I've Been Journaling for 4 Years. Here's Why I'll Never Stop

[@Adityaace]

Very straightforward and no bullshit video. I can relate and understand the mistakes i did while journaling. So will restart with a new viewpoint.

[@fromthedeskofcollin]

I appreciate the words of support! I never want my time wasted. Therefore, I never want to waste your time either! I'm glad you found value in this video and I thank you for taking the time to leave the words of encouragement. Happy journaling! All the best, Collin

[@MJ-Hugo]

Hi Collin, I love your authentic style - feels like a video chat with a friend. I find journaling & common place notes & writing on index cards to be my favourite methods of capturing thoughts and ideas from the mind (mental plane) into something physical - where I can see it & revisit it & build deeper layers onto previous thoughts, it helps me with creating coherent & consistent narratives, thought processes and mental constructs. I really enjoy looking through and building on the material from previous entries also. I find that active recall of my journal material, entries & notes really provides a stable mental foundation and more internal clarity. Thanks for the video, MJ

[@fromthedeskofcollin]

Hi there, MJ! First off thank you so much for the kind words! It makes me incredibly happy to see that you felt like it was similar to a video chat with a friend. That's the ultimate goal of mine as a "newer" creator. Secondly, I couldn't agree more with your journaling method, There's just something so beneficial about putting it down into physical format creating that location you can always go back to, to reflect further/deeper. It's similar to when you watch movies for the second time around and you catch little details, messages, and themes that were missed on the first initial watch. I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to stop by and leave such meaningful and insightful feedback. All the best, Collin

[@MJ-Hugo]

@@fromthedeskofcollin That is a great analogy - catching more layers of detail, messages and themes when re-watching movies - 100% agree! This really applies to any great piece of content in whatever format. This is also what makes curation or extraction of interesting ideas and concepts from these source materials so fun. Each time there is a deeper layer or something fresh that stands out to you, to explore further. I am a little curious if you have ever done an MBTI or 16 Personalities type quiz to determine your "personality type". I place it in inverted comma's because these kinds of quizzes and results are not meant to squeeze us into any particular box. However, there does seem to be foundational archetypal templates for different kinds of people that we can use as a mirror for self-reflection and growth. Also it can just be a lot of fun :) If you do happen to check it out, there are many channels on YT that are insightful & entertaining on each "type". It can help us find another 'tribe' to related to and connect with. And who knows you may even find ideas for some of your future videos through your learnings & self-reflection. Wishing you all success, MJ

[@sar7719]

So glad this came up on my feed. Would love to hear more about your journaling process and the evolution of your journaling. Back in 2014, I started bullet journaling which I did for some years, then noticed myself less drawn to it. In 2020, I moved to Hobonichi which was the right thing for me for 2020-21. And in the last year, I see myself journaling more and tracking less.

[@fromthedeskofcollin]

Your journaling journey sounds very similar to my own! I very quickly realized I was more interested in the journaling aspect more than the tracking and data capturing aspect. Like you, I see myself almost entirely journaling and reflect more than tracking. I don't currently track anything as a matter of fact. I haven't tried Hobonichi just yet but, your experience makes me tempted to give it a go. I would love to provide you further insight to my evolution of my journaling process and I think that would even make for a solid video in the near future :) Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time out of your day to leave your thoughts and feedback! All the best, Collin

[@Asrajzz64]

Nice, I'ma start and buy myself a journal tomorrow. Looking for inspirations.

[@fromthedeskofcollin]

How exciting! I wish you the absolute best in your journaling journey!

[@lynettestow4315]

I really enjoyed this video. I've been journaling for my entire life, sometimes consistently and sometimes not. I don't do spreads or make my journals pretty. For the most part I just write (and write and write somedays!) It grounds me and helps me work through feelings and experiences in a constructive way. I started journaling in grade 6 and I've been retired now for almost 5 years and I'm still doing it. It's part of who I am and like you, I can't imagine not journaling. Kudos to you for embracing this practice!

[@fromthedeskofcollin]

Hi there! I'm absolutely delighted to see you enjoyed this video of mine and I can't thank you enough for the kind words of support. I absolutely love the fact you mentioned journaling was a part of who you were. I never took the time to realize journaling was a part of my identity, but as more time goes on, I very much realize that it is. You inspire and validate not just myself but anyone else who has either just started journaling or has been for a long time to keep pursuing this amazing hobby. Thank you for taking the time to leave words of support and sharing your journaling story. All the best, Collin

[@seraysoysal]

Whenever I stopped keeping a journal, I felt disconnected and detached. I used to write down everything that popped up in my mind only when I was moody or feeling low. But there was always a sense of incompleteness in those unrecorded moments. Since I realized this, I've encouraged myself to write something down every precious moment I experience. Even writing about the most trivial things can lead to invaluable insights. Now, a moment is wasted if I don't meticulously record it, despite the awareness that it is not reality. Still, consistently writing without worrying about tracking something provides a blissful connection between me and myself. After reading some neuroscientific articles, I decided to name my different moods - my fixed mindset, which tries to discourage me every time I intend to step out of my comfort zone, and my growth mindset, which makes me feel like I can overcome more challenges than I think I can, and helps me take a step ahead. I know it may sound like a mild split personality disorder, but labeling can really help to not exaggerate the chatter in our heads. :D I'm glad I discovered your channel at such an early stage!

[@seraysoysal]

"You need to remind yourself that you're not crazy." It hit me hard, by the way. Thanks for genuinely sharing your thoughts.

[@fromthedeskofcollin]

"writing without worrying about tracking something provides a blissful connection between me and myself" Beautifully said. I truly cannot find a better way to describe the benefit of writing as raw and as real as possible to myself. I have gone through periods of no writing whatsoever and I quickly felt the same disconnected and detached feeling you had mentioned. It's almost like I was painfully aware that I was not validating or giving myself the time to acknowledge feelings and thoughts that absolutely should've been. I also adore the idea and method of labeling and renaming different moods and feelings! Thank you so much for the words of support. It makes me feel incredibly thankful to know this video hit you hard in a positive way. Your comment and support very much reflect the same feelings for myself. I'm beyond grateful you stopped by. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and story. All the best, Collin

[@Matthewwithers33]

If I journaled everyday I’d be a lot further in notebooks, I’ve been journaling (writing about my day only) for around 10 years now and am almost finished with my second full spiral notebook. Mainly because I sometimes go a few weeks in between entries (once it was a three month stint without writing) 3:23 the only other person who has read my journals is my wife because part of it I wanted her to know who I was before her (some of it wasn’t a good place mentally, but she deserved to know even the dark parts I wouldn’t have let anyone else see)

[@fromthedeskofcollin]

I am right there with you with the journaling slumps. I am definitely not a daily writer (as much as I'd like to be). I recently had a period similar to yours of about 2-3 months of no writing at all. It felt amazing to finally dive back in. I love that you share your journal with your wife. I think it's completely fair and great to let yourself be open to that level. Funny enough, my girlfriend and I have been together for 4 years and she was a major reason why I got into consistent journaling. Like you, she is the only one I'll share my entries or let read if she chooses :) Thank you for taking the time out of your day and stopping by!

[@MaggiFuchs]

Loved this video! I can totally relate to what you are saying and I admire how eloquently you were able to express yourself. I subscribed and I look forward to more videos. :)

[@fromthedeskofcollin]

Thank you for taking the time to leave the kind words of support! It seriously does mean a ton :D

[@SilviaTinoco]

So inspiring ❤

[@fromthedeskofcollin]

Wow! Thank you so much! I appreciate you taking time out of your day to stop by leave the kind words. They keep me going! :)

[@praptigargari6029]

Hey can you please share the spreads you continued making? I had an intense bullet journaling phase and had an even more intense fallout. Any tips on how to get back to it or any specific spreads that made you stick to Journaling? It would be very helpful if you reply.

[@fromthedeskofcollin]

I totally understand the fallout with bullet journaling. The thing is the bullet journaling method just doesn't work for me anymore. It's almost too "system based" for me. However, I could definitely look into making a deep dive into how I journal present day!

[@buddyzen2020]

Bagaimana cara anda berusaha untuk bisa tetap mempertahankan kebiasaan menulis jurnal itu? Mengingat terkadang ada tipe orang yang malas atau bahkan kegiatan jurnaling tersebut justru terlupakan oleh karena kesibukan bekerja

[@fromthedeskofcollin]

Maintaining consistency is one of the hardest parts about journaling, admittedly. I definitely have slumps from being too lazy/unmotivated, or just absolutely drained from working 10 hours every day. That struggle is a real thing and understand your concern. With that said, I personally do most of my writing on weekends. I feel this is a perfect time to catch up and reflect. I'd love to write more during the week and that's something I'm always working on. I wish I could give a clearer cut answer, but, that is something to this day I have struggled with from time to time. The best advice I could give is just doing everything you can to push yourself to write when you have a window of free time. Even if you feel like just relaxing and not doing anything. That's usually what it takes to start maintaining the habit :) I hope this helped in some way!