Journal Ideas | Can't Help But To Fall In Love w/Journaling! Here's WHY!

[@SeaweedKisses]

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[@marileemck]

I've been journaling since I was 15 (I'm 70), and I second your advice to choose journals you love! Over the years my journals and writing instruments have changed. 2 years ago I found Princeton Architectural Press "Grids & Guides" (a notebook for visual thinkers). I also rediscovered a love of fountain pens and a rainbow of ink colors. Oh my! The combo is heaven to me. It's not what others recommend and I've had to remind myself that I'm not others! Having a journal that just calls out to be written in, or collaged in, that's the right size is what makes journaling these day a real joy. Even with all my journaling experience I learned new things from this fun video, thanks! ❤ ps my fountain pens comes first, then a journal that works with ink.

[@deliciouspan3426]

I have a question. Where do you store your journals? And how many do you currently have?

[@leonandersen9118]

Thanks for advice u just started and im 14 but i need to inprove my handwriting

[@gatina7713]

​​@Delicious Pan I was going to ask the same question. I wonder 🤔 I have been journaling for 4 yrs and soon I will have to rent an extra apt/flat just for journals and stationery 😁😁😁

[@biawarkentin2041]

I’m curious what your favourite fountain pen(s) and inks are? I have tried and have struggled with fountain pens but perhaps just not found the right one yet!

[@marileemck]

@@biawarkentin2041 My favorite fountain pen is a Japanese made Sailor 1911 S. It has a 14K gold nib and I use a medium nib size, which is about the same as a US/European fine nib. I think there are also a lot of fine pens with steel nibs and they are less expensive. If you can get to a shop that sells fountain pens or a pen show you can usually try out different ones and see what feels best. Best wishes on finding something that will work for you.

[@anjichurch4406]

Nicely done. The best part was sharing your pages …too many pretty pages is not good for new journalers to see…in my opinion that is where a lot of intimidation is born. I have my journals back to 14 years old and I am 58! I have grown and evolved as a person and a mother….and then as a midwife and now as a retired midwife and grandmother…my books are all different sizes until I was in my 30sand then you can see my style and comfort come out even the changes with my penmanship and drawing skills. My sons and grandchildren talk about seeing me at my desk and about when I am gone who gets the bookcases full of journals. Anyway so good to see you making videos again…you are a special journaler in my world. Thanks for all you share.

[@EllePlowPlow]

Such a lovely comment to read! I’ve been journaling since I was 5 so over 20 years now and have tons of journals too of all different colors and sizes. It’s so sweet your kids want your journals & that’s it’s part of your families memories of you! thanks for sharing.

[@deliciouspan3426]

Do your journals deteriorate over time?

[@michellejohnson6346]

One of the reasons I love Moleskine paper, is that sweet, sweet, crinkle sound it creates after painting, or writing with markers and lots of ball point pens ( did I mention how much I love Bic Cristal pens?). I love how my pages FEEL after painting and coloring with markers, sometimes I just turn the pages and it makes me so happy. Another thing I do is after I complete a journal I write a thank you letter to it on the last page, highlighting my feelings and the time we spent working together. I have been doing this for years and I love it. Just a few of the ways I bond with my journal.

[@r.coachman3499]

I love this description of the tactile joys of using Moleskine paper specifically! I haven’t used one in a while, but after watching and reading I definitely want to now! I also LOVE the smell the book has too. A thank you letter to the journal is a sweet idea~! Thank you for sharing~!

[@darkmoore05]

I feel like Tomoe River Paper does that for me, even when writing with ink or rollerball or something. Plus, while I like Molekine, the TRP takes ink better in my POV. (I have literally hundreds of inks and dozens of fountain pens to go with them.) I used to have an 18 month Moleskine Calendar but it never lasted and fell apart before it was done and that kinda turned me off Moleskine a bit

[@michellejohnson6346]

Them "Moleskine isn't fountain pen friendly, its cheap paper, its not high quality, blah, blah, blah," Me ( Holding my soft cover Moleskine Expanded, XL large cover, hard cover weekly planner, and my 6th composition journal and my cheap Bic Cristal pens) "And?" No one needs this kind of negativity in their life. VIVA LA MOLESKINE! VIVA LA COMPOSITION ART JOURNALS! VIVA LA BIC CRISTAL PENS!

[@lilystephenson9197]

Thank you for this advice, I’ve kept a diary for many years and have loved doing it. You have given me the confidence to add journaling to my life. I’m not an artist at all, I cant draw or paint but I love to create. I’m 65 now and sadly arthritis has meant my having to give up my allotment ( in the UK It’s a plot of land that you rent to grow food/ flowers etc) . I still knit and crochet and have my gardens and keep busy (when my body allows) I am determined to get journaling, once again thank you ❤

[@PurpleChurchMouse]

Be inspired by the old you....profound words. Sometimes I'll look back at my old posts and think 'I was so clever, what happened to me'? And that will spark something new. So, yes, profound.

[@melodyflurry]

I definitely choose my notebook first and then the pen, but regardless of the fact that I have a zillion pens. I always use a Bic crystal. I just love it, and it writes on everything. I use a Moleskine hardcover and softcover. and I have to say that I can cram a lot into the hardcover! I just use the regular ones, not the expanded. I typically use a lined one. I really loved this video! ❤

[@michellejohnson6346]

BIC CRISTAL PENS FOR LIFE!!!! ♥💞🥰💕

[@piperspurpose3005]

Bic crystal for me too!

[@r.coachman3499]

It isn’t always BIC brand but Blue and Black ballpoint is my go to as well! Especially if I’m traveling and it’s whatever pen they include with the room stationary~🤌

[@EdelweisSusie]

Thank you SO much for making me feel ‘normal’!!!! I have wanted to journal for 7 or 8 years now and have bought countless planners etc - Erin Condren, Happy Planner, Simplified (that was a gift), yet they’re all sitting in their original packaging unused and I couldn’t figure out why …. And then I found this video today and you’ve solved it - I don’t like the feel of a hard cover, simple as that - who knew? Not only do you have my heartfelt thanks for solving this expensive mystery, you also have a very excited new subscriber. What a star!! xxx

[@truGEMini01]

Omg same! She just cracked the code for me ✨

[@thatwasweird954]

This is the first journaling video I've watched that's actually useful. Been binge-watching journaling videos for weeks now and was feeling disheartened by all these of overly perfect and uber girly journals (which isn't my aesthetic at all). Your journals look cozy and lived-in and like an actual artist used them. You give me hope that I can actually do this in 2023. (Thanks also for the advice on picking a journal I connect with. I was just gonna use what I had on hand, but instead ordered one that I'm truly excited about.)

[@nataliemm7126]

I agree with everything... it is a creative outlet for oneself, not a performance for others - THANK YOU

[@caitlinok9022]

I just stickered up my pocket notebook and my sketchbook and now i’m so much more excited to carry them around!

[@RavensMinis]

I purchased a moleskine expanded because I loved how they expand from watching your videos. I started 27 October and am now 32 pages in and loving it! So thank YOU! :D

[@SeaweedKisses]

Wonderful! Happy Journalings! May your pages be full of fun memories and creativity!

[@RavensMinis]

@@SeaweedKisses Thank you! I've been hooked on your videos lately. So much inspiration! I'm using mine as an every day journal for things I do during the day for my now 4.5 yr old daughter to look back on one day

[@Dreblueskies]

@@RavensMinis Great idea!

[@XtianApi]

Cool cool, but moleskine? Such thin crap paper, especially if you are using it as hard as you are. Moleskine isn't moleskine that hemmingway used. That company is gone. The name was bought by a Chinese? I think, company and the paper sucks now. Leuchtturm1917, rhodia, clarafontaine, apica and so many others make paper that can deal way better. Same notebooks, same pockets, same bookmarks, same rubber band, better paper. Plus I prefer to give money to Japan, Germany, US, UK, etc. But that's unrelated

[@Dreblueskies]

Love seeing your journal, real life and so cozy looking. You are the most relatable to me, others just appear too perfect and make me feel like I’m not doing it “right”. Would love to see a video about your rings and how your using those combined with your journals. I also love a soft cover! The squish! 😊 Those leathers are gorgeous!! I’m a notebook first then pen girl. Right now I’m enjoying Nanami’s Seven Seas notebook.

[@therosenetwork]

I use pocket sized notebooks because those journals are easy to carry and are easy to fill up a page and/or more pages. Small blank journals or sketchbooks are the same scenario you can quickly do your art work on a small sketchbook page. I cut down 8.5 x 11 inch paper and I took a small stack of the paper and stapled one side of the stack to make it into a small sketchbook❤❤❤ I really like coming back to this video so inspiring to me❤❤❤

[@AleciaLott]

Well said - I'm glad to see another "messy" journaler. Thank you so much for sharing this! I'm the same about using inexpensive materials, I love having that freedom to really get in there and be comfortable and live in your journal. It's just like a house, I could never relax in a place that's too modern and sterile.

[@bhanani5480]

I love your journal thickness, they are exactly my own journal goals. I'm now a big fan of softcover notebooks exactly for the reason that I can stuff it with all my memory souvenirs 🥰 I've learnt now to not put any rules/restrictions on myself, anything goes when it comes to journaling cos it's MY MEMORIES and nobody else's and thats why I love journaling 🥰

[@teogabrielsson4717]

I honestly do not understand why people are always speaking about how expensive Moleskine is. Where I live (EU) I can get them for about 13-15 Euro. Even if they were to cost 25-30 that would not be a problem. If I use it a whole year 30 / 12 that would be 2.5 dollars each month. That is basically comparable to a pack of candy or something.

[@szniok]

What if you need a new one every other month? Then it starts to add up. I have a few journals I use at once, a small pocket one, a sketchbook and a commonplace journal. If I wanted to replace them all every so often, it’s a lot of money.

[@crystalgtv5223]

❤ 🙌🏾 🎉so glad you posted ! Connection is key with notebooks and myself. It’s so satisfying filling up a journal

[@SeaweedKisses]

So true! It really is!

[@crystalgtv5223]

@@SeaweedKisses I know you asked if we made it to the end and of course I did ! Such great inspiration

[@loracharis6814]

Pen first 🖋 . Has to be fountain pen friendly, whether the fountain pen is a $2 pen or a nicer pen, it will be a fountain pen. I an currently using a hardcover dot grid journal I found on Amazon. I initially thought I would use the thin soft cover inserts in a traveler journal. But the jury is still out. Still experimenting for my preferred journal. Like you, I agree that it doesn’t have to be the most expensive because I don’t want to be afraid of messing it up.

[@soestoes]

I had to leave your channel a little love note to thank you for sharing your journaling journey! It's super motivating and really inspiring how you describe your process. I think we all just need that little nudge from another place of love to get going from our rut. Thank you so much for your time and efforts into your videos!

[@FrenchyInFocus]

I loved this video and enjoyed everything you said! You are so right, a well loved notebook with zero expectation or fear of "ruining" pages. I'm a fountain pen person, but it's always notebook first! The notebook is what makes me fall in love with a pen. My street fountain pen is my brass Traveler's Notebook, the fancier ones stay at home so I have no excuse 😊 I always take my standard travelers notebook with me, but I really love my A6 Midori 1D 1P, that is my everything notebook, my ugly planner, my private art, private words everything. Really all of my notebooks are private. Sometimes I don't even know how I have a KZbin channel with my lack of sharing, as I hardly show my pages, but that Midori is 100% messily for me🥰I know fountain pen people love Tomoe River, but to me midori paper is a perfect all in one for me. Also, soft cover, always, for the pen bookmark 😂

[@Ermazurita1]

Team Softcover!

[@SeaweedKisses]

Yees!!

[@timwilkins2008]

I am considering journaling in 2023. I am looking at Traveler's Notebooks and their inserts as my journal. I love the feel of the notebook and it draws me to it. Right now, my struggle is to decide what size will work best for me.

[@knottyneedle]

I love the chunky, messy journal. It is about life. I throw in things and don't worry about if it's pretty or not.

[@carolewatkins1171]

So glad I found you this morning. I’ve journaled for many years. I’ve used many different styles over the years. Now I want to get back to my original style, similar to yours, your video was just what I needed to see and hear! I’m energized again. I watched the entire video, and for me the notebook comes first. I’m going to check out your other videos now. Thanks for sharing.📚

[@imperfect_pages5331]

I love this video! You’re so passionate when talking about your journals- it’s contagious! I do share my journals on KZbin and Instagram, but only to a certain extent. I could never do complete flip throughs or every single page I make, but I do enjoy sharing some of my more “artsy” pages that don’t have personal writing on them. I do agree that finding journals that you connect to is so important! Sometimes that can be more expensive journals, or it can be a cheap composition notebook from the dollar store- the opportunities are endless! Thank you for the wonderful video ❤

[@TristenCanfield]

My go to pen is the Pilot G-2 07 and I am a pen first kind of gal. Right now I'm loving dot grids in my notebooks. I have ADHD and finding a journal cover that had a place for my phone, keys, and debit card was a lightbulb moment in my life! I definitely made it to the end of this video. Thank you for sharing your messy, personal, genuine journal!

[@recoveringsoul755]

You found one? My keys are a huge mess

[@alysssalyn]

I started journaling in 2018. My premise changed from just writing down my daily thoughts, to writing down advice and lessons I learn throughout the year that I’d want my kids to hear as adults - in case I’m not around when they’re older. ❤ Interestingly, I filled each book each year except 2020 was only 20 pages. I’d update maybe 2 times a month. Survival mode. But I got back on track 😊 I also left a page blank after each entry so I could go back & read entries and add new notes (dated, so I know it’s future-me jotting it down) because sometimes a situation unfolds and I forget to update it or more information becomes important that I forgot to add.

[@sherriansaldua8295]

I love your journaling especially how you say “It doesn’t have to be words.”

[@helgarodrigues8317]

Loved this video! I am a paper person so I definitely choose notebook first. The one I always go for is the Midori MD paper in dot grid. I like that the cream color of the paper is kind to my eyes and became kind of addicted to the faint blue dots. I am not a fan of the A5 size though so I cut it down to Regular size to fit on my travelers notebook. Perfect match. Favorite pen to use with is the good and no frills TRC ballpoint pen in factory green. All wrapped on a Mansorah Atelier Grace Mahogany cover 🥰

[@PaperLychie]

Thank you for this video!! I agree with EVERYTHING you said! The connection with the notebook is essential for journaling. Sometimes I prioritize the pen, but only if the main purpose of the book is long form journaling. Lots of love 💕 Lily

[@lexiphile]

To me, you are a true creative. I love and wholeheartedly agree with what you say about creating for yourself and not for the likes or an audience.❤

[@marachristian8726]

I have multiple journals for different purposes. I learned how to make my own journals using a coptic stitch method for the binding, which allows for the journal to lay flat when opened. I use sugarcane paper because it works well with fountain pens, even when writing on both sides of the paper. I make the covers out of matboard, covered in fabric or decoupaged. I also have store-bought journals for capturing other things, like a ring-bound notebook with watercolor paper (for art journaling/collaging), and some smaller sized journals that I keep in my purse to jot down notes on the go (my planners and journals usually stay at home unless I am on vacation.) For me, it is important to have a journal for long entries that works with fountain pens because using fountain pens inspires me to write because I love using them! I also pick up blank books at discount stores for keeping inspirational quotes or bible verses or making lists. I keep a separate planner for sewing and crafting projects. I love having a variety of notebooks and paper, so I just come up with different ideas on how to fill them! I have 2 that are private (one of them is a "burn book" for my rants that I don't ever want to re-visit) and the rest I am happy to share with family/friends. I love how you use yours for more than just writing but also for sketching and ideas. Someday maybe I will get there, but for now I have to keep separate journals (I think it's my slightly OCD left brain that has to compartmentalize and "sort" everything!)

[@StationeryDumpling]

I never thought about the importance of soft vs hard cover in this way! I thought I liked hard covers because it gives me a sturdy surface to write on, but you’re SO right. I like the expandable advantage that soft covers have!! I always end up accidentally breaking the binding on my hard covers from over-stuffing my journal lol

[@bhanani5480]

Same! I had the exact same thinking but I do have journals where I do have a hard cover when I'm writing on the go (e.g. sermons, bible study groups)

[@StationeryDumpling]

@@bhanani5480 it absolutely makes sense to have a different journal for different purposes! ☺️

[@r.coachman3499]

I used to think the same way bout hard covers! Writing surface IS nice and they lay flat, but they absolutely DO bow and split when overstuffed! Having soft cover too can be lighter to carry for a while, I am seeing the wisdom!

[@recoveringsoul755]

I was having too many journals for a while. A gratitude journal, a growth journal, an everyday journal with dreams etc, I even asked my therapist if it was ok to make an anger journal because I didn't want that ugliness in with the rest. But it's all life and when I was younger I put it all together. Although I did have calendar on the wall and a smaller planner I carried everywhere. But the regular journal was more something I'd keep by the bed and write before sleep Until, I caught my husband sneaking around and reading it. I felt so violated. He had the nerve to get mad at me and claimed he was ENTITLED because we were together!!! No. No you're not. If I want to tell you something, I Will when I'm ready after I process it. I stopped writing. It's been crippling because that was like losing a best friend. Now I'm trying to get back into the daily habit

[@susanbtheiling3354]

I'm only halfway through your video and feel so inspired to do my journal. I've wanted to do a journal for years and felt I couldn't do it "properly" because I don't have that cutesy talent that you see on other videos. My question for you is Do you keep an index at the front of your journal? Or any other type of tracking of entries?

[@andreacorey6730]

You have literally touched on every single reason I have not started journaling. Perfection. Writing. Others seeing it. Not wanting to ruin pages and pens and markers. Thank you for popping up in my feed! I’m going to go into 2023 using your tips and the freedom to create. Thank you!

[@DJ-yh8hm]

Me too! I'm going to start journaling in 2023!

[@doraaaa0613]

@@DJ-yh8hm im also going to start journaling in 2023! hope it works out for all of us 🥰 im excited to finally try it

[@DJ-yh8hm]

@@doraaaa0613 That's awesome! Let's hope it works out! 😊

[@oliv6958]

Thank you so much for this great video. You find it long, I find it well explained and full of inspiring tips. You say you're weird, I say you're an artist ! Yes Moleskine is expensive, yes Moleskine paper quality sucks, but can't help it : I'm the most creative when I'm journaling in a Moleskine. Does the perfect notebook exist? Not sure. Your scribble scrabbles and other not so fancy pages, I enjoy them a lot because I can relate, they're authentic ! Social media are fake. Thanks again and waiting patiently for your next video.🙏🥰

[@exoticjournalista8613]

Yes the notebook is important. If I don't like it I just won't write on it. Or decorate. It would seem a chore. Having said that I have so many notebooks because I but to try out but I then leave off. I started with spiral bound then I didn't like it. Started on B5, tried A5 didn't like it. Journals which really spurred me on although a little expensive are the Minimalist Art soft cover notebook. Ottergami is another journal I like. Also plain white color pages put me off. I want ivory or off white cream pages. I like dot grid because I write and I can't write in a straight line without some sort of guide but ruled notebooks put me off. I prefer soft cover to hardcover but that doesn't really matter much. 100 GSM or above is required. Pens are never ballpoint. I prefer gel pens. Black ink. I don't like the color of other inks on the paper. My journal rules are to do what I want not bothered about likes. It gives me joy and satisfaction to complete a page. Each page is my own artwork. My style. Me. Next rule is never to write bad things about anyone. You might die the next minute. You don't want to leave behind that negativity and feel it in your grave. Pardon and move on. I am mindful that I can pass any moment and I don't want my children or other generations seeing my deepest darkest thoughts. I sometimes write thinking they will read it someday. Or if anyone reads it let them learn lessons from my life stories. I do write about incidents and I do write my personal perspectives in my journal.

[@juliegombos3315]

Great video. I’m new to journaling/planning but can’t seem to find my happy place. I started with a b6 stalogy but am now waiting on an a6 rings. Not sure how I’ll feel about that. Just know I wasn’t happy with the appearance of my work in the stalogy. I love the aesthetic look of some people’s books and I think that’s what I’m aiming for. Lots of deco. Fingers crossed I’ll find my happy place. ❤

[@TheCelestialhealer]

Incredible, you are the first person ever to mention the connection between notebook and person. I am still an a5 person but changed from spiral to soft bound, from dotted to lined ( when I couldn t find). From the same company ( nuuna, legami , miguel riuz) to different company!!! 😂😂 Wow, never heard of 400 pages extended version Moleskine. I started to look for more pages in a journal.🎉

[@lovinglife3954]

Enjoyed your stream of consciousness. I love moleskins but also love a binder with individual pages. Thinking about starting discbound for that reason. For me it’s journal first.

[@Kittywolf13]

i have tried journaling so many times... i start, and then stop. I cant keep it consistant. ive tried all sorts of journals... i do know that i prefer the messy style like you highlighted here... but i find im always embaressed to pull it out in public. and when im at home theres a million things i need to be doing or get distracted by that i never consistently do it. not even one word. im an artist so i even told myself to draw.... but even that doesnt happen. i have so many books... but i never bond with any of them. ;__; i dont know what to do anymore honestly.

[@lisasutherland-fraser4479]

Michelle you really understand yourself so beautifully. Totally relate to so much here. Love your videos. Thank you for your ever evolving journals. Fantastic! Xxxx

[@Higgler16]

Thanks for this 🙏. I really enjoyed your video. As a fellow Moleskine Expanded lover, I drew a lot of inspiration from your words, and your journals. There's just something about Moleskines that touches my heart and lights a fire in my journalling brain! Thank you 📖❤️

[@DinaAmaral]

Hands up. I am the first this time 🙏☺️

[@SeaweedKisses]

Yay!!🎉🥇

[@youthurricane]

For me is the notebook first but i can not write properly without a pen that allows my handwritting to flow properly. I started journaling eight years ago and i am currently using a brazilian brand called Cicero, its similar to moleskin and I only got it due Black friday of 2020.

[@PlanYourOneLife]

Great points! I agree with you about writing whatever you want to in your journal, or adding whatever you want to it(i.e. ephemera or drawings). I currently share my planner on social media, daily, but I rarely share my journal entries now because I felt that it did inhibit what I wanted to truly write in it. I also agree with you about choosing a journal (notebook) that fits you personally. 😊

[@nicola4789]

I love, love your videos and watch them all. You have beautiful hands but sometimes they make me dizzy wjth all their movements. Thank you for a great video loaded with great ideas!

[@ricenaomi]

Just ordered the moleskin that you linked! Hopefully you get some commission

[@sumitrajan8489]

I agree . Picking a notebook that you like . Feel of in in particular. I used to carry moleskine pocketbook while working and write everything down . For any book that I probably got as a gift from someone I just couldn't get past a few pages . Maybe the thought of destroying it irks me

[@xoxolorae]

Hi Michelle, I love your videos and have been following you for quite some time! One thing I love about your journaling / planning videos is that you don't care to make everything perfect. Sometimes I'm overwhelmed because I tend to be OCD about decorating and I end up not wanting to be consistent. Seeing how your journals look organic, not perfect, but are full of life, really inspires me to have a flow with my own journaling and be less worried about how "nice" it looks.

[@MariJadeWrites]

I already love journaling (and am journaling every day) but am intrigued by the title and will watch this video for more ideas 😍 i think I found my favorite notebook to journal in and got a few of the same ones for myself 😉

[@noblebutterfly47]

I have all kinds of notebooks and journals, but always come back to this beautiful Moleskine expanded! Love your videos on it! Thank you!

[@loriannacarter5996]

This is an amazing video! I can also apply this to choosing a planner. I have never heard someone say it but yes connection to the book is everything at least for me it is. The feel in the hand, does it bring joy to flip the pages? Thankyou for doing this video it will definitely help me in my decision process for choosing my planner in 2023.

[@just__celia]

I just went through all my notebooks and pens and stored away any I wasn't feeling connected to anymore. I have been journaling for decades but the past few years I got sucked into FOMO and bought so many things that just weren't "me".

[@ciannacoleman5125]

My mom tried for years to get me to journal but it never "clicked." When I was 20 I finally ended up starting one in a hard-back composition style and a Pilot G2, but even so it was not a regular thing. It was when I discovered fountain pens that I started wanting a reason to just write and I began to journal more regularly. I'm on my third journal (and starting a 5yr at the beginning of the year) so I am still playing with different notebooks, but for me that is part of the fun of using fountain pens too.

[@kimberlycook5860]

The moleskine expanded is my favorite too! Great video. I keep mine in a Chic Sparrow No. 8 journal cover, perfect fit. Win, win! Definitely the notebook comes first for me.

[@beanie0026]

Just finished my first full size journal. Your videos have inspired me. I don't do art but I have added stickers and other doodle. Thanks for the great videos

[@visitshea13]

I made it until the end! So inspiring I want to try and incorporate journaling more this year

[@55rodeo]

I just recently found your channel. I love the way you journal. It’s for you, the way you feel at that moment. I’ve never had a Moleskin notebook. I’ll have to try one not so thick first. lol!! Question…. What are the flags/tabs used for?

[@kowsdiary1062]

I will choose 1 notebook that I feel like I want to keep it to myself, a place for me to be myself and I would pick a pen I enjoy writing in with. Sometimes I journal about my mental health condition, sometimes about my day, I put some lists of tasks to be done and then I would add stickers or a small doodle. I think journaling is a good coping mechanism for me.

[@AlanGonzalez-bc6dw]

I am using my first Moleskine, and it is because of you. I am using a classic black soft cover. I love it. I enjoy BiC Cristal's. I tried them from the dollar store, and I will always use them. Thank you for sharing. From Los Angeles

[@PhilippeTuinman]

Just got mine in the mail yesterday. Gonna prepare it for 2023 and try to use is for at least something every day! :)

[@Miahobbes]

love those chunky notebooks and thank you for being authentic and awesome 🤩

[@thebriarpatch9564]

I chose the notebook first, but it's always the same notebook, sometimes I use different pens. I use a black StudioOh! notebook that creatively says "Notebook" across the front in gold lettering. It's softcover and lined- I usually get them from Chapters. Right now my favourite pen is a dip pen, the nib looks like a bullet tip, but it's actually a type of calligraphy nib, from a company called Kakimori- very fun and interesting to use.

[@TheNanachan]

I have tried both firm and flexible notebook covers. I love both, but the mole skins have been my most favorite so far. They get pretty chunky 😅

[@nickiH6975]

Im starting to journal again. I pick the notebook 1st... my pens varies depending on what I'm writing or marking. I even use markers so the paper has to be thicker than notebook paper. Love your video! There should be no pressure on what's in your journal..it's yours not the world's ❤️🌺

[@monicadahlin]

I love your passion for journaling!! I journal every day, it is one of the best times of the day. My favorite notebook is Midori MD, I just love that paper!!

[@Dreblueskies]

Those notebooks are so nice!

[@TheCelestialhealer]

Going to get my very first one.. need the clean, minimalistic style.

[@sylvierenaud875]

This has been so liberating for creativity!!!!!

[@kimberlyannplans]

This was a terrific video....thank you! In answer to your question, I pick the notebook first then find the pens that work for me. I have a wide range of pens on hand so I can always find something that works.

[@barbstark5513]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate your vids. This was very helpful especially that you said it doesn't have to be just writing all the time. 😁

[@trixjoyce]

Loved this video! Personally, I choose journals that I connect with but do not worry to mess around with. I don't think my journals have to be perfect so I rarely worry about messing up a nice journal, because to me a journal should be "messed with" for it to be personal! Right now I keep 3 types of journals: one little A6 journal I have with me everywhere for my poetry/writing/philosophical thoughts, one daily journal for freestyle writing/braindumps, and one illustrated journal for just daily or weekly sketches and doodles. I really had no problem falling in love with journaling, but I watched your video anyway because it was so cozy

[@mikewadley2700]

Hi Michelle. I pick my notebook 1st and then choose my writing tool based on my mood. I mostly use a Miquelrius 6x8 soft bound, 200 sheet, 400 page grid journal. It's not bleed thru proof so I try to use very fine nib fountain pens or sharpie fine liners that don't bleed thru. I write, sketch, tape in things I find that I like. Before the pandemic I loved to go to Starbucks and journal or Barmes & Noble Cafe. Starbucks was very spiritual for me. I also like Moleskin soft cover notebooks. I too love the feel and color of the paper. A paper company in Japan did a study of paper colors in notebooks and they found that certain soft pastel shades help people focus better. I like what you said about choosing a journal that you feel comfortable with. Mine look well used. I will put a pen in mine sometimes and close it. If I get coffee stains on a page I turn it into art. I could go on and on. Sorry. Great video Michelle. It takes a lot of courage to open yourself up and share like you do. I applaud you 👏

[@TheCelestialhealer]

Did you mean one is 200 pages and the other 400 pages?

[@mikewadley2700]

It's one journal. There are 200 pages (sheets) but when you count front and back of each page it adds up to 400 pages.

[@susinok]

The notebook I like is a simple lined, 190 pages, and in bright colors, for $8. Paperage brand. It is hardcover, but I prefer that. I add a pen loop, taking one from an old journal and attaching to the new one with E6000 glue.

[@susinok]

My journal is 95% writing. Definitely not Instagram worthy with my crabbed handwriting, lol.

[@simplifiedplan]

I am in a Hobonichi again this year and I really do love it. Last year I did something different. This next year I am considering a Moleskin. I love switching it up sometimes but then sometimes I go back to what I loved before! I go with what I want for a notebook first and then I use what I love in that notebook! Loved your video!

[@havefunbesafe]

This is great. When I journal, sometimes I close my eyes and draw/scribble with my non dominant hand and then the inspiration is right in front of me! Trust your sub conscious , it knows!!

[@eallae]

Thank you for sharing. And being brave enough for showing us the inside ! As much as I like watching all those ASMR pretty pages and « art journaling » spreads, aesthetic contents and intricate collages, it’s nice to remember younger people and people just starting out that, at its core, « journaling » or at least writing a diary (my understanding of the word might be biased by my mother tongue) isn’t supposed to be shareable or for other people to see. I got my first diary on my 9th birthday. I turned 30 this year, and yes, seeing them filled is pretty satisfying. But honestly when I look back at these 21 years I don’t think of how pretty and clean they might have been, I think of how they were my best friends, that when the writing is ugly, it’s actually my rough feelings on the page. That if I had used my journals with the purpose of sharing them on social media or with anyone, they wouldn’t have been as useful as they have always been.

[@deborahmeyers551]

I love molskine Michael and I love 0.4 pens 🖊 I love that you totally do what you want because I am like you too all I care about is I like that's it I love your videos I love your free mind ❤

[@cdgarcia]

Love this! You confirmed something I learned recently and that is to experiment with journal setups and like what you like. Finding what feels right makes 100x difference. I use an Amazon cheap knock off travelers notebook with calendar inserts for short weekly writings and have another ruled insert for those days I need to write a lot. I paired the notebook with my Lamy 2000. Love the setup too because I can be my messy carefree self and not worry about scratches and tidiness because it was a cheap investment

[@Malkah66]

The notebook is first!!!!!

[@ms.chocolate3470]

for me it is the book. If I don't like the book it doesn't matter what pen I use in it

[@samanthalissette_]

I am so happy you made this video! I have never been one to journal often. Lately I have found the need to have that "whatever go, flows" notebook. Ideally I need it to be fountain pen friendly and i hope to find it soon. Thanks for all your great tips! xx

[@minteabee]

For me it's also notebook first, I did not care about the pen at first. But since I use my notebook just to write, I did decide to get a fountain pen at some point because my hand pain just kept getting worse. The fountain pen helps me because I don't have to put pressure on it and it writes so dang smooth that it helps me write for longer without my hand hurting.

[@saskia16672]

Thank you for sharing- your view of 'don't care' is such a key one. You have put the emphasis on not doing it for the web or someone else but really feeding your brain and keeping a healthy sustainable life.... thank you so much for this.

[@picadios]

전 몰스킨 노트로 독서노트 로만 활용하고 있는데 대단하고 부러워요! 특히 소프트 커버의 빈티지스러움이 아주 맘에 듭니다😊

[@youxxnugget4380]

You’ve inspired me to journal in the way that is authentic to me without forcing anything, appreciate the video!

[@MarysInks]

This is so true. I’ve been using a spiral notebook. I hate spiral binding! I’ve been struggling to write even once a week. It’s because I hate picking up that journal. Time to let go and move on to something I can get excited about.

[@recoveringsoul755]

I always put a pen(s) inside the journals. Usually a couple of colors and a highlighter. I was about to start altering a composition notebook, but it's a hard cover so I'm already trying to figure out how to add a third flap from the back cover that can hold pens and wrap around the pages. Maybe a file folder or something. Its going to need pockets too. But maybe i should do soft cover. Hmmm. I love the leather covers.

[@jasbookish]

i choose the pen first hahahaha. u were so right! i'm a fp user HAHA

[@rae-pl7uf]

I started journaling in 2015 and you were one of the people I followed first for inspiration! Your journals are still so inspiring to this day :) I haven't been journaling much this year because of a sudden loss, so this video will help a lot in rediscovering my love for journaling. Thank you! I choose my notebooks first too!

[@NENEJESSER]

I love my cheap fountain pen, wish to have a good quality one day. So I have that, and choose the note book after that. When I was younger I just did stuff. Even if it didnt really work. Just worked with what I got. Nice video. Im hooked on notebooks also mini for edc!

[@ZestonN]

A Thought I Added to my Commonplace Book, while watching this video: Journaling: The Art of Recording Your Private Universe.

[@christinec4156]

The journal first then pen, soft cover, blank pages so I can be more creative, love a bic cristal pen, great content, love messy journals, one of my favourite journals I have from yrs ago is "wreck this journal" that was very therapeutic 👌😂❤

[@henriannedelacruz8679]

Pens are the best bookmarks

[@Penwithane]

Team pen bookmark too, in my stalogy! I love the paint “rings” you have on the cover 🖤

[@heatherhammerquist6239]

Platinum Preppy. $7.00 fountain pen that works great, nice looking, doesn’t dry out and won’t break your heart if something happens to it.

[@mementoanima]

I love your videos because it's everything so real, so tangible. I really can see you in what you share. I feel inspired. I want to share my love for papers and writing but I feel so much inhibited with these perfect and flawless journals and notebooks on YT

[@roloverkitty3336]

I have been journaling for almost a year and per your recommendations, I tried out pen and gear products. The pen and gear composition books are my journal of choice. They are budget friendly, readily available, and will never go out of style. Because of this, approaching the page is not intimidating in the least. Because I am a lefty, I had to go through a trial and error process to select pens that work for me. I finally found the sharpie s gel to be my holy grail pen. Thank you for the content you put out. It has greatly encouraged me to enjoy the process and to be open minded about what the process looks like for my needs.

[@KikiJ1112]

hi! i love your channel! and I was hoping you could help me out. so.. I really love the medium size moleskine with lines, but it seems to be only with the hard cover. I would like a soft cover. Do you know any dupes of that exact size since I have a custom made leather cover? I tried to search to find a dupe but I cannot, maybe you know better. thanks!!! :)