START JOURNALING TO WRITE DOWN YOUR THOUGHTS AND ORGANIZE YOUR DAY

Journaling, or journalling, describes the habit of writing down your thoughts every day, your state of mind or simply what’s on your mind. Journaling is at the crossroads of several writing methods: life planner, logbook, intimate self-expression and personal development tool. There are many benefits to adding journaling to your daily routine: positive effects on your creativity, your well-being and your organization will soon be felt. How do you get started? Which supplies do you need? How do you select your journaling kit?

To find out more about journaling, we have been in touch with the Swiss blogger Chloé from chloekian.com who writes on a wide range of subjects including conscious living, zero waste and sustainability. She tells us about the special relation that she has with her journal, her confidant and paper companion.

WHAT IS JOURNALING?

Journaling refers to the act of keeping a journal and is a daily writing ritual, an appointment with oneself and a few sheets of paper. Somewhere between a private journal or diary and a bullet journal, this practice consists in laying down on paper your thoughts, emotions or even your plans for the day. Journaling can take many forms depending on what you wish to get out of it.

I write. Not for style, not to be read. Sometimes I write in French, often in English. I make mistakes, I doodle, I sketch, I stick in pictures, photos and wilted flowers.

Chloé Kian

While some view journaling as a practical way of organizing their days and taking notes, others find in journaling a haven in which to bare their emotions. It all depends on what you wish to do. Whether it’s a bullet journal, gratitude journal or even an intimate diary is up to you. There are no limits when it comes journaling, except maybe the number of pages in your notebook.

JOURNALING AND TAKING TIME FOR YOURSELF

Starting journaling is granting yourself me-time and taking the time to develop self awareness and improve. The daily writing of thoughts or feelings makes it easier to take a step back when face with certain emotions or situations. Putting words onto feelings makes it possible to have an outside perspective on feelings and make them easier to understand. Beneficial to your mental health, journaling will also help you to reconnect with your inner self and the present moment.

It [my journal] is by my side when I need to vent, to express my feelings, my frustrations, and my intentions. Everything becomes clearer once it’s on the paper. My journal allows me to take a step back, gives me the perspective that allows me to untangle all the knots in my mind. And for all of that I am eternally grateful.

Chloé Kian

The act of writing soothes the body and mind. Journaling, like writing, is cathartic. Journalling is also safe space where you can confide without fear of being judged, break free from negative thoughts or express your ideas without frills. On a daily basis, expressive writing can be a real therapy that uses words and paper. This therapeutic method was developed by James Pennebaker in the 1980's. The American psychologist demonstrated that writing about our emotions is beneficial to mental and physical health (sleep, stress management, brain and memory functions, heart rate and blood pressure) as well as all social and cognitive skills (learning, concentration and relations with others).

The relation I have with my journal is fluid, and that’s fine. There is mutual trust. It knows that I will come and confide in it if I need to, and I know that it will be there no matter what.

Chloé Kian

BULLET JOURNAL: A USEFUL JOURNALING PRACTICE TO ORGANIZE YOUR DAY

If journaling describes the habit of writing every day, this practice isn’t just limited to self-expression or intimate writing. As a personal development tool, journaling can also be seen as a will to organize your days and plan out your daily, monthly or even yearly goals.

Bullet journalling, also known as BuJo, is an excellent form of journaling. The concept was invented by the American designer Ryder Caroll. While all bullet journals contain certain essential elements such as the index or the future log, it is nevertheless possible to personalize. Now, what to put in a bullet journal? Your schedule, blank pages, wishlists and aims, to-do lists- this planner will help you put all aspects of your life in order, express your creativity and your thoughts. There is no good or bad bullet journal. The best one is the one that suits you and in which you like to write.

When I need it I can count on its unconditional presence, it provides a safe space and is never judgmental. There are no projected fears, insecurities or opinions. It lets me be. It doesn’t ask me any questions, but it allows me to pose them myself.

Chloé Kian

The bullet planner, or planner, is closer to a schedule or calendar. It is not as easy to personalize but is still a very efficient tool to help you with your personal organization.

What is the monthly log in a bullet journal? It’s an important central page of your bullet journal which gives you a monthly overlook of your goals or the important events that took place that month. Favor a clear page layout that will make it easy to read.

OUR TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED AND SELECTING YOUR JOURNALING KIT

When starting journaling, you do not need many supplies. A pen and paper are enough. Asking a few questions beforehand will help you choose the writing tools.

First of all, define your journaling habits. What do you wish to do? Write exclusively, schedule, sketch, color, to-do lists, collages… Next think about your preferences and the circumstances in which you'll be using it. Do you travel a lot? Will you be carrying your notebook in your bag? A spiral or bound notebook? Lined pages, squares, or dotted? Ballpoint pen or fountain pen?

Asking yourself these questions will help you find the right supplies for journaling and the best writing tool for you.

My journal is its own universe, a vast expression of my inner feelings. It is with me when I take the train, when I go to a café or in the mountains at the weekend. We never know when we want to write, to share, to open up.

Chloé Kian

The essential supplies for journaling

• A notebook, diary or journal. Our advice for choosing the right paper? If you’re new to journaling, you can find notebooks specially designed to guide you when you start out. Once you're used to it, a blank notebook or journal will give you more creative freedom.

• A ballpoint pen, fountain pen or roller pen. For an unforgettable writing experience, why not treat yourself, or gift, a personalized Caran d'Ache pen with your engraved initials, a date, or a small motivational message.

Accessories to enrich and decorate the pages in your journaling notebook

• Felt tip pens and pencils to sketch your thoughts

• Masking tape to add you souvenirs and tape photos, flyers, tickets

• Stickers to add zing or organize your content

STARTING JOURNALING AND MAKING IT A HABIT

1. Don’t overthink when you start out. Journaling is an exercise perfected over time. Define your needs and get down to it.

2. Choose the right supplies for journaling , those that combine quality and aesthetics. You need tools that make you want to write. Treat yourself to a beautiful notebook and a pen that will glide over the paper. Add to this a few accessories such as colored pencils to adorn your journal, masking tape (repositionabe Japanese adhesive tape that comes in plain colors or patterns) or stickers.

3. Don’t put pressure on yourself to write a certain number of words every day or spend a set amount of time writing. Journaling isn't a chore and you should enjoy doing it.

4. Try things out, make mistakes, start again. Keeping a bullet journal is a creative exercise. Sometimes you need to try out different options before finding the right format or page layout that suits you the best. There is no one and only set way to do journaling.

5. Set aside time in your schedule for writing. Morning or evening, choose the time of day which is most conducive to your journaling creativity. The act of writing, or Scribe, is one of the SAVERS (Silence Affirmations Visualisation Exercise Reading Scribing) six personal development habits that are part of the Miracle Morning routine developed by Hal Elrod.

6. Define a color code early on to improve the readability of your bullet journal.

7. To keep up motivation, re-read previous entries regularly to remind yourself of good times and see your evolution and how you've progressed

To write down her thoughts during the day, Chloé uses the personalized 849 BRUT ROSÉ Ballpoint Pen engraved with her name, and a notebook.

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