People often talk about how finding the right journal when getting into journaling is a crucial step. Yet, nobody stresses the reasons why finding the perfect journal is so important.
Today, I wanted to elaborate on the reasons finding a journal you love is so important and how to go about it.
Disclaimer: All of the views and opinions in this post are solely my own and are not sponsored. This post may include affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission through links at no cost to you.
Why you should love your journal
When you love your journal, you’ll be more likely to utilize it and use it as a tool towards the goal of mental well-being. Your journal should be a welcome object and one that you treasure. If for whatever reason you find yourself disliking it, you may neglect to use it.
Journaling has so many benefits and the issue for many people is keeping up with it. While habit surely plays a big role in any journaling routine, it’s also important to note that loving your journal is a vital and well-overlooked step towards curating a healthy and consistent journaling routine.
What happens when you hate writing in your journal?
When you don’t like your journal, you won’t be inclined to write in it. If the cover is boring, the feel is off, and you find it uncomfortable to write in, you’re going to hate journaling altogether.
Before you implement journaling as a habit, you need a solid journal that encourages you to fall in love with writing.
So, I’m going to cover some of the basic things you need to consider when finding the perfect journal.
The cover has to be appealing
First and foremost, the cover has to be appealing. Whether you like solid colors, patterns, muted colors, bright colors, plain janes, or fuzzy borders, you need to get a journal that speaks to you.
Personally, I prefer plain journals. I’m not quite sure why, but I love a solid black, brown, or cream journal.
Everyone is different but it’s important to know which appeals to you most.
Need help?
Below is a picture of eight different journals. Which one do you like the most? I’ll link to each of them below but even if you don’t want this particular journal, knowing what pattern appeals to you most is a great fact to keep in mind as we continue!
- Leather journal with sun and moon design
- Sleek, black notebook (classic)
- Marble notebook
- Colorful quote notebook
- Elegant flower notebook
- Vintage, plain brown leather journal
- Honeycomb and bee patterned journal
- Quote notebook
It’s also important to note that when choosing a journal, the first thing to consider is how it looks. Don’t worry about material, size, binding, etc. For now, come to a conclusion on which of the above journals was most appealing to you and use it as a framework moving forward.
Take note of the binding
Once you note the “look” you like, it’s time to think about material and binding.
Honestly, this one is kind of crazy for me! I have different preferences for my different types of journals.
Here’s what I like:
Travel journal – Needs leather binding and potentially a strap to tie it together. Lots of blank pages that are tanned and look authentic.
Agenda/planner journal – Needs to be bulleted and lays flat. Cover should be plain and simple.
Writing journal – Pages can be bigger. Needs to have lines. It should also be plain or have a single, simple design or pattern on the front. Preferred if the binding and cover are flexible rather than stiff.
As you can see, I have different preferences for style, binding, and page type depending on the type of journal I’m looking to create. Knowing what you intend to use your journal for will allow you to better understand what you want it’s aesthetic to be.
When it comes to material and binding, the options are nearly limitless. Do you want leather? Hard cover? Do you want an exposed binding? Do you prefer spiral journals? Do you like fuzzy covers? How about suede?
The way the cover is made and how it feels will affect your choice when it comes to finding the perfect journal.
Should the journal lay flat?
Recently, I discovered that one of my favorite attributes of any journal is its ability to lay flat. This tends to derive from a specific binding and I will link to a bullet journal and a lined journal that highlight what I mean.
You can also watch my “How to journal in 2021” video to see a visual difference between my journals.
One thing I’ve discovered is that for journals that you intend to write in frequently, a flat binding is easier to use and more enjoyable.
The issue with say, spiral binding, is that when writing on your non-dominant page, your arm will have to rest uncomfortably on the spiral portion.
Alternatively, journals like an ordinary composition notebook never actually lay flat and can cause a lot of problems when writing. You have to keep pressing the pages down in order to write.
These are the main reasons I prefer flat binding. However, not everyone’s the same. I know people who thoroughly enjoy spiral binding thanks to the perforated edges that are often included on the pages within. This allows users to seamlessly tear out pages that they don’t want or allows them to hang some of their finest work on the walls.
Furthermore, some people don’t mind binding all that much. They find no distinction between writing in say, a composition notebook and a spiral notebook. This is totally fine!
Again, it’s up to preference. But knowing whether you want it to lay flat or not will make a big difference in your ultimate decision.
Do you like lines or blank pages?
Another option to consider is whether or not you want lined pages. For writers who love to doodle in their journals, lined notebooks don’t always hit that sweet spot for art.
Personally, I love notebooks and journals that include lines but also reserve space in the margins (both top and sides) for a creative outlet.
Lined notebooks provide room to write your thoughts, stories, dreams, and memories in a concise and easy to read manner. The decision remains up to you and the purpose you want your journal to provide in order to decide whether lines are a good or bad thing.
What to know about dotted journals
As an alternative, dotted journals provide the room to create your own lines, boxes, and other shapes in sharp and clear ways. The dots provide a guideline that allows you to write in straight rows or create bullet journal types of spreads (like weekly or monthly).
Additionally, there is the opportunity to draw and create doodles in your journal that allow you to be artistic whilst also providing room for writing.
I love my bullet journal so much. I got it from the Japanese mall in Chicago last winter and it’s been my go to for planning and performing personal development exercises. I do have to admit that there is a love hate relationship with this journal. Personally, I don’t find it ideal for writing. Although, I don’t think this should deter writers who are considering a bullet journal as it would create room for more opportunities both artistically and linguistically.
Size matters
Lastly, I think it is important to stress that size matters—for journaling!
Big journals allow you to utilize more breadth on the page and provide room to create larger, grander written concoctions and artistic designs.
On the other hand, smaller books are easy to bring with you if you like to journal in coffee shops or need to jot down some quick ideas. However, the don’t allow much space for work and can be frustrating as they fill up rather easily.
There is a balance between larger and smaller journals that can certainly bring the benefits of both. I urge you to keep this in mind when selecting your journal.
Final thoughts
There is such a wide range of journals to choose from and many highlight unique traits of a character. I think it’s best to select a journal that suits you and offers you the room and functionality you need in order to create a journal that you can truly connect to and love to use.
If you like this post, check out some similar posts of mine below!
Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know what kinds of journals you love!
You can also email me with questions or concerns you may have at info.amelia.wilson@gmail.com
My new book, Witch in the Water, is available on Amazon!
Also, check out my poetry book, The Lights are on but Nobody’s Home, available now on amazon for $6.99 in paperback form!
Disclaimer: All of the views and opinions in this post are solely my own and are not sponsored. This post includes affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission through links at no cost to you.
Thanks again