for them as well. Thank you for sharing and creating this idea!
You asked about how to have a morning routine with a young child who will just get up when you do. You mentioned that the card journalling takes 15 minutes--set a timer and have Evie stay in bed writing in her own notebook, widely playing, etc, while you do the journalling. I trained my then-3-year old to stay in his bed until a quiet radio alarm went off. It was fabulous. (He was consistently wanting to get up at 5-5:30 in the morning...)
So glad to know I'm not the only one that sees all the pretty stationary and wants to buy.
This always inspires me to figure out what I could do for all the notebooks I have. I love it!
Please do not be hard on yourself if you need to take a hiatus from social you're awesome you're a legend and you are amazing creator. Please don't find this creepy I really like and appreciate!
I am a notebook person too! Eventhough I can't use them as much as I was ever since I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, I still make sure to keep a few and use them in drafting/outlining my WIP. It is a lot satisfying looking at my notebook than my notes in my laptop to be honest.
Excellent video, Sarra! Thank you for sharing and encouraging us to continue to try and do our best. Allow ourselves grace, and a reset every once in awhile too.
Sorry things have been rough for you lately. Sending you my best healing vibes and very much looking forward to following along on your 6 month life makeover project!
I love planners, agendas, and notebooks and always look forward to these videos! I would love to see what Andrew's journal looks like. My son is now grown, but he had a journal where he created stories and illustrations when he was younger. My daughter also had a journal that she used for her poetry. These are my favorite keepsakes!