I hope you enjoyed today's video. Thank you to Ritual for sponsoring! I love their vitamins because they are minty and pleasant to take. Remember to click here ritual.com/20DAILYC for 20% off your first month! I would love to know if you keep a commonplace book and how it has changed your life. Let us know in the comments. Thank you for watching! Love, Jennifer
Thank you so much for this video. I have been keeping common place books for years but I am just learning that there is a term to describe this kind of journal. I keep new vocabulary, phrases, quotes, insighful questions that I may have heard in a webinar, interview; topics that I can use for content creation, ideas on professional and personal development and more in my Common Place book. I love the idea of having niche topics like what you shared: Spirituality and Self improvement. I, too, keep my Common Place book nearby. I stop what I am doing to jot down notes. Thank you!
My elderly 93 year old mother had me buy her "little spiral fat books" so she could always keep one on her nightstand. She used to write down little things from the radio she heard, quotes, and thoughts. When she passed away, over 30 of them fell into my hands. What a blessing it was to read them and look back on what touched her heart! I am sure these were her little common books, and just to see everything in her own handwriting was so special. One entry that made me cry after she passed that I read said " here" and "there" are only separated by one letter.❤
I had a wonderful elderly friend who kept a journal of every day of the year since the early 1940's. Even into her 90's she was still journaling. She even went as far as to write down the weather for each day, who came to visit or call her. What treasures she left for her children!
I have been doing this for years and did not know that my book has a name. Thank you for the enlightenment! I section mine so I have a general area for different subjects. I watched the Coronation earlier and how spectacular. I have a feeling you were watching it too, maybe you were even in London. Hope you are enjoying it wherever you are! Love the nail polish!
Good morning, Jennifer! I very much liked this video. Thank you. I was wondering, have you planted your vegetables? We can’t even think about planting anything in our part of Oregon right now. What a cold Spring! But you have such warm weather. I always enjoy seeing you walk through and pick things from your garden. Also, I heard that if you wash your little potatoes in the washer, they turn out super clean! 😂😂Sorry, just had to add that! Have a wonderful rest of the week.❤Becky in Oregon
Thank you for this!! I’ve been intrigued by the idea of a common place book, but it has always overwhelmed me. You explained it so simply and clearly that now I’m definitely going to start one this week! I pretty much already have a similar one as yours. Thanks! :)
What a lovely idea. Thank you, Jennifer! I have snippets of paper and post-its here and there with my ideas and then can't find them. I am going to start doing this!
How to turn your common book thoughts into action? I can keep learning until the cow comes home how do I motivate, create time, increase ability, or reduce anxieties to actually take action on all this new wisdom I took the time to save?
I'm late to the party. At 57, I started keeping a commonplace book this year (without knowing there's a name for it). It's only been four full months since I started writing down, mostly Bible verses, lessons, ideas for better living, useful quotes, etc., and amazingly I am starting to notice better clarity. I believe the process of writing has been extremely helpful.
I love this so much! My mother passed away 12 years ago & I can’t tell you how many times, when I am missing her terribly or just desperately needing to hear her voice, I wish I had a compilation of her thoughts, ideas, dreams, fears, or just to know what she might have been doing or into on any given day. I am determined to do this for my children & in particular for my daughter, as I think a daughter never stops needing her mother’s advice on on so many things related to womanhood (I wish my mother had told me everything she experienced with menopause!). These books will be the things in your possessions that have the most meaning to your children, when you are gone. ❤
Yes! These books are so valuable. I had a journal of my great-grandparents who I never met and it feels like a wonderful and intimate glimpse into their life.
I love the Common Place Book idea. I have always written things Dow that I want to remember-quotations, Bible verses, etc. but now I have a name for the book that I will write these things down and have all in one place. Thank you!
I know it’s not the same as learning from the experience of others who share your genetic material, but the book The Wisdom of Menopause (Bantam, 2001, 2006, 2012, 2021) may be helpful. I haven’t read it yet, but I enjoyed Women’s Bodies, Women’s Minds (by the same author) when I read it.
Young women used to start a commonplace book as they got ready for marriage. They'd collect recipes from family members (namely their mother). This could include not only favorite dishes, but also recipes for cleaning, like how to get out ink stains, how to make laundry starch, etc. Once magazines were a thing, girls might also paste in pictures of things they wanted, like a new style of dress, wedding gowns, or kitchen or house designs. It could function like a vision board as well as a place to keep useful and inspiring bits of information.
Increadible, I didn't know that but it is great that we start this custom again because so much knowledge disappears especially coming from our own families. Thanks for sharing this, it is an inspiration for many of us to start and leave to our children and grandchildren, such a treasure!
This is a great idea, especially for someone with ADHD. I have tried and tried again to keep a journal, but I always end up forgetting about it. This seems like something I can keep up with.
This type of writing is a form of mindfulness. And as a Composition teacher, I also help my students understand that writing down thoughts and inspiration IS a way to process one's thinking. Great video!!
I kept a commonplace book during my short relationship with a narcissist-at the time I didn’t know what kind of person he was, long story short when I decided to break off the relationship I also wrote why; and when he tried to get back into a relationship with me-I reread this commonplace book and it validated why I broke up with him and why I should never even be friends with him. It was my higher self “speaking” to me-I’m single and in a good place now and know the red flags for future relationships.
I appreciate, no matter how subtly, you mentioned your quest in working on being your best self. To my joy, it is a lifelong quest. I love to learn, in general. I am 70 years old and still have the blessing and honor of continuing to grow and apply the wisdom that I learn along the way. Each day brings contentment. That is more lasting than happiness. Happiness is a temporary flare in the sky. Contentment is a day with blue skies and sunshine, no matter the actual weather. I have journaled since my youth. Just recently, inspired by Susan Branch’s book, DISTILLED GENIUS, I have gathered all the scraps of paper that I wrote quotes of wisdom and humor on, and am currently writing them in my first commonplace book. I have found, along with devotionals, God uses my commonplace book to teach me. May blessings abound to you and yours.
Wonderful how you describe how God uses your commonplace book to teach you. I will start one too, just for that reason. Thank you for the inspiration! I wonder how do you use/apply devotionals? My mother tongue isn't English so I'm not sure what a devotional is. Blessings to you.
Thank you for sharing. I pray for good health and strength, love and joy for the rest of your days. Your post has given me some content for my common place book. Thank you.
I already do this, I just didn’t know it was called a common place book. I even have a special journal for the things I learn from you. I love to go back and read these journals and see what I have learned. Thank you for such great information!❤
Same here. I have 3 vol of common place books but didn't know that's what they were called. Also, my book budget is very,very small so by doing extensive notes on library books I have that book at hand when I can't purchase my own book.
@@TheDailyConnoisseur This response from Sheila Rachal was very interesting and would make a great subject for a youtube video. I imagine you are a very humble lady, and may find this idea uncomfortable, but I think it would be great if you put out a video asking your followers what and how have they improved their lifestyles as a result of your content. I have followed you from your early days, sharing your interest in french chic and lifestyle. I have also followed Fiona Ferris's blog How to be Chic, Marianne Lecoeur and Inspired by Nikki. I have seen you all develop from humble bloggers to published authors and youtubers. I think it is time you all learned how what you are putting out into the world is being used by others. How have I benefited from The Daily Connoisseur? I read both Madame Chic books, several times, as a result, did the 10 item wardrobe, but have developed it on to a weeks worth of outfits - similar idea but seeing it differently, setting my table, occassionally with candles, cooking a few of your recipes - mozzarella and pesto chicken - yum, decluttering - clutter is so not chic, having a more connoisseur mindset - focusing on good quality food, going into a 5* hotel for a cup of tea and enjoying the ambience, better grooming, being more feminine, reading and listening to classical music, visiting theatre and art galleries etc. What was I like before I discovered your books? Tomboyish in style, unaware of the feminine side of life - I went through 90's grunge very anti-feminine look, work focused - so no life balance, less confident in myself, a people pleaser, I now recognise toxic behaviour in others and avoid them, as you can see, I am a writer in various ways - it just all pours out, I have a few books on the go that I am writing, set up a couple of youtube channels, encouraged my husband to do the same as he has a passion for a couple of subjects. I think though that this clip on the commonplace book may be a missing jigsaw piece in my life. I have recently semi-retired and realised I need to be more self-directed, I have so many notes / ideas that all need pulling together in one place, and I hope this idea will make me more organised and self directed - so thank you for this.
@@softsophisticate @TheDailyConnoisseur I totally agree with this comment. Please do a video on this. For me, I have been home with chronic pain for six years. When you are in that situation you lose all the normal habits you used to have going to work, celebrating with family etc. For example, I have to stay in bed most of the day with backsupport to eat, watch tv, do calls, email and all that stuff. Because of that I also stayed in my pyjamas all day long, I even went to the closest store in my PJs and flip flops. Oddly people react less to that than being well dressed. I think that says something about the time we live in.. Now the treatment is slowly working and I have some more energy. But I am so far from normal living it takes some practice. Things I have taken from you is: putting on a dress everyday. I might do everything from bed, but I do it with my hair brushed and a daydress on. It's nice to feel I can open the door if necessary. And that it's ok if a neighbor accidentally peeks through my window because I look normal. They won't see anything worth gossiping about. 😂 I routinely put away clutter and do some surface cleaning. Not every day because my health don't allow for that, but about 4 days a week. I have also bought myself real china to eat on, a table cloth and napkins. I bought plenty so I can spill with dignity. 😉 I took that from how you set the table for your kids. Because I still can't sit up at the table to eat like an adult. At least not more than once in a while. But I did buy a bed tray. If I can't come to the table, the table has to come to me. 😊 I do some of your recipes, I like the salmon quiche. I read more books, both in audio and paperback which means I watch less internet. You didn't tell me to do that, but I bought a tv cable so I can watch news and documentaries without turning on the internet. That means I will also turn it off when I have seen what I intended. It's like mindfulness practice. I think I got more aware about my internet usage by watching your videos and I felt a detox was necessary. I sleep better at night when I don't scroll on Facebook. When I have a good day, I take a trip to a museum to watch art and history. Iam not as afraid of "adulting" as I used to be. Thank you for all the wok you have done 😊🙏
When many creators on RU-vid are regurgitating the same content on feminine energy, the soft life, and lucky girl syndrome, I remain impressed with how you continue to quite humbly come up with truly original content that is easy to implement, and thus, has the ability to make an impact in someone’s life. Thank you!
This was what I needed today. My best friend passed away in early March and she was like a big sister to me, she was someone I went to when I felt like I was going crazy, she was so wise and so kind to me and always boosted me up and assured me that I could do anything. I came from a very hard childhood and she put me on an even place where I felt loved and valued. Then one month ago I lost my sister-in-law (a good one) and I feel so lost without the two of them. I thought this morning I need some way to get some beauty in my life and this post has given me a goal. Thank you.
Your comment made me think of my own loss, and how I could do a specific journal for when I'm remembering times with them. Writing it down like a little treasure memory, might be helpful. They're gone, but live on in us.
@@idid138 yes they do live on within us, so much has passed between us. Both my friend and my sister-in-law were prolific card writers and I have a box full of all the cards and letters I've ever received and I'm taking out their cards and putting them in a box separately. On one of the last card I received from my friend she said we'd been friends for decades, so I'm actually going to go through them all and find the first card she sent, I think it'll be from at least 30 years ago.
If anyone asked me if I journal I would say no. But… now that I know that there is such a thing as a Commonplace book, the answer is yes! I write things in journals all the time about Bible studies, podcasts, RU-vid videos and book notes. I have been doing it for several years. I’m a very practical person, and this type of “journaling” is really satisfying to me.
Back in 2019 I started a 5 line a day journal. Each page is dated, so on each page there is a record of the past 5 years summed up in a few sentences. It’s amazing how on some days similar things happen, even almost every year! Also each year was written in a different color so it doesn’t look like it all blends together. I would also log the weather of the day. Before I write a new entry I’ll read the previous entries and be in awe of how much has changed or what I was doing a year or so ago!
My mother began doing this in the late 1990s thru 2012. Alzheimers then. I would read them to her. Said goodbye in late 2020. I wouldn't trade those precious frank honest journals for anything...except her. "Thank you Mama, can't wait to hug you again!"
That is so neato. Did you buy a journal set up for this? Or just do it? I’ve thought about something like this. I just feel all over the map with things.
@@calliedaly1940 I just bought a spiral-bound notebook… The hardest thing was trying to find one that had 182+ pages. Because I used the back of each page. I had to get one with pocket dividers. But that works out well too because any momento you get through the year you can slide in those pockets. Movie tickets… little menus… Napkin of a special restaurant…park/museum maps…things like that. 😊
I’ve kept a commonplace book for years. Mine is pretty random. If it touches me, it goes in. I was actually thinking about this recently. My husband died suddenly over three years ago and, in the grief and upheaval, I laid it aside. You’ve inspired me to take it up again.
I'm sorry about your loss of your dear husbands. You will probably find that keeping a commonplace book will be helpful and uplifting. God bless you and keep you, dear. 🌹
When I was a teenager I bought a beautiful journal and wrote down calligraphy style all the great quotes, scripture, talks or notes from motivational seminars that encouraged me or really spoke to me. So I could keep track of them. Days later when I was sad or down I would just read them. By the 2nd page, I would feel more empowered. Great for dealing with depression. I didn’t know that their was a name for it!
My spin on this concept is to have it in a beautiful folder. This way I can subdivide whenever I want. I have a category called Tidbits (random things to remember). I have one called Quotes (these can be famous or ones from my family). I also have one called Book Notes. I like having categories because it is easy to add to it and can be sporadic. Also it us easy to retrieve it!
This is a great idea! I was thinking to myself how would I organize or categorize one of these? So that I could easily go back to it and find what I need.
I write down everything in one notebook as a catchall then I transfer to index cards and keep in a box like the zettlekasten. It makes it so much easier to find things to review and connect ideas together!
I love this idea! I have lots of commonplace books all over the place that are difficult to find when some idea hits. It would be great to put them all together. Thanks!
I actually already do this. So awesome, I didn't realize it had a name as well. A tip I learned is bullet journaling. Basically, I just take my common place journal and add a table of contents and number my pages. The bigger array of items you put in your common place book, the more likely a table of contents will come in handy.
Thank you for sharing your commonplace book ritual. What a great idea! I also like what you said about keeping it secret because it seems to me that our society is obsessed with over-sharing. Perhaps some of our thoughts and opinions should be sacrosanct and only available to our loved ones after we pass on. Have a beautiful day, Jennifer!
I would say the problem is not over sharing but useless and/repetitive sharing! I’m on instagram a lot and it’s my pet peeve when people the same thing (sometimes within 24 hrs!) or things that we already know. It’s actually just making content for contents sake/lazy and highly disrespectful to the followers time who is actively choosing to follow you. I’d much rather not see anything than see the same thing over and over. That way I can use that time for something else. Curated content i suppose is the word. An example of a stupid thing I saw twice recently are people doing their hair in the following ways: one who thought that we needed to know that she died a ponytail on her “Greasy hair/need to wash hair asap” days (don’t we all?!) and another that showed us her “gym look” (hair in a ponytail greased does for that “clean girl look” and sunscreen.) can I get that time back plz?!
I guess I kind of do this. I have a journal where I scrawl down recipes and adjustments to them, garden notes, poems, pattern ideas and anything else that needs writing down.
I think I have a common place book too, even though I’m now finding out that’s what it’s called. I write down scripture verses, books to read, life milestones and goals and lots more! Thank you for telling me that it’s a thing! 😊
This is so interesting as I've done that as well, but I've had lots of notes everywhere, all over the place. I'm actually at this time trying to get all my notes and scraps of paper in an order that makes sense.
Yes. I keep a Commonplace Book/Florilegia. I credit keeping a Commonplace Book as what pulled me out of the worst depression of my life a few years ago. I read through them all the time and it is amazing how much it helps me with memorization, recall, and keeping my mental health in balance. 🙂
Thank you for sharing that. I sometimes think that writing will be something that will pressure for me (I want to make it perfect etc...) but now I can understand what you mean. If we write down joyful things and quotes from i.e. the Bible and other inspirational things that we hear or read (that have to do with being depressed/low) then it is like having a reminder, someone uplifting "talking" to you and helping you. Also writing is therapeutic I believe. I am glad you were helped so much with your Commonplace book. I will try to do this and hope it helps me too. I am under a stressful/tough life situation and need something like this. Blessings to you.
@@Luisa-cs2pd Exactly! You expressed it perfectly. I hadn’t thought of it in these terms, but I think this is exactly why it helped lift me up. It was before I became born again, so it was all literary quotes, and quotes from some of my favorite people and historical figures, poems and such. And I would decorate in it and try to be artistic through colors, drawings, stickers, etc. I am still doing it to this day, but with the addition of a Faith based Commonplace book as well. Thank you so much for your beautiful comment. I truly hope keeping a Florilegia/Commonplace Book helps you as you navigate through your difficult situation. I have prayed for your healing. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
I learned about “the commonplace notebook” at my children’s homeschool co-op over six years ago. I didn’t begin journaling immediately, nor did I practice it as consistently. However, I find myself doing the same…pausing the video or audiobook and writing something down (even on a paper towel) to later write it in my journal. I definitely could use a little more organization with it. A highly rewarding habit! Great episode, Jennifer!
I absolutely do this! I used to journal traditionally but most of the time I did not want to go back and read it because it was depressing. So I found myself enjoying journaling scriptures that I was using to get me through the tough times and also Words I received from God. I have also added book quotes and wisdom from podcasts and RU-vid videos. I love it! Very comforting and therapeutic.
Hi - so grateful you're putting the spotlight on the treasure of commonplace books. I have boxes of them, made and kept through six-plus decades and everything but the kitchen sink goes into my beloved books. I love the chaos and surprises, as I visit my books often, one of my deepest pleasures - revisiting my own days of ecstasy, agony, and everything in between. Grocery lists, old photos, many drawings and paintings, and endless, endless quotes! cartoons, personal love notes and cards. Some are cheap spiral books but most are artists' watercolor or sketch books with a spiral binding - got to be spiral! A tray full of pencils and pens, magic=markers and thick colored markers. Things glued in or taped to the page. Dreams. No limits, no rules but that it matters to me. Thanks again for this treasure of sharing! ps - every cover is artfully done with a collage or painting, and the season and year. Don't forget the jokes! locks of hair! a feather! and by the way, John Locke pilfered his idea (too organized, men fear chaos) from his wife..
I just purchased a beautiful notebook with flowers on the front and when you said “a gathering of flowers” I knew that’s what I should do with it! I think it will be interesting to look back on the topics I was interested in throughout different periods of my life.
Jennifer, I can’t believe this timing! I decided last week to start a commonplace book, and I’m currently waiting for my journal to arrive from Archer and Olive so that I can begin. Thank you for this video!
Beautiful! There is a great channel hosted by Miranda Mills and a free guide to commonplace journaling in case anyone is interested ❤. Have a wonderful day, everyone!
Reading is not just enough. take the action! Put your newfound knowledge to use. I read for a long time but action made my life change in no time (generally and mostly financially) That's my two cents on this
I struggle to follow through, especially financially. I earn quite enough but hardly have a saving. Rent, bills, expenses take it all away, it almost feels that I leave paycheck to paycheck
@@peteranderson5714 Live below your means, Adjust your lifestyle, be frugal in spending don't buy unnecessary stuff, Budget your spending and your debts, Save, Invest it's a better way to grow wealth, get a financial expert to help you.
@@peteranderson5714 In Robert Kyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad book he says pay yourself first at least 10% each month, by an automated payment into your savings or investment account. Do this before you pay your other bills and then you can spend what is left. Building your wealth comes before building other people's wealth/busineses.
I love this idea and will start implementing it this very day! I have done things like this in the past, and it’s nice to have a name for it now! Thank you, Jennifer. 💕
Wow! So glad I clicked on this video! I have hundreds of inspirational quotes saved on my phone but I never read them and they take up a lot of storage. I’m super excited about writing them down, all in the one book and reading them at any time and reflecting on them as well. Bless you 🙌🏻🌹
I have done this for years, and always thought I was just weird to be writing all of these things down. Now I know it is ok and even has a name. My current book is titled 'Simpling' but it has many not so simple ideas within. Thank you.
I have my paternal grandmother’s notebooks which are filled with names of songs and classical pieces that she loved, as well as quotes, places she wanted to visit, handy tips. It’s so nice to be able to listen to a piece of music and know that she listened to it and loved it 🥰. Wish I had this for my other grandmother too ❤
This video is meant for me. I love to gather information from RU-vid for different areas (spiritual/religious, medical/health, words of inspiration) and I always swear I'll remember where I saw something and then I forget. Never heard of the Commonplace book, but I think it's a great idea.
Hello Jennifer, Somehow you have made my notekeeping that I have been doing for about 2 years now more glamorous than I gave myself any credit for! I have different topics for my “ commonplace books” that I just called “ different notebooks” Thank you for making me feel a little more important today than yesterday. That maybe I do have value.
I love the commonplace book idea! I keep one that has travel place ideas and tips and trivia info and questions. I also have a quote book inspired by what Father Tim had in the Mitford series. It seems more like a florilegium. I love that word. I have other notebooks scattered with info. I would love to have them all in the same place for reference. Thanks for sharing this concept/idea!!
This was so interesting. You've inspired me to get a lovely notebook and start journaling on a daily basis. I'd also like to try to do a commonplace book. Baby steps! Thank you for this insightful video, Jennifer. 🙏
I've been a quote junkie for as long as I can remember and when I found out about Commonplace Books, I was excited. I've been keeping one for 10 years now. I have a copy of one of Thomas Jefferson's Commonplace Books and find it fascinating. Love your books and channel, Jennifer!
Jennifer I keep a spiral bound notebook nearby, but it seems to contain anything and everything in no particular order other than moving on to a new pages as I fill up the previous. This makes it impossible to quickly locate something. While I can respect that you don't want to share your journal, it would be helpful if you could provide a template for how to create a well-organzed, easy to reference notebook. Thank you.
My commonplace book has morphed into an “everything” book. It is a journal, sketch book, hand lettering and watercolor practice, Scripture and book quotes, stickers, cards that loved ones have given me, calendar of important dates, pictures from magazines… but everything is labeled at the top of the page so I don’t lose anything.
Hello Jennifer, I have kept a journal of the weather, and it is really fun and like you say in your video I would make it special by putting in newspaper clippings or stickers or draw in the book. It inspired me to learn more about climate, environment, ecosystems, and even astronomy. I recommend a weather journal. You will love it!
I was always highlighting things in my books, or leaving post notes on various pages and…. Never really came back to the lines I wanted to “save”. This is such a wonderful way to keep it all in one place. Thank You, Jennifer, for this video! And what a perfect way to use a new journal for… 🌹 Also, I thought that this would be a beautiful thing to one day pass to my daughters. I imagine it will be quite interesting for them to read what their mother wrote down! ☺️
It takes time to do both - which I never feel like I have - but I’m grateful for all the moments I did take to underline a special bit and write a note, as well as taking the time to grab a journal and write it down as well.
I add pictures from magazines that I like in my Common Place book as well as quotes and sometimes pretty stickers. It’s full of things that I love from garden to fashion. I love browsing through it.
I have recently started simplifying my life and doing this because I was tired of having to search for a scrap of paper to remember what it was I wanted to remember. I have been watching your channel for a few months now, and I see your book referenced on other channels as well. I appreciate that you are in California also and not a typical minimalist. We are supposed to enjoy the blessings God showers on us.
I don’t believe minimalism means you can’t enjoy the blessings of God. I prefer less stuff because it makes my home peaceful and easy to keep clean so I can enjoy the people in my life.
Hi Jennifer! I love this!! I have a common place book in my handbag!(For some reason I get a lot of ideas in church on Sundays, haha!!) I also have one in my room to write down all of your wisdom and wonderfulness!! You have inspired me to start one for gardening!! I hope you are looking forward to a peaceful week! With love, Kellie
I just learned about the concept of a commonplace book and I love it!! I had kinda started doing it without knowing it had a name, but now I’m going to be more intentional about it and also get a better notebook! (Who doesn’t love an excuse to get a better journal or notebook? 😉)
@ The Daily Connoisseur ------- Hello 🙋 Jennifer I've watched many videos about the why / the how concerning having Commonplace books, but those videos "Did not speak to me." I will not take more of your time just to explain that speak to me part. However I do want to be certain you know that your video ended up being the one that convinced me I need to have my own Commonplace books . . . I'm really looking forward to it.
I love commonplace books! I have several. Most are themed...I do have one very large notebook that is rather eclectic, that I will either create a table of contents at the front or use cute tabs throughout to mark things that I really want to quickly find again. I love the artsy look of cute tabs and markers sticking out. LOL! I read alot of self help books and have recently gotten certifications in some areas of life coaching. I feel like I can't really read these types of books without taking notes while I do. It is absolutely one of the best ways to process and really "digest" what you are readiing. Studies show that writing something is the equivalent of reading it 7 times. So it really does help in the area of retaining what you have read. Really enjoy your videos!!!
This is true. However, the thought of taking notes while “reading for pleasure” is not me. I had to that in school too much and I was and still am very anti homework. I like passive learning (reading, watching) and only take notes if absolutely needed or adding commentary (like I am rn!). I do like to write to organize my thoughts but don’t feel like I need to know or memorize anything due to google 😅
I do this on the notes app on my iPhone. (But I do also keep a paper diary for daily entries and a therapy journal.) It's just that I have sooooo many snippets and screenshots of information that I collect that it makes sense for me to do it digitally for that stuff and keep it very organized.
I do that in my phone too!!! I used to write in paper, but then I didn’t have the notes when I was traveling (I’m not taking my notebooks everywhere, but the phone is always with me...and the notes are useful at any given time)
Question: what is the difference between this and a bullet journal? I keep a lot of various journals so I’m truly trying to understand is a bullet journal is really a modern equivalent of this. Thank you.
Have you ever done art journals? You should look into it. I'm about to start doing it with my kids. PS - I actually do what you're talking about in onenote.
Hi Jennifer! I have always written down paragrphs or phrases or poems etc that I came across while reading. I wish I would have recorded dates and times. I really had never heard of the Commonplace concept until you spoke about it. Also, I love your hair! Did you let it dry naturally? It is so shiny!
Great video and tips! I want to start my Commonplace Book. As a fountain pen lover, I think it’s a good combo (fp + notebook). And I couldn’t just write quotes, important topics of the books I read, pearls of wisdom,… but also the best words, ideas or thoughts of my morning pages that I write daily. 😃
True peace and understanding comes through Christ Jesus who died that we may truly live 🤍 Seek him in the holy word, and many blessings will be added to you
100% agree to how sometimes the energy and power of a self-improvement plan dissipates once shared with others. On the book though, how will you find anything in it without being able to electronically search it? I love the idea though, as I have notes on my phone, my ipad, my daily planner, envelopes, etc., lol!
Looking forward to a cleaner kitchen island where I jot things I read down on slips of paper and then end up tossing them out as they get out of hand! Also a great shift from just "dumping" in a journal--these will be things I'd actually like to keep and reread! Bravo, this is brilliant!! 👏👏⭐❤
My Aunt Anne told me when I was about 15 that she always kept a notebook with her "just in case". I really admired her and started doing the same. Filling journals up with quotes was and is a stress reliever during troubled times. Now I always, always, always keep a legal pad open on my desk. Turn to a new page everyday. All sorts of info can be found on these notepads. Who knew there was a name for it? Huh.
I do something similar to this, but you’ve motivated me to be more intentional. A little tip-when I want to remember the place in a podcast to refer to later, I take a screenshot.
I've been doing this for years, but I had no idea that it was even a thing! How fun! Mine is also primarily spiritual and self-improvement based. I love your content so much. Thank you as always!
Enjoyed this topic so much. I first read about commonplace books in an old issue of Victoria magazine. I have been keeping journals since I retired, mostly writing down what I learn during my personal Bible study time, and other inspirational quotes from books that I am reading. I may start keeping a separate notebook just for the book quotes, just because I read so much. I recently re-read A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L’Engle and found some wonderful nuggets of wisdom in there. Thank you, Jennifer!
I’ve been doing this since I was a teenager except on the computer. I have a “notebook” folder and then lots of folders under that one with things I want to remember. What I like about this is that I can simply do a word search and find the document I’m needing. ❤
Exactly what I was just thinking. I’m too busy right now to start doing things differently as I’m preparing for retirement in exactly 2 months (June 30), but I’ve been keeping a list of things I want to do in retirement. I’m going to add this!
It is no coincidence I "happened" upon this video. After many seasons of life changing events I reached a point of wanting to "reboot" if you will. Today is the first day of a 5 day rejuvenation period that I declared for myself. This video falls right into the path of my current journey. Thank you very much for making this video. I certainly appreciate it.
For those of us who have difficulty keeping track of a hard copy journal and prefer something a bit higher tech, I use my iPad with an Apple Pen and the GoodNotes app. I will always know the location of my iPad. I can gather notes on a certain topic in one “Notebook” that I create. I can make it beautiful by adding color or e-stickers, photos, etc. I can make my notes hand written or can convert them to text. I can dictate my notes. I can see many pages in thumbnail size to locate my favorite “flowers” of information! I love this feature for all aspects of my life, from my planner, my goals, my journaling, my manifestation techniques and my notes on work. I love it!
My current favorite morning meditation book is “A Calendar of Wisdom” by Leo Tolstoy and it is basically his commonplace journal. I do want to start my own commonplace journal now that I have seen this video. Thank you.
There is a tradition sort of like this in Scandinavian countries, of keeping multi-generational notebooks. Typically, they are very big and sturdy books, and are always kept in one place so they don't get lost. Family members write down things that they think will be useful to future family members (like recipes, gardening tips, the location of treasures that had to be hidden in times of unrest, magic spells that seem to work, etc.). Some are of very great antiquity, and are still going strong. If they run out of pages, the family can take it to a book-binder and have the pages put into a larger book with more blank pages. The oldest ones are very, very old. There is also a manuscript called 'The Gallagher Family Commonplace Book' written in Irish. It was begun around 1750 by a medical doctor, and kept up by various family members until 1890. By that time, the family had emigrated to the US and the book came with them. It is now at the John J. Burns Library at Boston University. It would be amazing if every family had such a thing.
Oops, I just fact checked myself, and I was wrong. They are not Scandinavian but Polish and Lithuanian. The term for them is "Silva Rerum" which is Latin for "forest of things."
@@itzakpoelzig330 Did you know that you can "edit" your comment by click on the 3 small dots to the right of your comment and click on the word edit. I leaned this recently when I wondered what the 3 small dots were there for.
Yes I keep a journal for all my health and Biohacking tips. The way I organize it is by using the Bullet Journal index system. That way I can find what I’m looking for easier. Thanks for your wonderful video/s! ♥️
I started doing this as a teenager many years ago and was just thinking I'd really like to get back to it as a retiree...never realized that there was a name for it. Thanks for sharing ❤
I've been doing a similar idea as a common place book in a bullet journal. I put everything for the entire year including my planning, schedule, collections, and journals. I love it because when I refer back, I just pull the year. I've been doing this for years and it's life changing.
I’ve been keeping a commonplace book for awhile . I enjoy a commonplace book because it’s not everyday journaling. I love writing quotes, and fascinating recipes ,poems and many other things. 😊
Jennifer, your hair looks lovely. That shade of cool green makes your features and skin pop. I have always journaled, but I need to get back to this “commonplace journaling “. Thanks for giving it a name! I must say, keeping a gratitude journal has been life changing for me. Often times I will write verses, proverbs and amazing facts in it because they cause me to experience such joy or a-ha moments. What I love about your channel is not only your class but your reminders. TY!!!
I've been keeping common place books for years. I didn't know there was a name for them. My problem is I can't find important documentation later because mine were not categorized by subject. I've been using spiral note pads, I'm going to make a greater effort to purchase blank journals. I've been hesitant to keep journals because I had one stolen when I was a child. The thought of my personal feelings being shared with strangers turned me away from journaling. Yet, I've always written tasks, sayings, new words, reminders etc in tablets. Thank You...
Sorry that happened to you... I have always been uncertain if I should write my personal feelings and then people reading these when I´m gone. I rather write a common place book where I write prayers, ideas, Bible verses, goals lists of things that I want to do, gifts I want to give, letters I want to write, things on how to improve my health etc etc etc... when I´m gone, that could be great for our children and grand children to read.
This is SO timely. I am a new subscriber and the other day I grabbed a notebook as I was watching some of your older videos bc I felt like I needed to take notes. lol I have been using it just like this for the past few days and I thought how lovely this will be for my children one day. I'm glad to know it has a better name than "Important Stuff"! lol Love you content and may I just add that you have the best and kindest commenters. Very healthy culture you are building here. :)
Hi Jennifer! I’ve always done a version of this, as does my mother. However I didn’t know it was called a commonplace book, I just love that! Also, your hair looks fabulous :)
I adore this idea and it is perfect timing for me too. Just this morning I was journaling on my 29 yr journaling habit bc the movie Are You There God It’s Me Margaret just came out and that was the book that inspired me to start journaling all those years ago. I think this will be a fun new way to journal. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Jennifer for this video I have such a book divided into different chapters like health care, gardening, wardrobe and style…but I never knew that it’s called common book 😀 Great information
I keep a similar book here in England -also didnt know there was a term for it and dont really feel the need for a name to it. The first book i started drew itself to me with the words ' Might i be your new favourite book' imprinted on the cover. (Hooray,, the English spelling too with the 'u' in favourite) . I keep recipes, poems, decor details, book lists, quotes , prayers any amount of notes in it. Yes, it is my Favourite book.😢
I have been using a commonplace book for over a decade now and my journals are my prized possessions. I did some counseling last year and I pulled out a giant box of my childhood diaries and it was so helpful!
I believe having a journal is healthy as well. There was so much wisdom my grandma shared and thought one day, why not write these down so that one day my children have a reference guide for when I am no longer here. Thank you for sharing Jennifer. I learn something new watching your videos. 📚🤓
What an incredible happenstance: Your video came up in my feed and I clicked on it out of curiosity. I've been keeping commonplace books my entire life, and I didn't have a word for them. I absolutely love it that this is something documented in history. I'll admit that I paused your video right after you talked about John Locke, and I learned about his method for organizing his commonplace books. Fascinating! Thank you!
I LOVE this post ….. I had no idea of this concept of a common book….. I’ve been keeping what I call “Di’s Tidbits” in a word doc / and a notebook since 2016…. quotes from others, overall. Some scripture…. this is so informative…. thank you !
