There are a few characteristics and items that a person's family and close friends associate with them, things that will automatically trigger an, "Ah! That reminds me so much of ___!" reaction. In addition to sassy one-line quips, reading and constantly being sleepy, something that my loved ones tie to their understanding me is journaling. I love to write and I'm very much a sentimental person - which means that a specific place to write and take down memories I want to hold onto is perfect for me! Verging on minutely embarrassing, I currently have just about nine journals running simultaneously, all for vastly different things. I thought I'd share 10 types of journals that I think everyone should keep at one point in their lifetime!
1. Classic journal
Recommended for you
Getting back to basics! It seems that almost every little girl has a diary or journal growing up. Something frilly and pink, or maybe you went high-tech and got a locked/password-protected notebook. But there's a reason for all of that! Getting out of your own head and writing down your emotions in a concrete manner (so you're better able to process) works wonders!
2. Bullet journal / planner
This may just be a personal preference, but I never feel that store-bought planners have a spot for everything that I need to jot down. So I make my own! Bullet journals have picked up popularity, especially with the late high school and college crowds. With it's option for highly stylized layouts, they've become a mix between an art journal and a classic to-do list!
3. Dream journal
Ever have an amazing dream that you wish you could remember? Or a crazy one that you want to share with your friends, but come morning... poof, it's gone! Start a dream journal and you'll never have that problem again! I find it best to write down quick notes about my dreams while I'm still in bed that I can fill in later once I've fully woken up.
4. Fitness journal
Nip lost motivation in the bud with a whole bound book dedicated to your progress! I have a pre-purchased journal with assigned sections for everything I'd need for my health journey: mood, gratitude, food, water and inspiration logs!
5. Quote journal
I don't know about you, but I'm realizing that social media has become alight with inspiration everywhere! I've found quotes on Tumblr, Pinterest, Facebook, even Snapchat! While I like the idea of keeping them on my phone, I'm a much more tactile person. Writing them down in a journal I can flip through on a bad day is much more me.
6. Compliment journal
Get a compliment on a cute sweater or a kick-ass presentation you did for your honors class? Write it down! Some days might be clouded in self-negativity. Use this journal to remind yourself that others may be able to see things a bit more clearly. And what they see is brilliant.
7. Goals journal
Forget New Years resolutions! Start a goals journal! Short-term, long-term, five years from now... any and all goals can be written on these pages. I've filled out a few pages according to my Day Zero Project goals for the next three years. Once I accomplish them, I write a little blurb about that. I can't wait to read it all over when I've finished to see what I've accomplished!
8. Art journal
Pens, pencils, paint, stickers, leaves. These are a few of my favorite things... to put in my art journal! Sometimes, words just don't cut it when it comes to express how I'm feeling. My art journal helps me find another outlet for all of those pent-up emotions. I have a "Wreck This Journal," and it works wonders for an A-type like me.
9. Smashbook
I include these in my classic journal, but all types of bits-and-bops go into this type of journal! Ticket stubs, receipts from a great night out, wristbands from that amazing concert in the park, kooky candy wrappers; everything and anything at all that has value to you, all in one neat and convenient place! Reminiscing has never been so easy.
10. Letter journal
Write a letter to the person who inspires you the most. Write a letter to that colleague who gets on your last nerve. Write a Christmas list to St. Nick! This is for all the letters you've written but never sent.
Brew a nice strong cup of Joe, sit down and journal your heart out. Future you will thank you!
