45. Journaling: you don't have to be a philosopher

journaling 101 aka my favorite past time aka something I think everyone should do

Oct 13, 2024

You don’t have to be some eloquent philosopher to journal. You don’t have to use prompts every day. You don’t have to think deeply, but you can. You don’t have to devote twenty minutes to journaling, or you can do more.

What I love about journaling is that no one can tell you what’s right or what’s wrong because there is no wrong way to journal. In my opinion, the purpose of journaling is to better understand yourself and the world around you. Maybe that looks like using three journaling prompts every day. For me, I simply spend a few minutes at breakfast writing about whatever comes to mind. It really helps me be able to understand all of my thoughts and how it makes me feel. I have trouble recognizing everything happening inside my head and what impact is has on me because I am, somewhat ironically, constantly thinking. Journaling gives me a break from that. I have to focus on something, and I have to recognize how I feel about it. Journaling has given me more clarity of myself, and most of the time I scribble about what I’m doing that day. It doesn’t have to be a certain way.

Not sure where to start? Buckle in.

Where can I get a journal?

Oh, anywhere. It can just be a lined notebook from the Dollar Store, a random piece of paper you find in your desk, or even your notes app will do in a pinch. If you’re into journaling, and you want to hear my recommendations, I’ve got you. I like to think that my journals find me. Not one is the same, and I try to find them spontaneously. Examples include planning on spending my birthday gift card at Barnes and Noble on books but buying three journals instead & my last few weeks at college, I visited this independent bookstore and found one of my favorite journals ever. Or the time I was in Italy, walked into a kids store, and picked up a notebook for kindergarteners because it said “bookworm” with a worm on it.

Some of my favorite brands are Rifle Paper Co, Papier, Etsy Shops, and Sumner Lane.

What type of writing tool should I use?

Whatever you want! (do you get the theme of journaling yet?) My favorite pens are the Precise V5 Rolling Ball Extra Fine. If you have any good pen recs, send them my way!

What should I say?

Say it with me - whatever you want!

If you want guided prompts to start you out, head to Pinterest. If you want to do some soul searching, look up journaling prompts for self reflection. Is the question hard to answer? Good. You’re learning about yourself.

My favorite thing to do is just write whatever comes to mind. It doesn’t matter, just fill the page. You will probably learn something.

Another favorite is the three page one (I am blanking on the name!) - you write for three pages and do not stop. It doesn’t matter what you write as long as you do not stop ever! Even write “I don’t know what to write”.

I’ve done this for a few weeks, and I don’t think it’s working.

Oh yeah? Reread your first entry. Every time I finish a journal, I go back and reread the first few entries. I fondly shake my head because you know what? Everything has its way of working out. What troubled me then does not trouble me now. What I’m focused on now, I had no idea would happen then.

Ultimately, journaling is about getting to know yourself. You show up everyday to write in the journal. You listen to your brain - how are you feeling? You can work through anxieties and gush about the best times in your life. And a few years later, you will be able to visually see the change you have gone through. It’s a blessing.

What do you mean it is mid-October??? Also: affiliate links!

How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn (Rom Com): Oct 15, 2024
1. Note: LOL
What I Ate In One Year by Stanley Tucci (Memoir): Oct 15, 2024
The Waiting by Michael Connelly (Mystery/Thriller): Oct 15, 2024
Framed: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions by John Grisham & Jim McCloskey (Social Justice): Oct 15, 2024
1. Note: I need to pick this up.
Sonny Boy by Al Pacino (Memoir)
Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy (Romance, Fantasy): Oct 15, 2024
Strange Beasts by Susan J Morris (Fantasy): Oct 15, 2024
Januaries: Stories of Love, Magic, and Betrayal by Olivie Blake (Fantasy, Short Stories): Oct 15, 2024
A Woman Underground by Andrew Klavan (Mystery): Oct 15, 2024

Books I’ve compiled from mainly the NYT Bestsellers List, but also the B&N Top 100 and Amazon Bestsellers in no particular order. I’ve decided to simply add the books I haven’t before, since I’ve caught up to the new additions. If you’re curious, last week’s post can be found here.

The Boyfriend by Frieda McFadden (Thriller)
Lies He Told Me by James Patterson & David Ellis (Thriller)
When The Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker (Fantasy)
Triangle by Danielle Steel (Romance)
Be Ready When The Luck Happens by Ina Garten (Memoir)
Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell (Social Psychology)
The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates (Nonfiction)
The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich (Literary Thriller)
A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang (Fantasy)

Miss Sarah A. Parker, welcome to the stage!

Sarah is such an inspiration. She self published her books, currently the first three books of the Crystal Bloom series and the first book in the Moonfall series. If you like fantasy, you might have heard of it - When The Moon Hatched. This became a viral sensation on social media, and while I haven’t had the chance to read it yet, all of my friends have adored it.

She recently went through a nine-way auction for the Moonfall series and signed with HarperVoyager. Wowza! The second book in the series is set to release October 2025.

Sarah grew up in New Zealand, where her love of stories and adventure were found in the stunning nature there. She currently lives in Australia with her husband, three kids, and plants. Sarah loves to snowboard, drink peppermint tea, and take her family on adventures with her. She seems like a genuine, kind soul.

You can learn more on her website and Instagram.