I’m sure you’re familiar with journaling and you’ve probably either tried it in the past or keep the habit of journaling.

I love journaling, because it helps me pay attention both to my own self and to the world around me.

Even if I’m writing very mundane things, I find journaling very helpful for grounding me at the beginning of my day.

I don’t go back and read my journals very often. Sometimes I’ll flip through them when I finish one. Every few years, I clear out all of the old journals, setting them out with the trash or burning them. The value to me is in the present, while I’m journaling and shortly after.

There are a lot of ways to keep a journal. Some require more time than others. I tend to rotate through various methods, using one that works for me in the season I find myself.

Here are some that I’ve tried or that intrigue me.

Morning page from The Artist’s Way

I love the book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. You don’t have to be an artist to get a lot from the book. One of the ideas she promotes in the book is morning pages. She suggests writing three pages of long-hand writing every morning. This is to be stream of consciousness. Three pages is key, as is keeping your hand moving. Even if you have to write “what next?” Over and over, eventually you break through to something more interesting.

I’ve used morning pages on and off for twenty years. I find them very helpful when I need to work through things in my life or if I find myself confused, in a funk, or in a rut. They’re also helpful when I want to boost my creativity.

I use a cheap, spiral bound notebook for morning pages.

Shorter journaling using a horizontal planner to jot a few thoughts/ideas each day.

I’m currently using the MakseLife planner, but I’ve also used other types of planners. I like the MakseLife planner, because it includes goal setting with monthly and weekly check ins. I’m planning to order again for next year. The 2024 line goes live next week. This is not a cheap option, but I’ve found it very useful this year in helping me pay attention, get some control of things and move myself in the right direction.

MakseLife does have a number of free printable on their site that are helpful as well.

Silk and Sonder

Silk and Sonder journal/planners are fun, because you get a new one in the mail every month. Each one is themed and includes guided journaling, habit tracking and daily planner pages. I never used it to plan, but instead used it as a place to do short daily journaling. I liked the different themes of each month.

Again, this is not a cheap option, but I did enjoy using them for a while.

The Hero’s Journal

The Hero’s Journal is a guided journal is meant to use for 90 days. I received this one as a gift and enjoyed using it. It’s a very different type of journal that uses the power of story telling to move you through the journal.

Mel Robbin’s High 5 Journal

I haven’t used the full journal, but she’s got a free printable that I tried. Scroll part way down on this page and put in your email address. I used the printable for a week or so and I really like the format of it.

The Five Senses Journal

I haven’t tried the Five Senses Journal yet, but I loved the book Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin. I think using the journal would really help me to pay attention to my life.

This week’s action tip:

Try using a journal to pay attention to your life. I’d love to hear what type of journaling has worked for you. Leave a comment below to share.