September Bullet Journal: Overgrown Ruins

It’s a little hard to believe it’s already time for my September bullet journal spreads. August really flew by. I was able to achieve some of my goals for the month, but not all. But now we’re coming to another new start with September, so I’m doing my best to let go of what didn’t happen and focus on what did and what I can do next month.

If you’ve read my last two bullet journal posts (July and August), you know that my overarching theme for this journal is about treasure hunting and exploration. For September, I decided to go with this idea of overgrown ruins.

There’s something hauntingly beautiful about a place that has fallen into ruin and yet is filled with green life. And during a year so full of chaos and wreckage, I think it’s helpful to remember that life continues, even in ways we don’t expect or necessarily hope for.

So let’s take a peek at my September bullet journal theme and layout.

September Bullet Journal Quote & Cover Page

This month’s quote fits right in with the theme:

Where there is ruin, there is hope for a treasure.

Rumi

There’s a lot to be upset or disappointed about these days. I don’t want to ignore or dismiss that. But I also think that there’s a lot of hope for what can grow out of this time. It’s okay to mourn what was lost while also appreciating the beauty of what can now be found.

September Bullet Journal Monthly Calendar Spread

My monthly calendar is mostly a return to my usual layout. I have a smaller calendar on the left, and I’ll use symbols to represent different kinds of events and reminders. Underneath that, I’ll write in projects and monthly goals.

On the right-hand page, I have the dates of the month listed out, with space next to them for more detailed information about events and deadlines, and my habit and mood trackers.

Weekly Spreads

I don’t normally include pictures of my weekly spreads, because I don’t draw them out ahead of time. But when I have the space and time, I like to include small drawings that illustrate that month’s theme. So, for example, here are a few of the pirate doodles I did in last month’s weekly spreads:

I’m thinking for September, I may try to do a series of ruins throughout the weekly spreads, as though I am moving through a broken-down castle or something. But we’ll see.

September Bullet Journal Finance Pages

Finally, I have my finance pages for September. This one is pretty much the same as the ones I used in July and August (and in previous journals, as well). I have a tracker on the left for spending, and trackers on the right for income and savings.

What beauty can you find to appreciate in the midst of chaos? What plans or goals do you have for this next month? I’d love to hear from you.