Today is a special day - I have filled my journal that I started back in August, and I now sit looking at a fresh book with fresh pages, waiting for all of my thoughts and experiences to be recorded.
A simple joy to be embraced and celebrated during such difficult times.
2025 has been the year where I've reconnected with myself through daily journaling. This is my fourth new journal this year. The other three I've worked through are full and sitting proudly on my bookshelf, each a collection of my dreams and days and self explorations at different seasons of the year.
There's a little excitement and intimidation when opening up a fresh journal. First I have to figure out what book I'm actually going to use. I feel like the ones remaining in wait are disappointed with me that they aren't chosen.
Like many who love stationery and pens, I have a stack of blank books waiting to be filled. I buy them at the bookstore. I find cute ones as I'm shopping for groceries. I grab them at the thrift stores when I see them sitting sadly on the shelf, waiting for love. I get some as gifts.
Finding "The Perfect Journal" is as much an adventure as writing in them. For me, the perfect journals have the following properties:
lined pages. I've tried dot grid, and while great for keeping notes - they just don't feel right to me for extended writing.
paper that feels substantial and doesn't ghost or bleed through.
Fountain pen friendly is a plus, but not a requirement.
A hardcover book - with any style of sewn/glue book binding. Spiral binding and staple style books feel more for daily notes rather than more permanent records.
No decoration on the pages beyond the ruling. I prefer to use washi stickers, rubber stamps, and such to reflect my mood at the time I'm writing.
Approximately A5/half-letter size.
Not too thick where I'll have to bolster my wrist on some pages when I'm on the beginning or end of the book for writing comfort.
My journaling style has evolved into a blend of quasi-Morning Pages and guided prompts from communities. I write just about every single morning about whatever's on my mind. Sometimes there's some daily recapping. Sometimes there's just thoughts and stress and ideas of what I should be doing. I don't stick to a page or time limit, but generally it winds up being three pages of free-verse writing.
Evening writing, when it happens, is usually more structured - guided prompts, shadow work, gratitude journaling, goals for myself. Those writing times are more influenced by communities and classes I'm involved in. I appreciate that they stretch me beyond recording events.
On New Years Eve, I think I'll take my journals for the year, curl up by candlelight, and read some of my entries. I'll be able to see where I've been, where I've grown, and have a quiet closing of my year.
Time to get some more words on this fresh page... Happy Friday everyone.
