Organizing Ideas

  I love notebooks. I've collected so many, in fact, that I might actually have a lifetime supply. Some of my stash is brand new, just waiting for the right task, but I also have a significant number of partially used notebooks and journals, many of which were my daughter's at various stages in her development. When only the first few pages have been used, they're worth setting aside and repurposing (have to save those trees!).

My most recent repurpose is a book journal. I got the idea from a stationery website. I clicked on their book journal, thinking it was a cool idea, but quickly discovered it offered much more detail and structure than I wanted or needed.

But just as quickly, I decided that I both needed and wanted a book journal. So, I dug through my collection and quickly found the perfect candidate. With a laminated cover about the same thickness as a composition book (only prettier), it was just right.

I quickly dug into setting up my pages with the information I wanted to record. Now, whenever I finish a book (whether traditional, e-book, or audiobook), I know just where to go to make notes about it and record all the information I want to remember.  Not only does it create a record that's fun to review, but it takes my reading resolution to the next level.

It's funny how one thing can lead to another. A few Sundays ago, I decided to make time for a Sunday Sampling of my Kindle content. Suddenly, I knew just where I wanted to keep track of things. I opened to a clean page in my reading journal and began recording the books I was in the middle of (many of which I'd forgotten I started), which book samples showed promise, and a few other details I wanted to keep track of. Sure, it's all on my Kindle but having it all on one page suits my I need to see it personal style. In addition, it was relaxing to spend the time exploring and planning.

When we think of organizing, we usually think of organizing stuff and sometimes, we think of organizing time. But, it's also important to think about how we organize ideas. Often, they belie their incredible value, showing up when we least expect them -- while we're in the shower, while we're driving to work, just before we fall asleep -- at times when preserving them is a challenge. Sure, we can scribble them on scraps of paper.

But don't they deserve a place of their own? A place where they can bloom and grow and blossom? A place where we can find them and take them to the next level?

Where will you store your ideas?