Journaling
I kept a journal for years. Anyone who has subscribed to my Substack or followed my journey with Solemniko will know that I believe wholeheartedly in the power of journalling and think it is a wonderful exercise.
But first: we must banish the idea that journaling is hard and boring.
Journaling is only hard in the way that any sort of routine is hard, it starts off as a novelty, becomes a chore and then morphs into a joy which you get a bit addicted to it. Just ask anyone who runs or does any sort of physical training. Push through, make it manageable and you’ll love seeing those pages fill up.
The other prejudice we must banish before we continue is that journaling is boring. My dear what is boring about you? Because that is what journaling is; if you think journaling is boring then you are basically saying that you think yourself and your life are boring. We must change that mindset immediately.
So, how do we set about journaling? Well my dear, I shall tell you:
The Act of Journaling
Now, if this is your first time trying to journal or you are coming back to it for the umpteenth time having had no success before I would urge you to get a simple notepad that is already in your stash and open it to the first blank page. Use a simple biro or led pencil which doesn’t cost a fortune and follow these instructions:
Write the date.
Bullet point 5 things that went well.
Bullet point 3 things you need to get done tomorrow.
(Optional) write about whatever you want for however long you wish.
The less meaning you put on completing the first 5 pages, the more fun you will have with journaling as a ritual.
Journaling is like life in a notepad, it’s a bit messy and generally easier if you follow a daily routine and experiment for the fun of it rather than to prove a point. Don’t worry if you spell things wrong, cross things out or add shopping lists - you don’t have to perform or show anyone what you’ve written. This is your space so do with it what you wish.
What not to do
Post online about your new journaling routine. Don’t put extra pressure or expectations on yourself by sharing your new routine with people you don’t live with. Journaling is a private practice and you shouldn’t be taking pictures of the pages and sharing it, this space is for you not for anyone else.
Get a fancy thick notebook that you feel totally overwhelmed by. Choosing a notebook like the Solemniko ‘Thins’ which was designed specifically for people starting on their journaling journey.
Invest in expensive writing tools. Darling just use a BIC biro or a pencil, spending huge sums of money to try and make it more desirable to show up to the page will actually make it harder and increase the resentment you feel towards yourself when you go through the difficult habit-building first month.
What to do
Tell people you share space with that you’ve started journaling and need 15 minutes every morning or evening to yourself to do it. This is especially important if you share a bed with a partner or have young children.
Decide when and where you will do your journaling each day. And be prepared to try different times and places. For example during COVID I preferred to journal first thing in the morning but outside of the pandemic it made sense to do it in the evening last thing before I went to bed.
Show up every single day without fail for 21 days. After that if you still hate it, fine you can quit - but it takes 21 days to make a habit and if you don’t show up it won’t become something that you work into your rituals.
Where to go from here
There are as many ways to journal as there are people in the world. None are wrong. It’s an entirely personal ritual, one only you should see the product of - though everyone will probably see the impact it makes on you - and therefore something which you should be selfish with.
I would suggest that you follow the instructions I gave for a formula for the first month because this will help you to show up even if you only spend 5 minutes at the page. Aim for one page per day, but remember you don’t have to fill that page just with writing. I used one of my journals to improve my drawing techniques by doing a daily sketch.
Be creative, be tenacious and most importantly: just show up.
If you want prompts don’t forget I did an entire series on this on my Substack so just sign up (for free!) and enjoy.
Shopping List
If you are going to spend money on this venture, then at least choose high quality pieces from independent brands. Here are my recommendations:
Solemniko
What would a stationery list be if it didn’t include my own brand? I make all my pieces to order from scratch using high quality, multi-media friendly sustainable materials with vegan friendly options. Whether you want a notebook, a pencil case or a folio I can create something you’ll love and use for years.
London’s Covent Garden has a gorgeous stationery shop with a range of items for you to indulge in. Whether you’re looking for fun accessories or serious staples it’s got a bit of everything for all price ranges and is well worth a visit. Even if it’s just to salivate over the options available. They also do exclusive lines of limited edition products so be patient and keep an eye on their website for updates if you want something a bit more unique.
Founders of the Sunay Letter Project, if you’re looking for delectable and thoughtful stationery choices with unique original illustrated motifs then get yourself to Cheltenham to browse the delights of Wildflower Illustration Co. You can also sign up to the Sunday Letter Project while you’re there and get a pen pal into the bargain!
Found opposite the glass foundry, Meticulous Ink is the perfect place for indulging in a fun and frivolous purchase for your journaling escapades. With brands like Tom’s Studio as well as their own letterpress stationery, you’ll be enchanted by the machines and artisan aesthetic of this particular brand to really brush up your penmanship skills. Also sign up to a workshop while you’re there to explore the delights of Calligraphy or the Letterpress or visit Bath in June for the On Paper Festival founded by Meticulous Ink.