Why Do I Journal?

As an avid journaler and stationery enthusiast, I’ve had this question in my mind for quite some time - in this digital age, why do I still choose paper to write down my thoughts?

My day job relies heavily on fast-paced digital tools, and yet I need a paper planner to keep myself on track. I keep multiple notebooks in the little creative corner of my living room, where I sit down at night to journal about what happened or whatever happens to be on my mind at the time.

What makes me so happy about all of this? What makes me passionate about this hobby? I chose to do some self-reflecting and realized there are quite a few reasons.

Journaling helps me slow down. I personally find that my mind races with thoughts throughout the day - tasks I need to do at work, errands I need to run, planning for the weeks ahead both professionally and personally… the list goes on.

As soon as I empty these thoughts onto a planner page, or even on something as simple as a sticky note, I feel more at ease. I’m no longer worried about forgetting something, so I can take the time to really think through the task at hand and focus on one thing at a time.

I enjoy stationery. Plain and simple! I love stationery as a whole and so many things associated with it, including notebook covers, pen/pencil holders and cases, among others.

I can get lost in a store for hours browsing what they carry and testing out pens on different types of paper. It’s so much fun discovering new products and brands I haven’t heard of before, or independent makers who breathe life into their own ideas in unique ways. There’s a lot to explore in the analogue side of the world and I appreciate the thoughtful design as well as the handmade touch.

I like to look back on memories. Because life moves so quickly these days, I also tend to forget what happened fairly fast. Sometimes, an event that took place six months before feels like a lifetime ago, and my own memories of the event are hazy at best.

I like being able to take out completed journals from months or even years past and seeing what I got up to. Whether it’s a daily journal or a travel journal, each one reminds me of what life has to offer. It brings back how I felt in that moment, both good and bad, and it allows me to look back on the experience in a new way.

I love the sense of community. I started this blog and my Instagram account in hopes of meeting other people who like stationery as much as I do. Two and a half years later, I’ve connected with so many people online and offline! It’s by far the most supportive and kind community I have come across, where we all bond over our shared love for all things stationery.

I love seeing what other people like and use, even if we don’t have the same tastes or styles. I have met individuals from all walks of life - even though we have different backgrounds and personalities, we can chat for hours on end about how much we love our analogue tools. It’s a special thing when you find a common thread of interest with strangers and become closer as a result.

Journaling makes me feel creative and free. Journals are so personal to each and every person who uses them. There’s no right or wrong way to fill a page, and a notebook won’t judge you for your mistakes. It’s a truly freeing feeling, being able to write or decorate wherever I want. I don’t feel any sense of restriction when I look at an empty page, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything else.

In a world where I often feel limited by expectations and measures of “success,” journaling keeps me grounded and allows me to experiment with my creativity. It reminds me daily that I’m not defined by my job description or what other people think I should be. It’s a place where I can be honest with myself without fear.

I’m always curious to know how everyone else got into journaling, so I hope this post gave you a little more insight into why I dedicate my personal time to journal. I feel incredibly lucky to have rediscovered my love for stationery and that I’m in a comfortable place to afford the nice stationery goods I want. I’m grateful for all of the people I have met through this personal journey of mine.

If you have made it this far, thank you as always for reading. I wish you a bright and beautiful week ahead - I’ll be back soon with more to share!

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