I have a confession to make. I love lemons. Like, LOVE THEM. 

I could have lemon in every single meal of the day. Lemon pancakes? Mmmm. Lemon vinaigrette for salads? The perfect way to make those veggies sing. Lemon on fish? Obviously. Lemon in pasta? Yes. Always yes. Lemon juice in soda water? The best! It’s even the perfect zing in dozens of cocktails. When I was pregnant I drank gallons of boiling water with lemon and honey (sometimes even without the honey). 

Plus, aesthetically, they are the HAPPIEST! They’re sunny and bright and friendly and I just…. Sigh. Guys, I love lemons. I love them. 

So when, after five stupid years convincing myself that I wasn’t good enough to have a bullet journal (oh yeah, that was a thing *link*), the OBVIOUS first choice for a theme was LEMONS. I scoured the internet for some tutorials, did a practice run in pencil, and then just went for it, scattering adorable happy citrus everywhere. It was the perfect start and I’m so happy every time I even think of it. 

This was a basic theme as far as supplies go. I used three different sizes of micronor pens, one yellow marker, and two greens. They weren’t even fancy or expensive markers. You could even use your kids Crayolas if you’re hurting for art supplies.

This is….this is very much not my situation, haha. I have....many art supplies. Many.

As far as layouts go I had no idea what I really wanted out of my journal, so I went with my hard-ingrained scarcity instinct and did a page a week to save paper. Honestly “saving paper” has repeatedly been a major motivator for me when designing spreads and I want you to really, truly listen to this. 

You are worth more than the paper in your journal. 

Remember your journaling Why? For me it was to focus my attention and live with intention. Living a more organized, prioritized life that allows me to practice my creativity regularly and achieve more personally is worth every. damn. cent. I spent on my journal.

If I need to use ten pages a month to make it work well then it is worth those ten pages to increase my happiness and calm. Absolutely. No question. And if I need to use thirty then I WILL USE THIRTY. Same goes for you friend.

It’s definitely something I’ve struggled with, but I keep reminding myself that this is PRECISELY what the thing is for, and that helps me give myself permission. And I’m giving you permission too.

You are worth this.