Should you journal by hand? While I would never suggest that one must handwrite one’s journal entries, I’ve tended to consider it helpful, due to the ability to more easily shut out the inner critic while writing, for the simple reason that writing by hand uses more of the brain’s resources. I don’t remember exactly…
Category: How We Journal
Abstract Visual Journaling with Neuro Art
What I like about this abstract form of visual journaling, is that it can be used by people who have, or think they have, no artistic leanings at all. It does require that one trust the process and let go of the idea that one can’t do art. But if you can let go just that much, in my experience it’s incredibly freeing and relaxing.
Balanced Journaling
I’ve mentioned in at least one past post how easy it is sometimes to let our journals become overly negative, and I seem to recall likening it to quicksand, the kind of journaling where all we do is complain or write about the negatives in our lives. I think this is a common pit to fall into. I know it can happen to me. It begins as catharsis, which can be beneficial, to a point. But it can go too far. That’s why it’s important sometimes to bump ourselves out of that with more variety in how we journal, to include some reflection, gratitude, or self-questioning. It’s helpful to remind oneself of those bright points in life that are easy to forget.
My Bullet Journal Journey
This post explores my history with the bullet journal method, which originated with Ryder Carroll and his book, The Bullet Journal Method. I go into some detail here about how I came to try a bullet journal and how I personally use it. I provide some information about where to learn more, my personal methods, materials, uses and experience with this method of planning. Now that I understand what bullet journaling is, from its original source, the biggest draw for me is that it can be customized to fit me, the user, to meet my own specific needs, from simple to complex.
The variety of journals I keep
In this post I’ll go briefly through my current journals, which are many. I don’t intend this to overwhelm anyone who is just starting to journal, or even just thinking about trying it. What you do is entirely up to you, and this post is not intended as a how-to or guide, and I certainly don’t think everyone needs to have as many forms of journals as I do. But there are no rules. Someone can journal by writing a few words or lines a day, or once a week, and get a lot out of it. Some people use other mediums entirely, with no words involved.
Asking questions to check in with myself
It’s helpful to ask oneself questions when journaling, to get to the deeper thoughts and feelings, to make the journaling process one of growth versus stagnation.