Let me just put it out there – Journaling can truly transform you. This art form is not one ofΒ those new age fad, popularized by creative Bujo influencers on Instagram, but has been existing for thousands of years. I am pretty sure a lot of us had been journaling since childhood, confiding our deepest secrets, incidents, anger, happiness between the pages of a well-guarded diary.
While growing up we didn’t have fancy stores like Kiki K selling pretty journals for the sole purpose of putting our thoughts out there. My siblings and I would fight over the plain-looking yearly diary that my Dad used to receive from the office or as gifts. And we were supposed to write inspiring quotes and essays in them. And yet I had managed to collect a considerable amount of journals back then. Mostly documenting embarrassingΒ teenage days and apprehensions about the future. I was an introverted child, who loved to be in the comfort of my room – writing, reading and being silly. Journaling was a habit that unknowingly soothed me.
Writing Gratitude Journals
A few years ago I changed my style of writing journals. I realized that over a period of time my journals contained mostly incidents that evoked emotions of sadness or anger. I understand that journals are a source of outbursts, but I didn’t want to look back and find a stack of anger and resentment as memories. I wanted to have a journal that I would look forward to reading. That everytime I held it in my hands, a smile would spread across my face.
Thus began the journey of writing gratitude journals. I frequently started writing about happy incidents, collecting and cherishing beautiful moments that life had bestowed on me. If I had to express anything negative, I would always write about how I overcame it. As the days progressed, more and more colorful pages started being added to my journal – pictures of happy times with friends, being silly at a party, successfully ticking off my to-do list and achievements.
Believe it or not, it changed my outlook towards life.
I don’t follow any template to write a journal. I believe it’s a completely personal choice. I like sticking all the little gifts I have received, origami paper-flowers, pressed flowers and sometimes pictures or poems. I write about incidents, things I did over the week and weekly/monthly goals.
Journals should a happy a place which can comfort you in the times of need. Along with my art journal, these are probably only a few aspects of my life not impacted by technology. There’s a child-like pleasure in using colorful pens and pencil colors, doodling and making collages.
Last year I wrote myΒ first travel journal, documenting my 9 days road-trip around Tasmania and a few places in Sydney. It is one of my most cherished possessions. Inspired by a lot of popular Bujo, I bought washi tape to decorate the pages. I had collected a lot of brochures and maps as well (and tickets too), which I believe added a visual angle to my travel stories.
Get Started, Now!
If you are new to journaling, don’t be intimidated by all the colors and well-planned bullet journals that are available on the internet. You just need a paper, pen and a bunch of thoughts to get started. You can start with something as simple as “What makes you happy”.Β That’s actually how I began my 2019 journal as well. I was overwhelmed by a lot of changes in the previous month and writing it down really helped me to find some space in my head.
So, what are you going to write today?
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I regularly post my artwork and journals on
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I plan on paper, and make lists of all sorts, goals, tasks etc. But journaling is something I still have to get to. Though you have now sold me on the idea! And I must say, while I personally will be happy to settle for neat, your journals are a work of art!
Greetings dear,
this post has precisely inspired me to start journalling and try being creative
This is so creative! I really would love to document my travel into something like this, but I could never find the creativity to do so. Iβll try and give it another go.
All of these pages look so pretty! I always wish that I could journal like this. I think Iβd really enjoy it but Iβm not creative enough to make it work! x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Thank you so much Sophie. Really glad you like them.
The pages look so amazing. I had also started a travel/event journal last year. But I had to give it up midway. Nothing as beautiful as yours though. One of my resolurions this year has been to do this kind of postive journaling. I too have quite a few journals of complains ans dispairs over the years. My old blog being one of those. But this year, I am starting fresh. I hope to create a beautiful journal, write more and read more this year. Very impressive blog you have here.
Thank you so much. Glad to have you here on my blog. Yaayyy to positive journaling. It’s so much fun to read about happy stuffs rather than going back to reading regrets. Wish you good luck in your journaling journey.
Wow, Raj. Your journal is so beautiful and colorful. I have a gratitude journal on which I write about things that made me happy and thankful everyday. But it isnβt pretty like yours. I do make doodles on it when I am in the mood. But again, that can never be remotely compared to yours. I like reading my older entries as it gives me a perspective on how life was, how I felt and how I overcame and how grateful I am for today. I write down bad moments too. It helps me, I believe. Hey, how do you use Washi tape? I have them but donβt know how to use them on my journal.
Keep sharing your creative works, Raj. Always amazed to see your beautiful works. π
Currently I use washi tape for decorating the borders or cut out the designs and use as stickers or as dividers. Thank you so much Vinitha. π Keep writing and doodling π
Those are beautiful journals and what a wonderful idea to keep your memories alive! Iβve followed your Instagram account, to keep up with your creative endeavours. Thanks for sharing. π
Thank you so much Debbie π
Your journal pages are a vision! Love it. β€οΈ
Thank you so much