Journaling Tip: Use a Slim Notebook
I get a very satisfying feeling every time I start a new notebook.
I have a box full of journals. That's because I've been journaling for more than two decades. If you peer into that box, you'll find dozens upon dozens of used notebooks. There's another reason why I have so many individual notebooks: I have a big preference for using thin notebooks for journaling. The type of notebook I use contains just about 8o pages (about 40 sheets of paper in all). This thin notebook will last me just about 2-3 months. Sure, I can use a thicker notebook that could last me a year or two. But I have four particular reasons why I choose to use slimmer ones:
It's easier to carry around. I want to be able to bring my journal with me wherever I go. A thinner notebook is simply easier to carry around. I often like to insert the notebook in between my physical copy of the Bible that I also lug around with me. The result is feeling like I'm holding one item rather than two. I also carry a lot of things with me in a backpack. Anything I can do to lighten that bag helps.
I love starting a fresh notebook. It may sound strange, but I get a very satisfying feeling every time I start a new notebook. I'm always looking forward to beginning a fresh notebook. It's something that keeps me motivated to continue journaling. And because I use a slim notebook, I can start a fresh one more often and get that satisfying feeling more regularly.
I'm not as worried about losing a notebook. Losing a journal is always a big deal no matter what. But I wouldn't be as sad about losing a journal that only contained entries from the last two months rather than losing one that contained entries from the last two years.
It's a signal for me to do a big reflection. Every time I start a fresh notebook, I carve out some extended time to do a big reflection on my life. I review past notebooks and reflect on insights and lessons that I've learned. I also usually copy key ideas and insights into the new notebook. Since I start a fresh notebook every 2-3 months, I will do a big reflection on my life about 4 times a year. These big reflections are such a great practice to keep me grounded in my life and spirituality.
These are just some practical reasons why I choose to use a slim notebook. In the end, choose a notebook (whether thin or thick) that's right for you and that will make your process of journaling easier, simpler, meaningful, and fun.
Barnabas the Monastic
Servant of Christ. Husband. Dad. Modern Monastic. I have a wild ambition in life: get as close to the Lord Jesus Christ as I can while on earth. I explore and integrate ancient Christian monk wisdom in modern everyday life. Lives in Canada.
