My 2020 Journal & Notebook Picks
An integral part of my self care routine is journaling and brain dumping. I posted a You Tube video and blog post describing how I journaled my way back to joy. You can read and view it here. Writing is something that I do to maintain a healthy mental and emotional mind set.
Below I am sharing my journal and notebook picks for 2020. Along with journaling I also conduct daily “brain dumps’ where I write down everything that is in my head.
The new year is fast approaching and that means it is time for a new journal. Last year I used a beautiful journal gifted to me by my eldest daughter. This year I opted for this beautiful journal from Anthropologie. I love Anthropologie’s clothing and home decor, but did you know they also have a great selection of beautiful journals, notebooks and planners? I am really looking forward to writing in this journal.
This journal comes in multiple colors and is made from a beautiful suede material. You can purchase it here.
I saw this daily journal and decided to pick it up. The title struck me - “Calm the Chaos” A daily practice for a more peaceful life. Pictured below is the inside of the journal.
I approach journaling from the standpoint of pouring my heart out on the page, so I rarely find myself void of something to write. I much prefer a blank journal with space to write only, however, I love these prompts! I do not see myself answering the questions to these prompts each day, but I do think they are great questions to consider and ponder daily. I will be gifting this particular journal, but will use its contents for daily reflection and preparation for the coming day. You can purchase this journal here.
The contents of my journal are private and deeply personal. For that reason I do not typically take my journal with me when I leave the house. When I am on the go I use a jotting notebook to record my thoughts. I also use a jotting notebook for brain dumps. For me, brain dumps are very different than journaling. I journal primarily about my feelings and my thoughts about the day or anything I am currently struggling or dealing with. When I brain dump, I write down everything that is on my mind as it relates to all aspects of my life. I write down business ideas, blog ideas, personal and professional goals, home projects, wardrobe additions or deletions, and the list goes on. Anything that is on my mind, I write down during a brain dumping session. This practice allow me to clear my mind. Performing brain dumps throughout the day and just before bed allows me to rest more easily.
I record these brain dumps in a notebook that I take with me on the go. This year I used a combination of a notebook that I purchased at Target and the Graphic Image notebook. Normally, the Graphic Image notebook is my goto, however, I wanted to try a notebook that is bound and not a spiral so that it would fit more easily with the planer I carry every day. I saw this 3 pack set of GORGEOUS notebooks at Anthropologie and could not resist using them as my jotting notebooks in 2020. I could not find these particular notebooks online but they are currently being sold in store if you want to pick some up.
I keep a separate notebook on my desk for my daily devotion and Bible study notes. I am still contemplating what notebook to use. I do have a journaling Bible but need additional space to write.
Well, these are my picks for 2020. Please remember that you do not have to purchase intricate or pricey journals and notebooks to do the essential thing which is to actually write. Make purchases that fit into your budget. You can be just as effective using a $1 composition notebook. Stay tuned in the new year for more journal and brain dumping posts. These two practices have saved my life and I cannot advocate for it enough.
What journals and/or notebooks do you intend to use in 2020? I would love to hear your picks.