A question I often get asked when discussing the topic of journaling is: "how do I start?" The simplest answer is: pen and paper. Of course, that's a very unsatisfying answer that leaves much to be desired. Usually, people moreso mean "what do I write about?" or "how do I decorate it?" in the event that they are referring to junk journaling- or modern scrapbooking- art journaling, or other decorative formats that have become more popularized online since the COVID-19 pandemic. And that, my friend, is what this blog is here to assist you with! I started journaling when I was eight- such is now lost to time- and began to journal consistently in early 2020 in my freshman year of high school. It was a frantic time (title drop), and I found it comforting to have an outlet to discuss all of the craziness going on without fear of judgement or without worrying about being so negative all the time when talking to other people. I hope journaling can help you as it's helped me, and that I'm able to give you inspiration and tips through this blog. Even if it helps only one person, that's someone out there I've helped improve the life of with all my hours poured into the blog, and that's all I need for me.
What you'll need:
- A journal/composition notebook/paper and a binder
- Writing utensils
- If you wish to do decorative journaling: markers and assorted junk (you can cut out junk mail, magazines, etc), cheap glue
- LATER ON: stickers. highlighters, tape runner, etc
You can use anything to make the journal itself, be it paper stapled together or shoved in a binder, an old sketchbook, or an old schoolbook. My recommendation would be one of the cheap 50-99 cent composition notebooks you can get at your local store, or going to a thrift store. Unused notebooks can often be found at thrifts in overabundance. Your first journal doesn't need to be anything fancy, I find it's easier to write in the ugly ones as you feel less pressure for perfectionism in your journal. This is especially true for more creative-outlet-type less-diary-type journals like junk journals or art journals. Commonplace books are also a good concept to look into, as they're low stress, and not meant to look pretty in the slightest! Additionally, you can turn an old book into a brand new journal by painting over, or gluing paper onto the already-existing paper, which can provide a unique aesthetic to your journal as well. Don't stress too much about appearances. Below is an example of one I still like the appearance of, for only $4.99 at TJ Maxx.
Another thing I'd recommend to beginners is not to give into FOMO, and buy the smallest amount necessary at first. Don't buy all the pretty expensive supplies you see when you don't 100% know that you'll stick to the hobby yet. I also find getting the most expensive stickers, material paper, and emphera out there can lead to a lot of guilt about using it, or even guilt about not having used it yet due to being too afraid of using it! And if/when you eventually buy supplies: don't be afraid of using things. Materials are meant to be used. Stickers are meant to be stuck onto something. Markers are meant to be bled dry. Even so, add them to a wishlist and come back to it in a couple months and see if you still want those stickers so badly. Even after journaling for years, resisting the urge to buy a ton of journal supplies I won't even use is an active mental warzone for me.
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