On my previous post, I shared a few tidbits on how keeping a journal can help you process your emotions, being mindful of your own responses and reactions, as well as your personal growth. I also promised to share two parts of how you can start your journaling journey.

Anyway, a Look back…

Originally, I was just going to share how to start writing journal reflections but as I wrote the introduction (that article posted last January 25), I realized there’s also the factor of making sure you enjoy your journaling — like really really getting into it. This is why our first part starts with how to select the journal you’re going to use.

If there’s one thing I’ve noticed in my own journey is that I enjoy recording thoughts on my journal more whenever I’m writing on plain sheet journals with pages sewn or hard bounded together. Of course, I can consider a spring bound journal but I just really love the sewn pages. It makes me feel like I’m writing my own book… Anyway here are some tips on how to choose a journal.

1. Choose a journal you’re comfortable writing on.
   
   If you’re into notebooks or writing notes, you’d probably have an advantage on what journal to look for. You see, writing on journals requires you not to be distracted even by wrist inconvenience or by distracting designs (that is if you’re like me who needs the whole page clean to be able to write).
   

Journals can either be bounded with spring or sewn and hard bounded. There are also ruled type which features lines that help you write straight or plain which gives you more freedom.

If you’re someone who finds it more comfortable to write on ruled, lined, or dotted pages, then go for journals with those features. There’s nothing wrong with that. What matters is you can keep your mind relaxed. You may also want to consider whether you feel inconvenience whenever with a spring on a journal or straightening up a sewn one.

We all have different preferences. What matters is you feel comfortable with the journal you buy.

2. Get one you can confidently bring on trips or even on a casual day out.
   
   There are times you may want to bring your journal even on casual trips to the coffee shop or the park. Of course, since we aim to write in a journal daily, it’s best to also consider getting a journal that you can definitely carry in your carry-on. To select one, you need to consider the following:
   a. The size
   b. The cover (hardbound or softbound)
   c. The items you place inside your carry-on bag

Now, these are just three things I started to personally consider whenever I’d shop for a journal. You need to see what fits inside your carry-on bag, one that’s light or can keep your pages neatly pressed, and one that doesn’t get rummaged or deformed, or folded with the essentials you have inside your bag. Eventually, you’ll also be able to take note of what to consider in your shopping.

3. Choose a journal that fits how you write.
   
   Let’s admit, not everyone can confidently write on a straight and aligned line without the help of ruled or grid lines on the pages. If you’re into keeping neat penmanship, you may want to consider this. If you’re into calligraphy and would want to also do some in your journal, grid or bulleted journals are a great option to start with. But if you want more freedom to express your calligraphy, thoughts, and another artistic side to you — especially if you don’t feel the need for a guide to writing on a straight line — then a plain journal fits you.

Dotted of Grid Journals are commonly used for bullet journaling. the dots and grid act as guides to users in making tables or placing stickers or other items to decorate pages.

These are just basic tips for you to try when looking for a journal. I honestly believe journaling is an art and having a journal that fits you well does more than just record events but can actually more therapeutic and can even motivate you to write daily (in my case almost whenever thoughts came rushing in).

In the next post, we’ll proceed with writing reflections. I’ll be sharing guide questions and some tips on how you can go along and record your thoughts especially if you often ask yourself what should you share in your journal.

I hope what I shared here can help you. Until next post 😉

Cheers!