I’ve been journaling (keeping a diary) since elementary school. My first journal was a pink diary with a cute little lock and key. I loved it. I remember writing in it with such joy. I practiced my penmanship, I would draw/doodle, but mostly I wrote. That little pink diary has long since disappeared, but the sentiment behind it has not.
My desk with various journals, my FF, TN… Can you tell I am a creative clutter kind of person? LOL!
Throughout the years I’ve used composition notebooks, various types of journals and notebooks, the computer, but I’ve learned that journaling on the computer (unless you count blogging) isn’t my cup of coffee. I prefer pen and paper. Recently, I’ve become somewhat addicted to what are called “Traveler’s Notebooks,” a drawing/illustrative type journaling method that is done in a Hobonichi, and my Productive Luddite Really Big Notebook. The Traveler’s Notebook that I purchased will eventually look a bit like an Indiana Jones styled TN and has a variety of notebooks in it that I either use for notes, and/or writing, to-do lists, drawing, etc, and I carry it around with me in my purse; the TN that I am waiting on that is colorful will be my “Writer’s bible,” and the Hobonichi that I draw/paint/write/scrapbook/smashbook in is used for journaling prompts, drawing, and whatever else comes to mind. Having multiple journals is not new to me.
I used to (and still have lying around) multiple Moleskin notebooks, journals, and regular notebooks that I used for various purposes, but combining those notebooks into a leather sort of bound system is new to me. It’s such a wonderful idea. Staying organized is something I struggle with. I use an A5 Filofax for my home/house/life organization. I don’t often take it with me, but on occasion (when I go to the DR or when I’m out paying bills), but my new TN stays with me all the time–it fits in most of my larger purses. I love it. (Oh, the wonderful smell of real leather.)
I’ve actually posted a video (or three) about journaling. I have to say that journaling with the addition of art (drawing, painting, coloring, etc) has really helped me with my depression and anxiety, as well as helping me with my ADHD as far as focusing goes.
Burgess Taylor 