Just keep it simple. There is no right or wrong. If you want to plan, plan. Pure and simple.

I think a lot of the problem people face when it comes to planning is having too many options. Too many things to choose from when all we really need to get things done is to just put pen to paper. Everything else is extra. I was start at the bare minimum and just make a to do list and write down your appointments. Then when your system is stable add the stickers and the Washi. Because really your planning should work without all of that stuff, that stuff just makes your pages look pretty. If you want you can rotate out your covers to keep things interesting. But at the core it should just be writing things down, completing the task and moving on. Planning should ideally take max 20 minutes and you can check in throughout the day. But I think we as a community think too much about planning, the system, the tools and it shouldn’t be so complicated. And trust me I know from experience. It also helps to consume less social media which leads to less influence and unnecessary purchases. My two cents from someone who has been there.

I've always found that my planning falls out during summer break and then when the kids go back to school there is so much to keep track of I naturally fall back into my planners!

The thing for me: I love TRC because I can hop in and out of it without any issues. It’s always there when I need and want it. Backfilling takes minimal effort, and if I get undated, it takes no effort. But monthly and weeklies are easy to update even when you’re not using them everyday. Your TNs will be there when you need them.

I tend to stick to one notebook for everything, planning, common place, capture ideas, drawing, write occasional dairy and rant, collage and junk journal. I use a TN kind of system I made myself and it's great because everything is in one place. I have run into the problems of having too many TNs, because they're just really fun and addictive to make as well,  and that has created a lot of overwhelm for a period of time. Now I just stick with one and change out the covers I made to keep things fresh every now and then. Personally I think the key is to keep it simple and stick to what works, as well as just intentionally restrict and minimize what you own and use.

I was absolutely going to suggest using your new Moomin cover and enjoying it, reminding yourself of all the excitement and joy it brought you to finally own. I hope everything goes well and you’re able to find your groove again but if not, there’s hundreds of other options available out there! ❤

I use my passport as an anti-scroll journal. It keeps me coming back all the time and helps me find inspiration.

Just like the other poster mentioned and who I agree with, I use my TN for memory keeping, sticking ephemera, stickers, arts, craft, swatching watercolors, swatching coloring pencils etc.  I do not use it as a planner.  It doesn’t feel like a planner to me.  I use a Hobonichi Techo for planning, making lists, and keeping a track of tasks.  I also doodle in it, stamp images and color them in, stick washi tape etc.  You can’t pressure yourself into using something you’re not feeling right now.  I have so many craft supplies for card making, art supplies for drawing and painting, and when I bought them I was very enthusiastic about those hobbies.  I don’t have the same zeal that I used to for card making and drawing and painting.  However, I do use them occasionally and I use them in my TN and Hobonichi Techo, because I still want arts and craft in my life.  I like the separation of memory keeping, arts and craft in one place, and planning (with a little artistic expression) in another place.  Again, don’t be so hard on yourself, it happens.  ❤

Give yourself some slack sweetie, I think sometimes it ebbs and flows.  If the insert works for you, don’t change it, it looks like it does everything you need it to.  Sometimes, we see other systems and videos and the FOMO is very real, I’m very very settled in my planner but still want the things at times, then think to myself “why?”  You haven’t been well recently either, so maybe your energy levels have been down and just can’t be bothered.  It’s probably a few things, there’s something in the air at this time of year too 😄  I’m sure it’ll come back, planners tend to be very patient.
You take care of yourself, and give it time xxx

Don’t be so hard on yourself!  I change notebooks and journal covers all the time. I just think the key is to keep using something!  I bought a 60% off Hobonichi hon on Amazon last month and it’s been invigorated my daily journaling. Good luck to you!

I think we all go through seasons with our planners. My Travelers Notebook has become more of a journal than a planner. I found inserts that have nothing but to do lists checklists, then the other insert (graph) for my work meeting notes, the other is sticker releases, and another insert for my random thoughts, while my phone and laptop keeps me on track with my outlook calendar schedule. I use leuchtturm or something similar for my separate daily journaling to break-up the monotony of how I use my TN for work.

Adding a Hobonichi doesn’t mean you’ve given up on your Travelers. It just means it’s serving a different purpose right now. Be kind to yourself. You may come back to it someday, or you may find another system you love. Either way, it’s all part of the journey.

I think there can be cycles of things… I am someone who likes variety and sometimes I’m all in my tns and other times I switch to rings and then again to moleskine bound books - it’s all in good fun… I try not to make my hobby an obligation or responsibility- like you owe TRC anything 😅 although I can understand the frustration when you invest in products that should be used… but I tend to just go with the flow as we are growing changing human beings. Maybe changing things up can spark something or even just stepping away a bit! I wish you well ❤

Gosh that ‘love and trip’ setup is my dream, complete with the little bear! If it doesn’t bring you joy, I’m standing by to buy it from you…

been in your shoes like 2 year ago. fell out of my TN completely and move all my planning in Hobonichi Weeks. maybe at that time I felt overwhelmed because of many inserts so with Hobonichi Weeks, I can do my monthly and weekly all in 1 planner. so please don't force yourself. it suppose to be an enjoyable experience. its for your eyes. not anyone.

I’ve been thinking about picking up a travelers notebook but this is exactly why I have been hesitating. I don’t have a lot to plan, so I worry it would just sit. But they look so cool!!

It's winter in Melbourne, and I hate planning in June and July.
I have all my journals etc on my desk, and I make sure I spend some time every night after dinner to make it me time.
I have the small travelers as a date planner, then I have a financial note book, and a journal.
Hope this helps.

I'm sort of in the same boat. I think we're just starting to realize that sometimes simple is better. We're growing and realizing the importance of things. I recently de-stashed a ton of my stationery (I made a video about it), and my own journey of getting back to basic journaling. I love to decorate so I still use my planner in my passport, but I haven't done a creative spread in about a year. I'm considering selling my camel tn which will be a very hard decision, but as I look at my journals and what I'll actually use, my camel will just be sitting 😢

Different reasons as to why we use our covers, but somewhat the same feeling about them. I'd never thought I'd see the day 😅 I'm thinking of turning my brown into a wallet once I finish my planner for this year

Take a break, do what you feel. You will miss it and get back to it someday.

Please don’t be disappointed in yourself, it is totally ok to not use your TN. I recommend trying something else for awhile and see if you miss it.

I absolutely hear your sadness and sense of loss! We probably all relate - especially if there’s years of analogue planning and journaling in our lives. Coming from Melbourne, my family didn’t want to come to Japan, so I had a friend come with me - embarrassed to say that my prime purpose was the Travelers stores. They are not my first choice anymore to pick up. It’s all okay! 😊 you might go to Weeks or some other MD or thin paper, or a thick Archer and Olive or anything different. Maybe you need a change to refresh yourself. I use my standard TNs now for travel and art inspiration. Passport is still my EDC, but only until end of this year. If you’re determined to stay in the standard for functional planning, maybe try printing your own stickers. I bought a Liene and keep that out on a desk which helps maintain interest for it all.  If you need a change, take it and you will probably come back to old loves! Loved the deflated wind noise, we’ve all felt that at some point. Great post, very genuine:)