I regularly do a lot of journaling using several different methods. I used to do all my journaling in a notebook, and I still use that way on occasion. It’s a visceral feeling, kind of, feeling a pen in my hand moving across a somewhat textured paper. I think it puts me more in touch with what I’m thinking, sending the brain signals to my hand and fingers. It’s unmatched by digital journaling.
However, having said that, I do a lot of my journaling with digital software, in particular with Day One journaling software. I like using Day One because, with a fairly cheap premium version, I can create many different journals, easy to find all in one place. I have several journals that I write in, including a daily journal, gratitude journal, tips, headlines, school, gaming, YouTube, and a few others. This works better than having journals flung far and wide, and having to remember where they’re at. So, yes, I use digital journals now mainly.
But I still use my paper notebook on most mornings, right after I get up. I read “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron some time ago. In it she explains about doing a morning journal, basically freewriting every morning for about 30 minutes, more or less. I started doing this a couple of years ago and I still incorporate this idea into my daily journal, although I don’t freewrite for 30 or 40 minutes, like I used to do. Time constraints. Time is my most precious commodity, so I dole it out to different areas of my life with care. The morning journal is one area that suffered a bit. Again, though, I still do it on occasion.
I find journaling to be an important part of my life. It’s a bit like meditation, especially when done in the quiet hours of the early morning. Do you journal? Leave a comment if you wish. I’m curious to know what kind of journaling you do.
