Journaling has always been a big part of my life, whether I was consistent with it or not. We all own a journal or notebook we half started and then suddenly didn’t touch for months or even years, and then bought another one for a fresh start only to repeat the same cycle. But it’s probably been since 2017 that I’ve stayed relatively consistent with journaling. And in the past year, I’ve created a steady journaling system that works for me.
Wallet/Pocket Journal — Traveler’s Company Passport Notebook, blue
This is a journal for convenience, what I carry around in my bag because it’s always nice to have a journal handy. I have always wanted a Traveler’s Company TN and thought the passport size would be a good place to start and can conveniently hold my passport in there when I’m traveling. It consists of 4 inserts:
Insert 1: This is where I write down any notes I might want to take while out and about. I usually jot down ideas for my blog/Substack or for poems, or if I quickly need some writing paper.
Insert 2: This is my cash/card holder and where I keep ephemera I find during the day. I also keep washi tape in there just in case.
Insert 3: I haven’t used this insert yet, but I thought the pink kraft paper was cute and would be great if I quickly needed to leave a note for someone.
Insert 4: I keep a few of my stickers in this sticker release notebook. I love having stickers with me on the go. This is probably my favorite insert.
Daily Journal/Notebook — Galen Leather Large Traveler’s Notebook (A5 Slim), black
This one is similar to the Louise Carmen Roadbook minus the trifold. If you’re chronically online like me, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about and the hype around it. I found this one on Galen Leather from their seconds sale and it has been the best thing for me. I’ve customized the elastic and the charms to make it feel like the Louise Carmen ones. All that’s left is to engrave it somehow. I have 5 inserts in this one:
Insert 1: This is my regular journal, a lined midi-sized soft cover Paperblanks journal. I won’t say it’s a daily journal because I probably only write in it once or twice a week. This is where I process my thoughts and insert ephemera, for more intentional journaling. I’ve divided it into monthly sections and make a collage for each monthly section. The journal itself is a bit smaller than the traveler’s notebook (TN), but I don’t mind. For some reason, I always felt like the inserts in a TN had to be the same size, but after seeing people’s setups on TikTok I’ve realized that the different sizes actually add to the aesthetic of it and it isn’t as inconvenient and impractical as you would think,
Insert 2: Pockets and pouch inserts are super practical to add in any TN. I use this one for ephemera and storage. It’s also great for adding pictures or stickers that inspire me or bring me joy.
Insert 3: This a plain, large size Moleskine Cahier notebook that I use for any meeting/spiritual notes that I keep organized in Cornell format. I don’t use this notebook often but I think it’s fitting to have alongside my other journals.
Insert 4: This one is another pocket insert but fits two thin A6 notebooks. I keep a notebook in one of the slots that holds my The Artist’s Way tasks. The other slot just holds a picture I found in a magazine that I liked.
Insert 5: This is another plain, large Moleskine Cahier that I use as a morning pages journal and is what I use daily. It’s less of a formal journal and more of a place that I can dump my thoughts for three pages first thing in the morning before I begin my day. I’ve kept up the habit for almost two months now, and it’s been the best thing for me.
Junk Journals
Paperblanks Ultra Hardcover, blank: This journal is for inspo collaging/junk journaling. Basically, it’s for moodboarding anything that inspires me — a song, a color palette, a subject. It’s like a treat for my creativity.
Slow Design canvas journal, blank: I use this journal for collaging/junk journaling my travels, memories, and current interests. I make sure to collect ephemera from my travels or from a notable experience. It’s like an updated/modern version of a scrapbook. I attached a lace ribbon to the spine in order to secure the journal as it expands over time.
Poetry Journal — Kikki.k A5 lined
I use this journal to draft and plan out my poems and also to include inspiration, whether it’s song lyrics, quotes from favorite writers, a list of terms that I could use in future poems or lines I’ve come up with that don’t fit into a current poem but can be used in the future. There isn’t much organization in this journal, but I like that about it. I like having the freedom to jot down anything at any time and figuring out its purpose later.
Blog/Substack Journal — Kikki.k A5 lined
This journal helps me outline my blog/Substack posts and also quickly jot down ideas I have for posts. I also keep notes for future posts or even play around with ideas I have even if it doesn’t actually become a post. Similar to my poetry journal, it’s great for brainstorming and keeping ideas flowing.
Work Journal — Midori A7 grid
This is what I carry around at work daily to log tasks, hours, data, and monthly overviews. I use about one or two pages per day, depending on the workload. I use it along with my Kaweco Sport fountain pen in iridescent pearl. I’ve also decorated the notebook with stickers and have it covered it with the A7 Midori clear cover. I’ve really enjoyed this size, it’s easy to carry around in my pocket or bag. It’s a great option if you just want a simple daily setup and don’t require too much room.
Do you have a journaling ecosystem? If not and you would like some inspiration, here’s some on TikTok, YouTube, and Substack. I feel pretty happy with the system I have at the moment. If I change anything, I would probably invest in another TN from Galen Leather but in a larger size for my Substack/blog notes and to keep my Paperblanks journal in. That way I could have a TN for planning my posts and moodboarding, which I find go hand in hand for me.
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bonitappétit 