how i finally started journaling *and actually enjoying it*

instagram ➭ @best.dressed
my main channel ➭ / bestdressed
NOTEBOOKS + OUTFIT LINKED BELOW ⇩⇩⇩
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my jewelry collection ➭ enroutejewelry.com/collection...
A couple months ago, after a lifetime of trying, I finally started journaling every single day... and enjoying it! It's been a really great way to self reflect, calm down my thoughts, and help my mental health while I was in a slump. So here are my tips for how I got into journaling and how you can too :)
JOURNALING SUPPLIES
my moleskin journal ➭ amzn.to/2Q2dLkV
g2 gel pens ➭ amzn.to/2ZZJBn6
candles ➭ amzn.to/30hDBRR
I’M WEARING
sweater: urban outfitters (bit.ly/31nmr6X)
earrings: (similar: amzn.to/2LuVCYW, bit.ly/303dcuY)
hair clips: i designed them! (enroutejewelry.com/collection...)
F A Q
what’s your name? ashley
what’s your instagram? @best.dressed
how old are you? 21 (born in 1998)
how tall are you? 5'5"
what’s your ethnicity? half british and half burmese
what equipment do you use to film?
➭ main camera: panasonic lumix gh5s (amzn.to/2Nb0W1z)
➭ 12-35mm lens (amzn.to/2JiSrz7)
➭ mic: rode videomic pro+ (amzn.to/2QHfZBU)
➭ vlog camera: canon powershot g7x mark ii (amzn.to/2DfL4cZ)
➭ canon m50 (amzn.to/2Dp1bnk)
➭ editing: final cut pro
FTC: Not sponsored. Some of the above links are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small percentage of sales made via those links, but it doesn’t cost you anything extra!

[@myo5501]

"I just enjoyed buying journals and not writing in them" *sweats in 20 unused journals*

[@rioisnotokay-ipromise-6115]

Myo bro want to trade I always want to write so badly but can never find any unfilled journals-

[@myo5501]

@@rioisnotokay-ipromise-6115 Hahah, I'd be happy to share mine if they'd get into creative hands, honestly ♥

[@samaramoon6057]

I feel personally attacked by this relatable content 😩

[@annabellecuny6568]

26 🙈

[@myo5501]

@@annabellecuny6568 omg queen, hahah. I finally started using mine and organising myself, so I wish your babies the same fate!

[@kirsty6873]

"it was an excuse to buy more stationery" i cant relate more.

[@IzzyParadis]

Kirsty McAllister DUDE SAME

[@umno6347]

The amount of times I’ve bought notebooks to “start journaling” is actually insane and kind of shameful. I have a shelf of empty notebooks.

[@yatzarivlogs8331]

❤️❤️Subscribe to my channel ❤️❤️

[@kggroom]

Exactlyy 😂

[@TheRachelCarson]

I wish I had more excuses to buy more stationery 😩

[@samhart8800]

My dog died recently and I found a poem I wrote when I first got her like 8 years ago and it was the most touching thing ever

[@desiv3025]

im sorry for ur loss :( i bet she was lovely

[@KTRox00]

Hope you're ok! ♡

[@yourelovin]

I'm sorry for ur loss honey 💜

[@vanessastmv9336]

I'm so sorry❤️

[@theblueartist261]

😭😭😭

[@ericvauwee4923]

2:15 "Why would you do something that you dont enjoy" *cries while filing in taxes*

[@Scarshadow666]

I hear y'all there! *cries in poor money management* The answer to that question should always be "because adulting is hard, but they won't get done even if I don't enjoy them". *brofist* ✊✊✊

[@bhaminisundararaman6080]

College

[@webbbink5645]

*cries while writing an essay*

[@ankita6983]

i highly suggest writing what music your listening to in your journal, i feel like songs can really capture how we feel and behave in a moment without further explanation

[@Sewena521]

That's actually pretty good advice 😂❤

[@em.168]

i always do a 'song of the day' in my journal along with some stupid title/intro. i feel like it sums up the page so when i'm just flicking through, i can decide if i want to re-read something based of the first few words/song i've written to see if it's the mood i want to remember (i guess lol)

[@ankita6983]

@M woah that sounds cool

[@tania8879]

Omg thats such a good idea

[@melnatalks]

I love this idea! I used to put song titles all the time in my teenage journal. A lot of MCR and Green Day lol

[@albinanana]

I know ppl have said this but she reaaalllly needs to make a podcast. I could listen to her for hours

[@andreiutsa]

I totally agree!!

[@candyyy6690]

Ikrr

[@ellieprados4730]

facts

[@huayin646]

I don't think she's very good at talking continuously especially for podcasts which ranges from 30 minutes to an hour at a time unedited. She often mentions that she says the same lines about 20 thousands times before she gets it right. So this edited version of her little speeches are probably the best she can give us at least for now.

[@ricacallano4913]

yessss

[@keiraeyles1550]

Tip: don’t concentrate on your hand writing too much, just scribble down what you’re feeling :)

[@chrbls7727]

Keira Eyles I hate my handwriting that’s the one of the reason I might not start yet :(

[@mugdha5272]

Omg thank you

[@dorkylust]

its hard for me lol my handwriting is ugly af

[@angelagracetolentinostudyc5456]

if you guys can't start just because you hate your handwriting, maybe try using your phone, laptop, tablet, or your iPad to journal. There's tons of different apps out there that you can choose from and use for journalling such as, Daylio, Pencake, Scrittor, etc. Personally, I like using two types of Journalling Apps; Daylio and Pencake! Anyway, I hope you find the type of journal/journal app that works best for you! have a happy journal journey! Goodluck xoxo 💙❗

[@ellaellafee1428]

Or do a page or multiple for practicing one handwriting (Pick one that you want from pinterest)

[@hannahsimpson637]

My Mom made a journal when she was pregnant with me and the early months of my life. She gave it to me and its so amazing to read from time to time 😄

[@jordiemooon]

Hannah Simpson my mom did this for me too! She kept it for a few years and gave it to me when I turned 13 ❤️

[@hannahsimpson637]

@@jordiemooon Yeah, It's such a nice thing to have! I will do it when I have children one day for sure

[@DanielleLangin]

This is the sweetest thing I've ever read.

[@alexrocket6233]

this, is a wonderful idea

[@alteirence5881]

wow that's soo cute

[@boilingpigsty]

another great alternative is voice memos. i record myself while driving when i'm having intense feelings or going through things. i listen back and i can hear my hurt sometimes.

[@amyvderveen]

woah that's a pretty good idea actually

[@moii8457]

Yea...I've never thought about that, that'd be great. But i will be too afraid that it gets lost tbh

[@DanielleLangin]

Yes!! So powerful to be able to listen back and then send love to who you once were

[@gisaraht]

I do that too, because I always forget my deep thoughts just when I'm about to write them down, so better record it at the moment and hear it later

[@blxopium]

you could also transcribe it :) so you journal but have these in the moment thoughts ya know ?

[@bageluv]

I've got a tip too. Find the type of journaling that works for you. Ashley has more of a diary-type journal and that's what she likes. But that's not the only type of journaling. You can bullet journal (which is basically making your own agenda to stay productive), you can scrapbook, you can make a commonplace book (I believe it's like a journal that you can write some sort of knowledge in, like writing song lyrics, quotes, things like that), and heck you can make a fangirl journal where you just talk about your favorite movies or singers or actors. You can even make up your own type of journaling. There are so many possibilities with journaling that it's not hard to find something that you enjoy for yourself. Anyways, this is too long lmao

[@ankita6983]

lmaooooo i do them all in one journal💀

[@user-lo4vv8ke8v]

This was so helpful you’re right!

[@bageluv]

@@ankita6983 same lmao

[@pinkclogs]

this is actually really helpful and not many people realise it (including me until now). thank you!!!

[@bageluv]

@@pinkclogs omg your welcome!!! 🥺

[@fishi246]

also: not everyone likes journaling, so don’t force urself to do it if u genuinely don’t like it!!

[@yarabakhet140]

precisely

[@elydiaz2556]

If "traditional" journaling isn't your thing, you can also try an art journal

[@alicea2537]

yep! You could look into different types of journaling too. Don't want to write about your feelings? Make an art journal. You could also make.a journal where you share song lyrics that you resonate with. If you're religious or spiritual, you could make a journal based on that. There's also lots of writing prompts you can try. It's worth trying different methods if you're interested! :)

[@katherinefoote4448]

I've also heard of people using a journaling type practice for creative writing (ie poetry stories fanfic etc) and it's just as helpful :)

[@dariateodora8943]

i have finished 2 journals and i'm on the third now. i have some quotes that really hit home on the first page and that is so nice to have. in time, they kinda turned into small letters to myself that always end like "Your dreams are valid and life is lavander. I love you, take care" and by life is lavander i genuinely mean life is not pink, it's not perfect. blue somehow manages to come through and that's okay. it makes my life look like a beautiful sunset and i love that

[@bethanymcguckin5590]

Daria Teodora that’s so beautiful :’)

[@starry_skies]

I love that!! 💜 "life is lavender"

[@anagroeneveld1144]

made me tear up a bit:,)

[@chainsawmay]

sounds like that song by Halsey

[@scarletwitch1243]

I like that, it's making me feel calm. I think it is so important to accept that you sometimes just feel blue. It's ok. I also think that we always grow and learn. I've never been aware of that. Journaling really helps.

[@eabha6121]

lads i’m not even kidding, i opened youtube to get something to watch while i journaled and this popped up.

[@atrisha5179]

I was about to reply to her journaling story asking for a video talking about her experience... but idk why decided against it and today here it pops.

[@zephamurray4282]

Oh god I could never watch something and write at the same time. My little ADHD brain couldn’t handle it lol

[@simritrandhawa]

Destiny tingz

[@graceh7685]

cambridge analytica going advanced

[@eabha6121]

Zepha Murphy neither could i lol, i was going to draw :)

[@jennaserv]

Hot tip for journaling: when you do something special save little mementos (movie tickets, stickers, pressed flowers) that you can tape into your journal. It makes the journal beautiful but it also kind of forces you write about that event, which is helpful for me.

[@JustineAshton]

Jenna Service such a good idea! I save these things in a box and I also journal, but I’ve never thought of combining the two!

[@ankita6983]

i always try to save things but then i always lose them😪

[@symihope]

Yess I love doing this. For some reason I like making my journals "plump" with all the stuff I put in them lol

[@alexandra926]

Nice, good tip

[@YuliaAstrea]

I love doing that too. I put in tickets, fortune cookies, the tags of things ect

[@arifahradzi8556]

1. set your intentions 2. take the pressure off 3. there are no rules 4. digital vs physical 5. finding the perfect notebook 6. set the scene

[@scarlettchristison9730]

when she said it’s cool to be able to look back at your old entries i remembered the ‘diary entires’ i made when i was 8/9 so i went back and read them and they are almost all about these girls that i didn’t like at my school so, real meaningful shit. 👍

[@anjali8347]

Lmao

[@anavybluemystery3486]

yeah i would write stuff down when i was like 11/12 and it's great reading about all the drama that was going on

[@user-uq9fz5wv1d]

Been writing since second grade and that's me lol

[@sarahgould]

fr fr i was writing about the dumbest stuff, talking about how ugly all the boys were in my class when i was 10 (says the unknowing lesbian lol)

[@charbunble]

yeah i have one old journal from when i was 10/11 and all i wrote about was my school crushes :')

[@AnaBensig]

_well i think imma start journaling too because of ashley_

[@Jane-dd2zu]

Ana Bensig eeeeeshh same

[@sofiasaeed5943]

Literally me

[@keci613]

@its _s_a_r_a_h honeslty just use a notebook lmao

[@kggroom]

Its so fun!

[@itsameprincesspeach]

I’ve been thinking about it for a while but I was always intimidated by the whole WRITE EVERYDAY mentality to ever start it. Her relatable ness really makes me want to start up again :,)

[@mahrukhhh]

I always write about stuff when I'm feeling overwhelmed

[@fsfam]

me toi

[@scaryspaghet6518]

I just cry and over eat 👍

[@angievanessacarigutierrez6741]

Sameee

[@GenZGrandma]

SAME!!! It's the best way to process the situation and reduce the feelings I'm holding onto. It's my punching bag, therapist and keeper of how I really feel behind my RBF 😂😂

[@alicelemieux531]

I have so many notes on my phone that are just me venting 😂

[@NBR943]

Ok, this is going to be long. My tips from journaling for the past 7 years. 1) *Don't try too hard* - basically don't try to make the journaling a whole other assignment. Just open your journal and start scribbling your thoughts. Since I'm a lazy person this kept me motivated. 2) *Just write what comes to your mind first* - Since I'm an overthinker I have a gazillion thoughts running through my mind at a time. I journal to keep those thoughts in check so as soon as I start writing I write every thought and every emotion that I have. This makes journaling relaxing and makes you feel a lot better at the end. 3) *If you have people around who would try to read your journal* - Because I do lol, just use a simple notebook as a journal. So no one suspects me and I can even journal in class lol. (Don't do that) 4) *The more you write the more you would want to write. simple.* Ok, this is just experience now. I used journaling as a friend who listens to all my ranting and doesn't judge (maybe does IDK). I can be myself completely and just pour my heart out. Especially a few years back when I was in a really bad place, my journal was what kept me going. I had no friends and that made me lonely, but I could journal whatever I would say to a friend. It doesn't replace a human but it definitely helps you empty your mind and focus on better things. Also, I can just read my young self's thought process and laugh lol. But it also showed me how far I've come in life, which feels pretty good. ok too long now. Thank you for listening so far! I hope this helps a little!

[@Abi-yd6mg]

Ashna Abraham journaling my thoughts out really helps me too, with my friends I never feel confident enough to tell them my problems and rarely when I do I feel guilty for weighing them down. Journaling really helps my mental state aswell. I completely understand what you said about not having any friends, for awhile at school I was the same way. I know what it’s like. Although it’s okay, other people on all sides of the world experience the loneliness. God is in control and he will bring people into your life on his time. (I had to tell myself that too). I hope you’re doing well

[@pluto31337]

Good tips, thanks :D

[@NBR943]

@@Abi-yd6mg Thankyou so much!! I hope you're doing good as well.

[@NBR943]

@@pluto31337 haha you're welcome

[@Ana-ko7sz]

I used to write a journal for about a year and then I stopped/paused it because I had to much work, but I am going to start writing in it again soon. The point is, I'm a little bit paranoid and scared that someone could read it so I made my own set of letters which only I can read + it's gonna be even more interesting for me to look and read it in couple years (sorry if my English is bad, it's not my native language)

[@stellac2613]

as someone who has been journaling for a while this reminds me of my younger self (lol im so old). I started journaling because I had no one to talk to, no one to relate to (at that time in my life). The paper became my best friend; it never talked back, it sat there plain and blank, waiting for the lines of words and art, the small folds of the top corners to keep track of the page, the greasy stains of eating while journaling and the the times when I would cry while writing. I am on my 30 something journal or whatever but this video brings back so many memories and thoughts as I have grown into different versions of myself. Thank you for sharing this Ashley, it truly is like "taking yourself out on a date with your thoughts"

[@riyamishra280]

I have this weird urge to say " I love you" to you because I couldn't relate more and yaa paper is my best friend too and I feel lonely too so I journal . I love you random stranger on internet

[@stellac2613]

@@riyamishra280 aw thanks! I still journal to this day it truly does help. glad you can connect with it too! I write a lot of poetry too

[@user-br4to3gg9i]

I had no one to talk to, no one to relate to (at that time in my life). The paper became my best friend; it never talked back, it sat there plain and blank, waiting for the lines of words and art, the small folds of the top corners to keep track of the page, the greasy stains of eating while journaling and the the times when I would cry while writing.

[@stellac2613]

@@user-br4to3gg9i yep so how bout you? I see you copied and pasted all of what I wrote. How does it resonate or not with you?

[@user-br4to3gg9i]

@@stellac2613 It sounded like it could be a poem, thats what I wanted to say. Sorry if it wasn't obvious

[@jonam1331]

another very important tip in my opinion is to not constantly try to have an aesthetic handwriting, because that just up a lot of time and frustrates you (also your real handwriting has more „character“ than a fake aesthetic one.

[@eveinred5427]

But then it looks ugly and messyyy

[@AmnaHassan111]

My writing is different every single time I wanna journal , I’m not bothered but I feel your writing also gives away how you are feeling , if that makes sense

[@maika5556]

so true!! I actually like when it looks a little messy and uneven and all over the place (even though I'm generally quite a perfectionist)

[@BD-el9bk]

I feel this. Part of why I could never keep up with my journaling when I was younger was that I'd get very frustrated that my handwriting didn't look aesthetic enough, to the point where I'd write out what I wanted to say on a separate paper before transferring it to my journal, and that was just way too bothersome to do all the time. So I just stopped caring and that helped a lot 😅

[@camivasquez12]

Maika me too, kinda has its own aesthetic lol

[@leslidani]

Okay wait I listened to this as if it was a podcast and now I want a bestmess podcast 🥺

[@heyhelena7775]

Omg get this comment to the top

[@kelyrin-douceuretdessin9476]

Yessss totally !!!! 🙏

[@ilseperez9551]

I would totally listen to it

[@rupinlamistoufle8375]

lesli pérez yes please Ashley !!

[@claralodesky3542]

It seems like she works constantly right now, but tbh I would trade fewer videos for having a podcast to listen to when I’m doing stuff.

[@liawatson7975]

i always feel like i can hear her smile through her voice every intro

[@astheticvideos2576]

Should we make 2 journals ? One for planning to do list , affirmations and all and the secone one is for feeling s? Or should i just write down everything in obe journal?

[@simretsekhon586]

I'll turn on my sad playlist if my journaling that day is going to be sad, the music just encourages me to pour out all my thoughts. If im happy, I'll put upbeat music. Sometimes ive gone back to read an entry and the music starts playing in my head automatically.

[@laurenwong1970]

That is the coolest thing I’ve ever heard

[@IzzyParadis]

ashley is literally who i aspire to be, she journals, she has the best fashion sense and she’s the cutest person ever i love u

[@justanotherpat]

YES!

[@asd-pf4gy]

your youtube channel is so cool, i'm sure you'll grow a lot🖤

[@IzzyParadis]

Ad sr ❤️❤️

[@loganwaffle]

Lol well I started a journal in July 2018 and am just finishing up the book. Find a unique color, keep it where you work, and don't get a ruled one. Trust me, as long as you treat it as The Place For Thoughts / Doodles you'll find a way to get into the habit.

[@samanthay4934]

Don’t worry your amazing too! She’s not perfect, she has lots of problems just like everyone else

[@bookisland6515]

the sticker mentality of a little kid? girl thats my sticker mentality now

[@alexandra926]

Mood

[@bebbaheef]

absolutely

[@miluskagonzalez4016]

I was going to comment this, too. I have a huge collection of stickers I never stick anywhere.

[@michellehsia9639]

Is anyone else just binging any and all ashley videos now that we're in quarantine? The aesthetic and quality of her work always makes my brain so so happy!

[@Abi-yd6mg]

Michelle Hsia same, she’s such an inspiration

[@iminh_x1705]

Here is what a journal really means to me: "A journal is not about the stress to fill the journal itself out, to write, or the crammings to be productive like others. Rather, take journaling as a treat for yourself to unwind from any anxieties, thoughts or new ideas. A journal has many potential and is truly unique experience. Always remember, there are no rights or wrongs within a journal. Rather a journal would be a place for reflection of our inner selves that we can look upon in the future and take the time to cherish our old selves and the growth we've made over time. A journal is the keeper of all our feelings, temptation, and doubts. Be honest within a journal because no one is able to read everything unless we allowed. The only person who is able to watch through all the processes of writing a journal is ourselves. Therefore, a journal is a place to be ourselves. Vent, rage, cry, confess, express, ask, dream, ponder, discover, love and hate. There are so many possibilities within a journal itself. There are no right ways and time to journal at all. Journal when you feel like it. Don't journal when you don't feel like it. The benefits of a journal are achieved when there is a comforting warmth from channeling your true self onto a blank piece of paper. there are so many possibilities as to what creations are destined to be on the blank page. Scribble, draw, color, glue, copy, cut on the blank page. The journal's truly yours. Your best friend, your companion that will listen to you and hold up no matter how many tears you've shed onto it."- Minh

[@allielee]

preach it

[@svftystrange]

YESSS SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK

[@klimtdidit8482]

Dear Ashley, I never really comment on your videos and your content, but this time I wanted to write you this "letter" - even if you don't see it - about the impact you had on me. We never met and probably never will, but what you put up on youtube has really helped me throughout these years. Your videos are always making me feel positive feelings like happiness, joy or just fun ! It also helped me when I felt really unmotivated and down. I also deal with mental health issues and I don't have any sister/brother so your "girl talk" videos had always been really great for me. You probably don't realise the meaning it has on people. So I wanted to thank you for all of this and for making me feel better every single time. Thank You, One of your loving subscribers

[@mathildaareti]

Yea, thank u Ashley

[@mathildaareti]

Same. She has helped me go through somw shit too

[@samanthasoc7489]

We stan a stanner

[@brookemcb]

Sam Soc 😂

[@brookemcb]

700 like

[@kandiboi8802]

I never comment but I feel compelled to right now. I just wanted to say please keep making videos like this, I been finding these self care videos so helpful. I love how they are actually genuine and thoughtful. The way you described struggling with journaling in the past is EXACTLY what I been going through and I been making all the same mistakes. You make me very excited to start journalling the CORRECT way, I just didn't know how! I feel like a lot of us have good intentions when we start these self care journeys (if that is the right word lol) but put the pressure of all these arbitrary, restrictive rules, onto ourselves, making it a chore and therefore not going through with it. For instance, we see influencers/youtubers with these beautiful, expensive notebooks, pretty handwriting, a TON of adorable stationary and we just can't help but feel discouraged. This goes for fitness as well, or anything else for that matter. When we make a point to do something for OURSELVES, we need to prevent outside influences from going in our head and making us feel inadequate. We are doing this for US, not for anyone else! Anyways, thank you so much and if you are reading this I hope you have a lovely day

[@jeriekae]

I agree with you completely. I’m a person who gets easily discouraged but now I’m constantly fighting to not be one. It’s so easy to give up on things we want because some other people are better at it, especially in the world of social media. And I learned that I missed out on things because I let myself be discouraged.

[@missbatnerd3080]

I think it's so interesting how much we set limits to ourselves. Like "no, this peace of paper is to valuable for my thoughts" or "if the paper is to big, I feel like I'm not making progress". It's so dumb but these thoughts and feelings are so rooted, at least for me.

[@char13]

HER HAIR WITH THE LITTLE CLIPS AND HER HOOPS OMG I LOVE ASHLEYS LOOK IN THIS VIDEO !!!!!

[@danielaportela1443]

Do i have a journal? No Am I even interested in getting a journal? No Do I wanna hear Ashley talk for 16 minutes about journals? HELL YES

[@vruth23]

This is so true. What is it about her? I feel like she could be speaking another language and we would all understand her anyway. I'm 54 and I still relate to her. I think she should be president.

[@sanaamariam5193]

Random journalling tip in the comments as you scroll: I use my journal partially as a way of working through my depression and anxiety, so sometimes when I'm too tired to properly write out how I feel in sentences, I'll literally just doodle how I feel or draw little mind maps. It kind of eases the pressure of having to be perfectly coherent, while at the same time let's me capture how I feel at the the moment

[@riyamishra280]

Sometimes I am tired to write too ,so that's a great tip . Thanks

[@climbingstill9503]

“Reading a book for leisure” ... “lae-sure” ... *when you finally notice the British side of Ashley (besides the gorgeousness and gracefulness)*

[@annie4005]

British people don't say it like that tho ngl

[@audreyodoherty2258]

Brits say it leh-zhure if that makes sense to read

[@itbe_cestlavie]

@@amyc3271 Americans say LEE-zhure

[@elizajackson-wald5134]

I literally use the exact same moleskin notebook and the precise pilot g2 .38 pen I am ... in awe

[@suchanyalertsaranont9292]

I USE THE SAME THING TOO

[@hsmacaraig]

I need advice on journaling. I tried twice, failed. I’m actually better at journaling when I’m acting as a character who journals. HELP! I’m pretty sure I should just record instead. All my journals are now filled with art!

[@arooshatariq5573]

@@hsmacaraig start an art journal then. Don't do something that's not making you happy, it'll become burdening. Just have with journaling. In an art journal you can express yourself as drawings and random doodles and even write stuff from time to time.

[@KitCat898]

Ashley, seeing as how you are a screen writer, I’d love to see you brain storm a skit, cast people, shoot and edit it then present it on your channel as like a series! You could talk about the process for any of your creative audience members!!! I think it’d be great.

[@krystinnberja3784]

omg yass

[@samairabakshi1459]

Wow omg this is such a good idea! Ashley girl put that degree to use!!

[@yuvalgalchen7433]

i would love that!!

[@pinkclogs]

i would _kill_ to see this! i’m interested in film as well and it would be so great to see what it’s like from someone i genuinely like.

[@psychegev]

i would pay for this ashley

[@lilyouyang9367]

I’ve been journaling ever since I was 9 (thanks dork diaries). I’m 16 now and I’m so glad I started, it’s rly so fun and rewarding to be able to look back at my old self

[@Abi-yd6mg]

Lily Ouyang cheers to this veteran, that’s 7 years!!! That’s so long to keep it up, good job girl 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@lilyouyang9367]

AbiNotB thanks!! :)

[@carolyn8147]

Lily Ouyang dork diaries omg I remember them

[@Anna-zo7dj]

Omg same I started because of that and now I’m also 16 and still going strong

[@justadolphin8932]

Dork Diaries started my journaling too haha

[@hellocharlieebarley]

I *swear* by journaling. I have 40? 45? journals from the age of 6 all the way up to today, at 23. I genuinely don't think I would have gotten through hard times without it so I love how it's getting so much appreciation these days! It really is a therapeutic go-to.

[@MissMinaOh]

Always so thorough 👏 I agree with separating the planner from the journal. If my Bullet Journal was also my stream-of-consciousness journal, I'd had to set up the Bullet Journal sooner than desired. That shizz takes time. Even if you don't do the aesthetic Bullet Journaling. Anyhow, keep up the awesome videos ♡

[@jiyaneol2273]

Yeah i do that as well..

[@jiyaneol2273]

My planner is something organised something that guves me structure where as my journal/ diary is more of a personal space where i spill my unorganised thoughts on a paper.

[@sutapagoswami116]

Omg I literally just bought a journal yesterday and was looking for a video on tips related to it , and here is my fairy godmother to my rescue !💕

[@salomem7620]

Same😄

[@Isabella-bq4ut]

me too

[@astudent4354]

Me too!

[@yatzarivlogs8331]

🌼🌼Subscribe to my channel 🌼🌼

[@rosalindaocasio3149]

Samee

[@SuebinPark]

if you’re more artistically/visually inclined consider an art journal :) i bought a big crappy watercolor paper notebook i basically put everything into: paintings, sketches, poetry, diary entries/stream of consciousness, i tape tickets or mementos, i wanna press flowers in it eventually...makes it super versatile and less intimidating, like sometimes ur out of words but a drawing speaks for you

[@YedidahMVO]

I don't know what that is but I sure had the same thought! mid video I wrote on my phone 'start a graphic journal, which for me means talking about your life and day without (many) words, but you can use doodles, comics, drawings, etc.

[@shantezoellner]

Sue Bin Park or bullet journaling !

[@liz-pz1ke]

My journal is a mix of both art and writing. Some pages will be filled with my thoughts, while other pages are filled with doodles, paintings, and collages of photos I've printed off.

[@sanocha203]

thats perfect. For a while now i wanted to have a journal for basically anything since one of my main hobbies is to draw. Of course my sketchbook will still be used. But i want a journal for random notes, to organize my thoughts, doodle, and stick in random pieces of paper. Since I draw, I have a lot of notebooks and sketchbooks that have been really randomly used. One of them is like Ashley's but a different brand. I bought it originally, in 2018, to be used as a bullet journal (I gave up on the first page). Then sometime in the summer I used it to sketch out an idea for a minecraft build. I have no other use for it so.. art journal *jazz hands*

[@djdancer4513]

That's sounds so cute. I have mine separate. I don't keep my drawing and entries in one place. I draw in my sketchbook and write in my journal. Sometimes in my journal I will draw little drawings in there but tbh that's about it.

[@jwinkies3011]

I definitely agree with the "write for your future self" advice. I've kept a journal for over a decade, and while I don't always enjoy the writing process, being able to reread my thoughts really helps me understand where I'm at. It's also really fun to read back on my past self and see what I was going through

[@johannaimniduhh]

Just bought a journal and a pen day after i watched this video. Wrote my first entry today!

[@chickpea734]

Johanna Matriano hows it going?? 🤍

[@schlondpoofa529]

still going on with it?

[@johannaimniduhh]

schlond poofa yes still on it!! I followed ashley’s tip to write whenever i just feel like it and now it became a habit for me :)

[@johannaimniduhh]

_pop_ it was great. I only have a few pages left lol ashley’s right it’s therapeutic.. feels good to just dump all your thoughts in paper!

[@GenZGrandma]

journaling is like the adult version of a diary but it's more acceptable to speak about in public... it's the same thing people! It's also the cheapest for of therapy without bothering your friends! 💖💖💖 🙌🙌🙌

[@k.cthekittycat6206]

Act Natural Nicole yeah😂😂 I want to try it.

[@dodo-sr8jp]

Anyone: hi Ashley: I've journalled 150 pages of emotions Me: I couldn't relate more

[@ellis1034]

because I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I'm also so interested in people having this super cute journals with stickers and collages and drawings and all that, it was hard for me to journal because I always wanted it to be perfect and it takes a lot of effort so that would refrain me from journaling. But now I've found a system that works for me: I have one messy journal and one pretty journal. In the messy one I write everyday and that's for my feelings, thoughts, random things, just anything I want to write down and serves for me to get everything I want out out there and is for reflecting and really journalling. In the pretty one I write like random spreads and make them all cute and that serves as my creative outlet, since I love making beautiful spreads, I find it very relaxing. I write in the messy one every single day and in the pretty one a couple times a week when I have the time

[@Karina_J]

Us.

[@steffi9923]

I've been journaling since I was little (I'm 15 now) but really started at 12. And omg it helped me so much, I started journaling to be kinda girly, but now it's like my therapy session. No one judges me in that book, I can write whaterver I want. And I can write all my thoughts. And it is so insane to look back at old journal books, and see how you've grown

[@woozisguitar450]

Who wants a podcast with Ashley where she just talks to us all and gives us advice and shares stories???

[@hasamod41]

Ditto Yes

[@salma-amlas]

I "journal" on the notes app in my phone because i type faster than i write and i have some FAST thoughts lol

[@alexandra926]

Samee, sometimes i really feel i need to get some thoughts out of my head and written somewhere immediately

[@runemagged21]

That's a great tip! I'm a lot less likely to go back and edit on my phone than on my laptop.

[@angelac3875]

Me toooooo

[@reynaj7455]

I’ve literally never had anyone relate to the fact that I don’t like using stickers and stuff like that Bc I’m not gonna be able to use it again. Your videos are great, but this video in particular really spoke to me and made me inspired Bc no one ever understands that I feel guilty using something that runs out and you made that feeling valid but also made me feel like it’s fine if I do

[@lorienalvar7012]

A year late but just wanted to say I thought the same! It was always stickers and nice little items that I loved collecting but would hesitate to use up.

[@thecrow5006]

Do you feel like that that about toothpaste too? :D

[@slaveNo-4028]

"because why would you do something that you don't enjoy?" *everybody at work everyday asking themselves the same question *

[@softmongreal2522]

ashley: **talks about journaling** me: **regrets why i didn't commit myself to use my journal**

[@kittybax5450]

girl why is this on your second channel? this is main channel content!

[@meowww997]

16 minutes of ashley ranting about how wonderful journaling is? sign me up

[@sophiajacobson7224]

As an alternative, i always feel overwhelmed by making journaling a big thing or an "experience". It makes me feel like i dont have time for it. So how i started doing it regularly was by telling myself if i could spend 10 minutes on youtube on my laptop i could write for 10 minutes in a google doc. All of a sudden filling pages upon pages of a google doc day after day became so easy after that. The google doc really made it easy too because i didnt have to carry an extra book around (my backpack is heavy as it is) and when i work at a computer station at my college i can still pull it up. It made writing every day to attainable

[@redicent]

do you print them?

[@sophiajacobson7224]

@@redicent no but i really like the idea! The google doc is an inumerable amount of pages now, i think im going to make an automated table of contents and print yearly additions. Thank you for the idea i really like having physical pages in front of me when i try to reflect on my journal.

[@redicent]

@@sophiajacobson7224 whenever you export as pdf, there are pdf to book printing services online for really cheap! im planning to digital journal and do that so i can have a physical version of my journal 😊

[@sophiajacobson7224]

@@redicent wow thank you so much! I didnt know that!

[@raniiitje]

This is for the 2% that will read this...... I just want to let you know that YOU are beautiful inside and out, and any struggles your going through you will get through it. Remember you have to weather the storm to get to the rainbow❤️

[@hsmacaraig]

Rainy :D

[@mariannaneumann4127]

❤️🌈💕

[@bronco7087]

awh thank you this made my day 💕

[@chadliner8502]

this is a little late but I came across this at the perfect time. thank you bb 💗💖

[@loveloveaii]

Thank you :’0

[@offbeatkiki]

Omg I'm living for this 90s baby look!

[@efwino]

rewatching every single morsel of ashley content i can find on the internet bc i'm suffering from withdrawal after 2 years of ashley-less youtube

[@jasleenkalra9009]

was looking for this comment!! because sameee

[@paperclover]

REAL

[@puppycattango]

I always alternate between talking to the journal itself, to talking to future me, to talking to possible future children, to talking to people I'm writing about, to any person who might find my journal (if I'm dead or something idk)

[@carleria90]

My kind of journaling is seeing my own IG account and see how much I changed and improved in photography or thoughts in general. Same with Twitter.

[@atrisha5179]

My point of having social media is this.. and i get nostalgic seeing old posts. That's why i rant about my life in IG and Twitter

[@carleria90]

@@atrisha5179 I guess for me that's the advantage of not having a huge following. I can say what I feel and whatever I want and nobody will notice.

[@pinkclogs]

nice! that’s really creative, i never would have thought about it.

[@alexandra926]

That's literally what I think when I post and IG post or story.. that I'll want to remember that day, or that event, or that place, and it will be super cool to be able to look back at it super easily and super fast

[@sanam8819]

I just wanted to let you know that you create the realest content out there. Even though we're in similar stages of our lives, I really look up to you! You're determined, well-read, have a great work ethic, confident, funny and overall just a great human. I'd love to be able to meet you someday but will probably just end up star struck. Oh and those are seriously the best pens to write with, I've been ordering them for all of uni! I've also picked up and dropped journaling because I keep forgetting about how good it feels. I'm very tempted to get back into it. Cheers 🎈

[@sincerely_infinity]

this paragrpah is beautiful

[@sanam8819]

@@sincerely_infinity Thank you so much! That's really sweet of you :)

[@hvislysettaross.]

*"It's like using stickers as a kid"* Yeeeeeaaaaah a kid mhm totally

[@LingueNuvolose]

I started journaling consistently last year when I studied abroad and that journal is honestly one of my most priced possessions because in some sense it contains the whole of that very special year. (first impressions of my flatmates, things I did, habits, things I found weird in the beginning but then got accustomed to etc). I went through some bad shit and it's so interesting to be able to look back and see how I thought about it back then and just being reminded of all the stuff that happened. I've continued the habit and have journaled every night for a little over a year now because it's just such a nice habit. I've gone back to therapy now and the journal is also a really helpful place to reflect on the things we talk about there. Idk journaling is great

[@snowbunni4863]

i gave up journaling a while back but i think i might strart again bevause of this lmao Edit: what so many likes thanks 😂

[@sarabregaj4891]

Same, i stoped because i felt the pressure of writing everyday but rn i want to start again but this time i will write when i feel to

[@rebeccaparker5992]

thanks for making bonus videos! also this is low key the best part of my day! ly ashley ❤️

[@sashimmiiiiii]

An entry from my journal from a few years back.. I'm not even kidding here: January 4th 2017 Dear Shim(me) Today I had fun, dad's friends came over and I'll tell you everything tomorrow. Bye.

[@claricetreml9890]

Unironically, that's really inspiring. Guess I'll try this in busy days

[@YingYano]

I’ve been journaling since 4th grade. It’s so fascinating to go back and read what young me was worried about, happy about, etc. I love journaling ❤️

[@sutapagoswami116]

2:19 “Why would you do something that you won’t enjoy “ haha.ha.ha *cries in parental pressure*

[@usui6564]

I've never read something more relatable

[@NikiAesthette]

I completely agree

[@grace_dai]

If Ashley has a podcast I would definitely listen to it

[@skyggsja]

writing by hand feels better than typing because it slows you down and forces you to think differently about what you‘re gonna say next, it plays a big part in why people feel physically better after writing out by hand as compared to typing almost faster than you can think. typing isn‘t capable of taking the wind outta the sails as well ♡

[@KarenLopez-kp6mw]

Love how you explain and talk about this! I really enjoy journaling too.

[@hahahamaxine]

i am deadass gonna start journaling (again after 5483587 failed attempts bc i wasnt filling the pages aesthetically enough) tomorrow bc of this video

[@talyssa]

And tbh, post-college journaling just hits different

[@hannahkrebs6392]

I've been seriously journaling for five years and I've completed 32 journals. It may sound excessive (and probably is) but it's really helped me the past few years! I've done everything from art journaling to diaries to bullet journals and everything else under the sun. It gives me time to relax and express my thoughts in so many different ways. Keep journaling! :)

[@jessfarmer8562]

I love videos like this. It inspired me to start journaling and really took the pressure off. Love this content!!

[@gudelanna]

I didn't even notice I was journalling until just recently, had absolutely no idea there was a name for it, I just thought it was "writing your feelings" lol

[@riyamishra280]

LMAO

[@raphaelleanjara2836]

hi, hello ! i don't speak english very well so i understand just the half of the video... but please what journaling really mean tho ? yes i don't even know what it is, no, i know that it's the activity of writing your thougts or feelings but i don't really understand that. like i should write like : " hi today i am happy because ... bye ! " or what should i write pleeaaase ? thank you haha ( sorry if there are english fault )

[@gudelanna]

@@raphaelleanjara2836 Hello! For me, journaling kind of started with me writing out what I was thankful for everyday, but I couldn't really keep up the positivity and ended up just writing about whatever I thought would be interesting to hear about 10 years from now. Theres no real format for journal entries (as far as I know, anyway) because sometimes I'll start with "ok, so heres what happened" and other times I'll start with "*keyboard smash* i just gotta let this out-" I think journaling can just be whatever you want to talk to yourself about, or things you just need to let out of your head- but can't be spoken about to other people. I'm not sure if I ended up answering your question! And I apologize if half of what I said didn't make sense 😔

[@raphaelleanjara2836]

@@gudelanna ooh now i understand ! Thank very much !! Have a good day with your journal hihi !

[@gudelanna]

@@raphaelleanjara2836 have a good day 💞

[@RPNeh]

1:20 exCUSE ME, ma'am WHO ALLOWED YOU TO BE THIS CUTE?

[@lifebyclover6932]

I was so excited to see this video. I've been bullet journalling for nearly 5 years now and I love it. I'm so so so glad you're enjoying it, I can't big it up enough!

[@iMdwag]

I can’t help but love that sweater because I gave my mom the same one for her birthday, and she’s just the best

[@femkewiechert4615]

i started journalling 3 months ago amd some weeks i journal everyday and some weeks i don't jounal at all. it's so nice to put things on paper that are going on in your mind and things you did that day. and same, i love writing with a pen on paper because its so permanent and its just phisically there :)

[@meeptriangle9930]

I’ve been journaling for three years now, and I’ve found that using a bound (not spiral) journal is more personal and welcoming(?) because with other types it is easy to rip pages out if you decide - at any point, present or future - you no longer want what’s written there. I have felt like tearing out pages so many times but using a bound journal has really made it “real” - a true momentum, I guess. Also, not only recording your thoughts and day but also conversations you enjoyed, funny stories, something someone said on TV or your favourite show, etc. I find these all fascinating to look back on - and there is also great enjoyment when writing them too.

[@natashamason3328]

Love your enthusiasm, and you're SO right about feeling that you have to write something 'worthwhile' being a huge barrier. Hope you continue to love your journaling x

[@natashajade5480]

you look so happy gushing over how much you love journaling, it makes me feel so warm :3

[@dundun1957]

This is what I live for,but ASHLEY what's more important is when is your room tour video coming. I've been waiting for months now. Outrageous

[@grishmagurung6613]

how is your such amazing content available for free? ♥️

[@platypusprery]

dont give her ideas

[@ved3113]

Lmao 💀💀

[@maddicavallo6273]

You honestly inspired me to start journalling again and I’m so grateful for that! For so long I had this perception that writing in a journal is only for when you go through a shitty time or are sad but you made me truly realise that’s not the case and it’s acceptable to write down your thoughts when your experiencing any emotion!! So thank you so much :)

[@alexasunshine83]

Ah im so bad at journaling because my handwriting is so bad 😭

[@rebe6132]

when i started journaling i hated my handwriting, but i took it as an exercice to better it!

[@biiimoo]

Thats okay. Journaling isnt about pretty handwriting, its usually the content that matters.

[@Jane-dd2zu]

Alexa Sunshine83 aaaaaaa same but I don't really mind anymore :)

[@zahrap4830]

i feel like the "aesthetic" goal can be distracting from the actual process of journaling - which can be so much more fulfilling! try not to be too self-critical and just jump in :-)

[@tinazzeng]

you could type it up as well lol

[@VictoriaHatzson]

As a person who journals since the 5th grade, I’d say JUST DO IT. And do it exactly the minute you feel like it, don’t just put it off for later, just find the write pen that flows on the paper and write exactly the moment you have all these thoughts and feelings and you feel the need to release them somewhere

[@priyankagurung8354]

hi ashley, I just want to say you are so inspirational! I am literally journaling for the first time after watching your video. I can't wait to look back at it years later and be nostalgic :)

[@HeyItsQuayshawn]

Thank you! This is the exact kind of video on journaling I was looking for - Not just good reasons to journal but troubleshooting the obstacles that come up. Thanks!

[@amandamakesstuff1383]

i agree!! journaling is so therapeutic and I fully used to force myself to do it every day but I enjoy it so much more when I feel like I don’t have to!

[@woozisguitar450]

I am honestly so proud of Ashley and how far she has come over the last few years. I’ve seen her grow so much and it’s so inspiring to young people (especially female uni students/teenagers). Keep doing what you love Ashley, because when you love yourself it creates a more positive you that we all love to see 💕

[@Nc2]

I can relate to this so much, I started writing in a book my brother got me 4 years ago and was actually weirdly ashamed to admit I had a diary for so long cuz I felt like there was a stigma to diary keeping. It’s One of the best feelings to read back to old me and think wow, look how different things are now. Anyway so glad Ashley’s making it known that it is cool and therapeutic

[@ayanitodaily]

You make me feel like I can do anything everyday! Thank you for the inspiration everyday.

[@setenayklcoglu3246]

An excuse to buy stationary I feel attacked.

[@caz_shen]

I LOVE how down to earth all your videos are. You get all the same inspiration and motivation but with out all the extra, unnecessary posturing and ~aesthetics~ thank you!

[@audriraine7867]

I love reading my old journals! I read them on my youtube channel and its so fun to see how ridiculously I thought back in the day. I remember it helped me so much to clear my head when I was younger, and I journaled so much differently back then than I do now!

[@gmariecui3205]

Everything in this video hits the spot! I really love how Ashley can put my feelings into words when I can't ❤ I just recently started to write on my journal again and I hope this time I can do it it for 10 years and more 😁

[@lourdesbuan6554]

January 15, 2019 I bought my first light green hardcover moleskin from target and I have kept that journal until today December 31, 2019 and I am so proud of myself for being able to keep a notebook to write what I’m feeling in one journal :) 2019 was the first year I have ever committed to a journal and I can’t wait to write into my next journal for 2020 which is a purple journal! I kinda wanted to share this because journaling has really helped me and if you have considered journaling I highly recommend it just make sure it’s a journal you love and one that makes you excited to write in :)

[@hannahbanana9901]

That’s my birthday :)