Journaling - Help, where do I start!?

So many people get overwhelmed when they think of journaling. Where do I start? the short answer: A notebook and pen/pencil (and eraser for the cautious).

I know we have moved away from an analogue paper world and towards recording things through our phones and devices however there is such a freedom creating a space that works for you. It also frees up space on your phone instead of more than a dozen different apps to record and track and remind you of what's going on in your life.

I will always recommend a high quality notebook like Leuchtturm for journaling as it's something you will want to throw in a bag for coffee shop visits, train journeys, making appointments, etc. so it needs to be durable. It is built to last you for the time you fill it. My journals have outlived my phone, plus no one is interested in stealing it.

The Leuchtturm A5 hard back journals are what I started with and almost 10 years later will still go to. The pages are a lovely soft ivory with an option of blank, lined, grid and dotted pages. The ivory colour is beautiful to write on as I find it isn't as intimidating as a blank white page. It also means that those who have been diagnosed with dyspraxia find writing a little easier that a white page. The first few pages allow you to creat an index and a key (I'll talk about them in a separate blog), The pages are numbered which makes it so easy to come back to create an index down the line. There are over 200 pages, which seems like a lot when you're starting but you'll fill it in no time. For anyone who doesn't like it when you can see what you've written on the previous page the 120gsm paper is more suitable (This edition only comes in dotted, blank and lined currently). This version also has one of my favourite features, 8 pages at the back that are perforated. This will be really helpful in overcoming the fear of making mistakes (again I'll discuss this later). There are two bookmark ribbons that complement the colour notebook you've chosen. I do use both ribbons, one to hold the pages of my monthly overview for a quick reference and one to hold the place for my daily entries. It also has a matching elastic that keeps the notebook closed, because if you're like me you'll inevitably drop it in a puddle! The last thing you'll want to write on is a crumpled wet page! Another wonderful feature of this notebook is the pocket at inside the back cover. I use this for holding stickers, appointment letters, parking fines 🫣 etc. however if it something I need to do (like pay the parking ticket) I will leave it in the "active" pages. Because of the elastic that binds the journal together any letters etc put in between pages will be secured till you open it.

Lastly they come with a sticker set for labelling and archiving. This is something I leave till the journal is complete.

I had a personal preference of writing with a black fineliner however Leuchtturm have recently released their own pens and pencils, with all the colours to match your beautiful new journal. The pens have won several design awards and have a refill available. They also offer 18mm HB pencils that come in the colours available to match your notebook. Lastly to keep everything together you can also add a pen loop with the colour of your choice.

Here is a link too a local shop that supplies Leuchtturm products. I recommend that you visit as they can personalise it for you.

https://www.bradburyart.co.uk/search?type=product&q=Lecuhtturm

If you haven't been convinced by how versatile this method of organising yet, bear with me we're just getting started... ✍🏻