Journaling Didn't Work for Me Until I Was Told This

[@ChadEveryday]

I've had a few comments asking me where to get the journal cover as well as the journals. The journals I bought were the Field Notes National Park series. I got Series C - Rocky Mountain, Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone. Journal Cover Link: amzn.to/4h684Lu Field Notes Link: amzn.to/3U8kngd *These are affiliated links, I may receive a small commission if you choose to buy through these links (at no additional cost to you).

[@sheila-wn7cn]

I have written a journal most days since I was seventeen. I am now 85. I can’t image my life without….❤😊

[@ChadEveryday]

I would love to have logged more years of my life. It's always a joy to go back and reflect on the years! Congratulations on your journaling journey!

[@ReneeKana]

That is an INCREDIBLE accomplishment! Would love to read some of your insights! 😁

[@aijofqiouasfjhioasfjak]

i want to be like you. Im 31, been doing it for close to 10 years

[@JohnHarrerHorses]

I agree. When I stopped thinking my journal was a book I was writing and more of a tool to manage thoughts and emotions, my journal became far more more valuable. Thanks

[@ChadEveryday]

I like that way of thinking of it as a tool. Gives it meaning and purpose.

[@codyanderson3164]

Bro hearing this, you don't even know! I've struggled to journal for years because I would start, miss a bunch of days and then just give up. Then I would go out and buy another journal and start the process all over again. This brain dump idea though, now that might just work! Thank you man!

[@ChadEveryday]

Can RELATE to that! Maybe on my next video I can just show off the MANY journals I bought, started and then stopped because I made a change in them I was unhappy with. Or the fact that some journals were for literally one thing or another and then that thing was just forgotten. Gah, I'm not alone haha

[@I_am_Taty]

Yeah! What a relief ... THNKS

[@daralee936]

Journals don't have to be written in every day

[@Carolyn750]

​@daralee936 this I needed. ❤

[@mhawang8204]

That’s the difference between a journal and a diary. It’s okay to miss some days.

[@TheGothicSunrise]

I think you're the first person who has so casually acknowledged health anxiety... It's such an a struggle and journaling has been such a life saver for helping me cope. Some days I wonder if it's too much to say journaling saved my life, but some days it feels like my only life line

[@ChadEveryday]

It's absolutely one of the worst. I first started experiencing it in 2018 and it really put me down for the longest time. It's gotten tremendously better for me, especially this year, and I owe the majority of that to journaling. Seeing the repetitive nature of symptoms, thoughts, etc..helped me to convince myself that things are okay. I would certainly agree that journaling helped saved mine, alongside music, pets, people, etc.

[@visi7891]

omg yes, journaling helps health anxiety! Logging what happened before, when I WAS sick, had gotten me thru flare-ups.. Then other times, my food/symptoms logging showed me that I'm ok, nothing could possibly happen just due to my eating or something like that

[@EvelineUK]

Loved this! I've been journaling the best part of 40 years now, and mine has changed over the years. When I was 11, I read Anne Frank's diary, and she wrote letters to Kitty, her made-up friend. I changed my journal entries from 'Dear diary' to 'Dear so-and-so' changing names with every new journal I got. I did not write every day, but most days, and I'd write about anything and everything that popped into my head. Later on I had one line a day type of journals, art journals, journals in which I would rant endlessly about the unfairness of my teenage life, or the difficulties in relationships when I got a bit older. I now keep a mini composition notebook in which I log work stuff, and write short paragraphs about what happened that day, thoughts that have throughout the day, ideas for projects etc. etc. Like you said, journaling can be anything you want it to be, can have a structure or no structure. It doesn't even have to be in a notebook if you don't want it to be. But letting things out, and thinking on paper, it's something I can't live without. Highly highly recommend.

[@ChadEveryday]

Thanks for sharing that! Such a lovely way to look at it. I like your approach of the smaller blocks or paragraphs. My problem was always feeling like I had to get in every last detail just to fill the page. At that point, it wasn’t really about the thoughts anymore though.

[@sewgatormomm]

Is that a tooth on your t-shirt? With antlers? 😂. Loved hearing your ideas.

[@ChadEveryday]

@@sewgatormomm haha it is. It's from a show on Netflix called Sweet Tooth. It's short with only 3 seasons

[@efany82]

This makes complete sense and fits with my ADHD tendencies. Thanks for giving me the permission! Glad I found this video and your channel!

[@ChadEveryday]

Glad you brought ADHD into this. Cannot agree with you more. My mind changes so quickly, so often, and without warning it's hard to commit to specific methods of doing things. At least the "chaos" of my journal reflects how my mind works.

[@jacquelinemcgowan8164]

I have a common place book and i decorate it and i love it, it feels so personal to me, little memories, peoples names, opening times of the library, places to visit, lists books i want to read. Verse of scripture, wish list, i like visual things they,re a comfort. ❤😊❤

[@ChadEveryday]

That sounds like so much fun! I want to start filling mine up with stuff. Movie tickets, stickers, just random things. I’m loving all the suggestions, definitely makes things a lot more enjoyable!

[@TheCrisses]

I call it an “anything journal”. To do list? Sure. Thoughts? Yup. Gratitude? Ok, go for it. Sketch? Brainstorm? Bring it.

[@ChadEveryday]

Love it! It’s 100% the only way I can do it. To think all the years I tried and failed I just needed some validation. 🫶🏻

[@visi7891]

Ya, plus my thoughts r definitely tied to what I'm doing too 😂

[@xpotau]

Totally agree with this. I, don´t know why, tend to have one where I dump silly things and another for sketching but don't write on those. Then the writing one does not progress because I don't know what to put in it. I think I should just combine them all in one, and forget about having things nice and structured.

[@HeinrichHess]

Fully agree, I do the same but sometimes I am missing the structure so I can find things later.

[@TheCrisses]

@ I leave pages for an index/TOC in the future. Numbering the pages helps a lot.

[@Vorachan1111]

I’ve been keeping journals for years. I have a box full of journals and shelves stacked with my journals. I’m addicted. Can’t quit. My latest journals have drawings and watercolor paintings I have made besides writing ideas, deep thoughts or events of the day. I also paste images that I cut out or stickers that I buy. There are no limits. Thank you for the video. Journaling is therapy, a friend to open up to and you don’t have to worry that you will be judged for what you write. 😊

[@ChadEveryday]

“A friend to open up to and you don’t have to worry that you will be judged for what you write”. That’s wonderful! I love it, thank you for sharing 😊

[@wordscrafter]

I've tried journaling so many times and gave up. I'm excited to toss rules and even expectations out the window and try this. Thanks ❤

[@ChadEveryday]

I was right there with you. The one thing I learned was to just stop doing what everyone told me to do and just start doing what worked best for me. I hope the same becomes true for you too!

[@cecilereyna]

I loved this, I've watched lots of videos about journaling and all of them make it look complicated (more than 1 journal, promps, goal setting, etc). Your video made me feel peace, it's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@ChadEveryday]

So glad to hear that 😊 that’s what I was hoping would be the outcome! It’s completely changed my outlook on journaling. I feel like it actually serves me now

[@fairysathi]

I've been thinking about starting a journal, and I really appreciate your encouragement. I want to focus on my thoughts and experiences, treating it as a special way to capture memories and gifts, not as a chore or punishment.🎀🍄

[@ChadEveryday]

Go for it! I wish you success and joy from it. It's really a great thing when you find the right way to use it for yourself!

[@ryan99842]

just read : "unveiling your hidden potential" and you will realise everything

[@ChadEveryday]

Adding this to my reading list!

[@TheJoyfulEye]

I have a TWSBI fountain pen that I love. I love how a fountain pen glides over paper and puts down a trail of ink almost effortlessly. I made my own journal by taping together 2 pieces of stiff cardboard, to form a 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 folder to keep 4 sheets of dotted paper in (just regular copy paper that I print out on my printer and fold in half). It fits perfect in the front pocket of my bag. After I fill up the sheets I put them in a ringbinder. I date my entries but I write more than what happens in a day. My journal is my "butterfly net" to catch my thoughts and pin them down before they flutter away and are lost. Which is why I have decorated it with butterfly stickers from the dollar store. :)

[@ChadEveryday]

That's what my next search will be for...a high quality pen. I like my pen, but I don't love my pen, at least not like my journal. I love how you treat your journal like a net to catch your thoughts. That's such a great idea, good on your for making it your own :)

[@tobyschmoll2792]

That's my way of journaling except that instead of being in love with a particular kind of notebook,I focus typically on the writing instrument instead. To me, a good pen or pencil will help the words just flow right out of me. If I do have any "rules" about it, it's the following: 1.Put, at a very minimum, the date of the entry above it before you let loose. This helps you keep a frame of reference should you want to look back at it at some future date. I also will repeat the above with a start time if there are multiple entries made over the course of the day (doesn't happen often but it does happen every once in a while) 2. If I am describing some social situation that is happening, or that is otherwise bothering me, I will usually try to explain in enough detail so that if "future" me comes back and reads it, I can at least have enough info to hopefully jog my memory about it, and give myself some context about what is being said.

[@ChadEveryday]

That's a great set of rules if you decide to use them. Those don't really constrain your efforts. Thanks for sharing those!

[@michelel3372]

I do one line a day journaling but would like to expand that. This is very inspiring, thank you for sharing.

[@ChadEveryday]

I like the sound of that! There have been a couple of days that I have only written one or two lines for the entire day. Honestly, it felt like the right thing to do.

[@Scarshadow666]

YES! Love to do braindumps too! And something that has sometimes helped me with some journaling is putting in random stuff from day-to-day life: stuff like stickers, buisness cards, receipts, labels from food containers/bottles, etc. Taping in torn tea bag holders and torn off tags from the strings of tea bags are some of my favorites, since I drink tea often (especially now that it's Fall and will soon be Winter).

[@ChadEveryday]

That sounds like a wonderful and fun idea! My wife and I when we first started dating did something fun like that. Because we were both so busy we didn't get to see each of a lot. So I bought a small notebook and would write to her and then send the notebook with her when she would leave. Then she would write in it and send it back to me. We also included things from our dates as fun little reminders as well!

[@eveadams4371]

​@@ChadEverydayThat is a wonderful dating idea (even for husbands and wives).

[@andrewjackson9697]

I started with smaller journals, and then I grew past them. I can brain-dump two to three pages now without effort. Now I find that it is not always convenient to Carry my large journal wherever I go. Now I find that I am coming full circle and I believe that a field notebook is extremely what l need for when I am not at home.

[@ChadEveryday]

My methods keep adapting and changing. As of now, I use my field notebook to catch my thoughts, tasks, and reminders, to bring back to either my larger notebook (extended thought processing) or my digital notes/systems for reminders and tasks.

[@ChristysChannelYall]

This is what I do. I use field notes and have one of those little leather notebooks too and I really like it. I’m a woman with ADHD so could never keep up with the fancy journals I see most women doing on here. I’d buy one and start and usually not even get past making the first calendar or whatever decorative thing was “recommended”. The simplicity of just having a little notebook that I like to look at and touch and feel and to just write whatever in works for me.

[@ChadEveryday]

I can relate to that so much! One minute my mind is “hey I want to do this” and the next minute it’s “wait, what was I doing”. Especially true with journaling. I would get so pumped about bullet journaling or whatever it was. About a week or two in, I would just give up. I admire people who do all those really cool journals. It’s just not me.

[@ahan6288]

Absolutely yes- you get to make up the rules for you! Started journaling last year, first book every second month I was trying something new I’d seen online, second book now and I’ve worked out what works for me- not what’s pretty!

[@ChadEveryday]

Very well said! I think that sometimes become the problem is just trying so many things that work for others and getting discouraged that it doesn't work for us.

[@blossom7207]

Thanks for finding the right words to a process I'm currently in. I came to planning via the Bullet Journal method. (I always was more in the minimalistic/original side of the community). Took me way to long to discover that A5 isn't what I need. Last year I changed to A6 and I love (almost) everything about that format. But for my planing A6 was a bit difficult because those little books fill up so fast. So since September I started planning in a dated planer. And boy, oh boy, what a gamechanger that was for my journaling pratice. As I no longer need my little Leuchtturm to be functional I totally enjoy to be chaotic and wild in this book. I write so much more. I draw, write recipes down next to poems. Vacations get collages to remember them. And all in all its a safe space for me and my thoughts.

[@ChadEveryday]

I tried so hard to do bullet journaling. I really wanted to love it and do well at it. I was pretty decent at setting it all up and recording for a few days to a few weeks and then...I would leave it laying on my desk to never touch again. Maybe what you're talking about too with the sizes of the journals was a part of the problem. Having these smaller pocket journals does seem to help a lot.

[@Shafik69]

I needed this a decade ago. This is actually ingenious

[@ChadEveryday]

Same! After years of just not getting it, it just took someone saying it out loud to me

[@janetleblanc4016]

A diary is a day to day record of the day's events. A journal is a notebook, which a person's thoughts and feelings are recorded in writing. A journal doesn't have a daily structure. Some people may choose to journal every day.

[@greywaren621]

I've been watching lots on Commonplace Journals and it has blown my mind on journaling. What you're doing is very similar! I love those little notebooks. Please explain your tshirt. I have tried and tried...

[@theEumenides]

You can't see part of it. The whole shirt reads: There's no crying in the apocalypse. It's a line from Sweet Tooth, a TV series/DC comic.

[@greywaren621]

@theEumenides I knew it was Fandom related in SOME way (a fangirl just knows). I love Sweet Tooth!

[@ChadEveryday]

Thanks for commenting! I see someone beat me to replying about Sweet Tooth ❤️ it was one of my favorite shows as of recent. The shirt was a gift. I’ll have to check out commonplace journaling! Sounds interesting!

[@wetherby6774]

Thanks for the ideas. I see journaling as a "free-form diary", but I also like to say 'anything goes'. Wish me some luck.

[@ChadEveryday]

Anything goes is the right way to go about it! Best of luck on your journey!

[@ingrid2543]

Love this, I tried to journal and it was overwhelming, all the indexes and special ways to number and itemize. Same as with the commonplace journal, I like your idea better.

[@ChadEveryday]

Glad it was helpful! Yeah, after trying virtually everything out there, I just had to do something else.

[@yobanyhernandez125]

Journaling gave me something I cherish. No matter how stressed I am at work or with my extended family, I am able to give time to my wife at the end of each night without my mind somewhere else.

[@ChadEveryday]

Thanks for sharing. I'm hoping to elevate my journaling to the point that I can fully get the thoughts out of my head and on to paper.

[@diaryofafangirl7]

This is what I’ve done too. I call mine a Common Place journal where I can put more than just writing. I even use it for memory keeping. For once in my life I’ve almost completed an entire journal.

[@ChadEveryday]

That’s awesome! I’m finding too I can now complete my journals. I gathered up all my started journals and the stack keeps going. Some havnt been written in for years!

[@tessfiore2717]

What I realized a while back is that we put these restrictions on ourselves, that it has to look like everyone else's. Make whatever you're doing work for you. Your style will evolve (change) over time. To reiterate what he said, there are no rules.

[@ChadEveryday]

Love the way you worded this! I'm glad you mentioned the style change over time as well. That's so true!

[@aijofqiouasfjhioasfjak]

I use my notebook very similarly. I prioritize the smallest form factor possible so I use the park sloper junior from One star leather. It's super tiny but I find for my style (similar to yours) which is brain dump (random thoughts, musings, quotes, motivation, reminders, ideas) it works well. Plus it has a tiny pen sleeve and card holders like your notebook holder. I think another important reminder is don't get so caught up in obsessing over your handwriting. I am actually trying to always improve my handwriting and recently got into writing in classic script, but sometimes I catch myself not wanting to write a thought down because I am in a rush and perhaps also not sitting at a desk where I need proper hand and arm positioning to write good script. I realized this does not matter. Write it down, wherever you are, whether you are walking, slouched on a couch, upside down for all I care. As long as you can read it and it's not too sloppy, that's all that matters. What is more important ultimately? : Your penmanship or writing down a precious thought that came to you that you may not recall later? To me the answer is clear. Good video. God bless.

[@ChadEveryday]

It's all about making it work for you! I know that sometimes in my brain dump journal, my handwriting becomes a mess, especially if I am in a quick thought moment. My larger journal though, I've noticed that I only write in it when I allow myself more time to just slow down and enjoy the process. The big thing I am on to now is finding the best feeling pen.

[@aijofqiouasfjhioasfjak]

@ yes I actually keep a larger notebook for my Bible mediations and notice I use it when I have time and my handwriting is much better. I’ve been enjoying the Refyne ep1 a lot

[@merccadoosis8847]

I don't keep a journal but may do so some day. However, one thing I do is keep a score card when attending baseball or softball games. One day I watched a very enjoyable softball game when suddenly an eagle landed on top of the fence. We were awed by this beautiful creature who seemed to eye each of us. Eventually it flew away and was so majestic in flight. I kept that score card for quite a while.

[@ChadEveryday]

I think it's awesome that you keep those scorecards and those memories! That's really special. Neat story about the eagle. I don't know that I have ever seen one in the wild before.

[@merccadoosis8847]

@@ChadEveryday Yes it is good to preserve memories. For many years I kept a diary in several notebooks. Then I stopped and threw them away. However, I discovered years later that I kept two volumes and re-read some of my old memories including a memorial re an old baseball coach who I knew and who was so cherished by the local community. Wow ~ I had forgotten so much. Well, I decided to keep my two volumes (which encompass a period from 1991-2005) and just may go back to keeping a journal. As I think about it, at one time I was a member of Birds Watchers of America and used to keep notes on birds that I saw (I used to live near Prospect Park, Brooklyn NY which is a place many birds settle in when flying North or South depending on the season). Maybe I just might do bird watching again! 😀

[@donnablumenberg6624]

This is a great idea. It’s helped me so much to not restrict myself to one way of journaling. So, now I often add art to my journal pages as well. Thanks for sharing.

[@ChadEveryday]

That's a great idea, adding the art. I have an instant camera that takes mini Polaroids. That might be a fun thing to add to mine. All those little keepsakes are great to look back and reflect on!

[@donnablumenberg6624]

@@ChadEveryday Yes! Great idea. I'm putting this on my birthday wish list. :)

[@debrademingwalsh7495]

I use Mead college rule pocket divider notebooks. I write on one side of the page. I started journaling in April 2000, and I'm on #104. I write notes about astrology and I write down what I did during the week if I haven't written sooner, i note world events...i write creative ideas... The pocket divider gives me a place to save cards from people, notes, and mementos from trips... And field notes I take when I don't have the big journal with me

[@ChadEveryday]

That’s so cool that you have so many years of journaling and have found a system that keeps you coming back to it. I like that you're able to save keepsakes too, very nice idea!

[@timbuktu8069]

My journal is basically me bitching about what went wrong with my day. Sometimes I try to analyze it. But if I want to solve problems, I use a separate sheets. My journal is a steno pad.

[@ChadEveryday]

That makes a lot of sense. I've found journaling and problem-solving don't necessarily mix. Sometimes it's literally just me venting on paper so I don't have to drive people around me crazy haha

[@llchapman1234]

Journaling should make you feel good. When shoulda, woulda, coulda's start invading your thoughts, it's time to reassess. Approach writing as the joy it is 😊

[@ChadEveryday]

That is such a great reminder that journaling is meant to be for you and not something that feels like an obligation!

[@pilot-kfp5599]

I struggled for years in starting an illustrated journal because of the beautiful examples you see online. This week I tried to do in my way, without that fancy fancy coffeeshop drawings or urban sketching and... It seems it's working. So, adapt the thing to yourself really is the key difference

[@ChadEveryday]

That's so cool! I feel like I would almost limit myself because I don't draw anymore. But maybe just doing it anyhow and breaking the "rules" would be a freeing thing to do. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@JacquiSimpsonArt]

Chad i really appreciate your little video. You have some excellent points and you are really helping many people. As an older person with lots of life experiences, i would like to give you a little advice... i read the comment by some computer plonker whining about your tattoos... dude! PLEASE ignore these. These type of comments destroy something in you when you dwell on them and even worse, give them a response. You are just feeding THEIR negativity. Ignore them and focus on those who you have helped in your journey as a KZbinr. Thank you for taking your time to create your videos and to share something to help others. And to those who bring you down... well to them, say whatever...no one is watching their videos on negativity. You are awesome and so are your tattoos. ❤

[@ChadEveryday]

I appreciate that! I took no offense to it yesterday. I've had so many ill-will comments throughout the years that I eventually became immune to them. I don't know why I kept fueling them. I guess at first, it was because I thought they were serious, and I felt sorry for them. I felt sorry that someone could be that upset and miserable over something that really doesn't matter. Eventually I figured out though, they were just trying to burst my bubbles. They did help me with a new video idea though "Let go of the things that do not serve you". I often get consumed by so much negativity and I don't like that. That's one thing I'm trying to do here, is to create a channel of positive reflections. I hope you have an awesome day full of smiles and good fortune!

[@imaginaryenemies6332]

Great video Chad. I've always been told journaling is great, but I've never really given it a go (outside of school at least).

[@ChadEveryday]

Completely understand. I'm glad you brought up school, because that's where I first learned to journal when I was really young. That and the cartoon Doug lol. But in school we had formats we had to follow. I think I'm the type of person that once something like that is learned, it's really had for me (especially later in life) to un-learn it.

[@MatthewMencke]

Great video! Just the right message at just the right time… external confirmation for internal thoughts 😊 Thank you… keep it up! 🤜🤛

[@ChadEveryday]

Glad to hear that! Thank you for the encouragement too!

[@SandiMo77]

Thank you so much - your thoughts were super helpful. Appreciate the links to the cover and field notes too.

[@ChadEveryday]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you found it helpful and hope the links help you find what you’re looking for.

[@osbournelee]

I have done the same thing. I struggle with anxiety and depression and I was getting myself all worked up if i hadn’t journaled for a day, I even tried typing up my journal entries to see if that would help because I can’t type faster but I preferred writing! So like you I write in my journal when I feel I need to, not because I have too. I enjoyed bookbinding so I created a template I use which also means I have a certain amount of space to write in sections, so this means I’m not stressing I have to write pages and pages in the journal as that also made me anxious. I write the amount i need to write and i write in it when i feel i need to write in it…I feel so much better for it now!

[@ChadEveryday]

Oh, I can relate to a digital journal. I tried Notion, Google Docs, Apple Notes, and almost any other writing or journaling app I could use. While they were a little more convenient in some aspects, they just didn't feel good to me. Now, back to pen and paper, I find myself just enjoying it when the need arises. My anxiety is less now too because I'm not so pressured to make an entry all the time.

[@darkblueturbo]

Such a relaxed view. So refreshing and nice. Do what you enjoy and what works for you. Thank you. I found a pen that I just love writing with that got me going regularly with journaling. Ooo, time to use ‘the pen’ it’s only a pilot g2 but I love it. The one thing I’m ‘scared’ of with journaling is writing the bad stuff. Like I don’t want to be able to review bad thoughts or sad times. But your point about your anxiety… that makes sense. Very helpful. Thank you

[@ChadEveryday]

Thank you for the comments. Relaxed is what I need more of, so I'm trying my best to put more of that out there. I love the pilot g2 pens! No matter how often I have wanted to replace it, I just cannot. It could be more pleasing, but it just writes so well. As far as the scary things, for me at least, it's refreshing to get them out of my head and onto paper. Sometimes, when going back to review them, they can bring up memories, but it's also refreshing to see how far I have come from them, too. Best of luck on your journey!

[@karlacarreon4024]

This is the realest advice. Most people who find that "journalling isn't for them" are in reality following a structure that wasn't working for them and/or using tools they're not comfortable with. Everybody should be journalling!!! Tiago Forte was so right when he said the brain is for processing information, not storing them.

[@ChadEveryday]

You are so right! I’m glad you mentioned Tiago. I had a boss once who introduced me to the ideas of inbox zero which lead me into a second brain lifestyle. I started off with Thomas Frank’s second brain in notion, but it was too much and wasn’t quite my brain. I believe he gets his inspiration from Tiago Forte as well. This is essentially my super simple version of that. I wish everyone could find the right way of journaling for them! It’s so great once you do!

[@karlacarreon4024]

@@ChadEveryday I've tried notion as well but like you, it was too much for me. Now I think I've found my holy grail which is PARA method + bullet journal method on the remarkable 2 ♥️

[@visi7891]

​@@karlacarreon4024duuuuude I just write thoughts wherever available 😂 the only things I keep organized r info I need for other ppl or the government. I now have my notes split between Google-keep, capacities, tana, Google docs, Gmail... Sigh lol

[@inger870]

Thank you for this important video👌🏼I think you are so right and the KZbin video: «Neuroscientists: This Simple Skill Will Keep You Motivated….», by RESPIRE will back you up on that, because if you do a thing just for the end reward, you’re not doing it right and you don’t feel happy doing it. It should always make you happy whilst doing it; not before, not after, but the moment you do it. I’ve always wanted to keep a daily journal, and have tried, but haven’t felt happy about it because I couldn’t figure out why I did it (for my kid? no they don’t wanna read what I had for breakfast or that I had to work extra this or that day etc). (for myself to look back on? no, because up until this day I haven’t looked back on any of the daily journals I have). BUT using it for brain dump, ideas, track of whatever, how to’s, remembering stuff etc, makes more sence to me. Lot’s of rambling, but I loved this video, so thanks again!💚

[@ChadEveryday]

Thanks for sharing! I will be sure to check out that video, sounds like a good piece to watch. I still want to keep a daily journal so severely, but I'm still working on allowing that to come naturally if it's meant to be. Mostly I would like to get to that point to just be able to get out of my own head and onto paper.

[@caroletl2539]

Thank you ! As many, I needed to hear that. Yeah!!! I'm not alone ! 😄 Greetings from France

[@ChadEveryday]

Do you also have stacks and stacks of partially done journals? 😅

[@caroletl2539]

@@ChadEveryday Of course!😄 and many books about journaling method, pens, washi tape etc etc... And I've got the same problem with "home/life organisation books"...😅In September or January I buy stuff in order to organise finally and definitely of course 🤣my life ...

[@GI9e4I3LgH0GwY6QsAPZtXkB]

The best video about journaling ever! 🤩👍

[@AT-dx9pf]

An example of the journaling process. An employee at work upsets us. We write about how unfair it is and how bad they are until about 2 pages in we see the thoughts like we would see something outside of us. We then ask "why do I care what others think so much?" Or "did I misinterpret him." Then we explore this issue. If we never wrote it down the thoughts would've stayed at a surface level. That's one of the beauties of writing. It is helpful to write upon awakening because not only does it set up our focus for the day but we are also in a different brainwave pattern and not so identified with events in our life. We have deeper journaling usually when we wake up though you don't have to do it then. Prompts are of tremendous value. If we want to explore a certain thing we can guide the journaling that way. It helps to keep a list. Any time you have an idea, some quote or something inspires you, write those down and save them as prompts to explore. An example of a recent journaling: couldn't get myself to act. Was afraid. Journaled about why I resist the change. What do I get out of being in this situation? What do I get out of believing I can't do it or life isn't worth it? What key thing would I need to focus on daily through journaling to change? Is fear the thing to explore or motivation/desire? Turns out for me it was more about kindling the desire by seeing how every aspect of my life that I currently dislike is based on not facing this fear. So to motivate myself I can write everything I struggle with currently and how facing the fear would change things. Is facing the fear as difficult as remaining where I am? Also the inevitability of facing fear. It literally can not be avoided. Maybe I could just start with the prompts "He who is not everyday conquering some fear hasn't discovered the secret to life." & "The cage you're afraid to enter holds the treasures you seek."

[@AT-dx9pf]

I am not saying my ideas about motivation and fear are perfect. That's not the point. I am illustrating how journaling can help us explore our lives. Any journaling is potentially helpful. I just find the dairy type to be least useful for most things (but not everything. It is great as a daily review, for instance).

[@ChadEveryday]

Wow, that's a really great way of explaining this. It really helps to make sense of why journaling is so powerful and beneficial. Taking all those thoughts and expressing them out on paper because left in the mind it's impossible to decipher. The clarity one can get from journaling or a diary is some of the best medicine. Thank you for sharing!

[@AT-dx9pf]

@@ChadEveryday of course.thank you for reading that novel I wrote above.lol.

[@ChadEveryday]

@AT-dx9pf I love novels! I appreciate a well thought comment. I get a lot of “thanks”, “cool”, or “can I design your thumbnails”, so it’s nice to have real conversations!

[@FredHenry1850]

I have kept a journal for years that has periods of missed time. I've become okay with that. Yet, it has entries from various seasons of life of travel overseas, to deep thoughts while I was in college, to getting married, to my time in the military, among other random events in my life. I don't write everyday, especially if life does not change for a while, but anytime I sense a change in "life" I get my journal out and write. This journal is different from my daily journal of random "to-do" lists and such. My daily random journal is designed to be burned after I finish it. My "Life" journal is stuff that I want to remember for life.

[@ChadEveryday]

That sounds like a great way to approach it, I can really relate to your style of journaling! I might try that double Journal approach at some point. I like the idea of a remembering journal and a burn journal. Thanks for sharing that!

[@bimgorling2036]

Love this so much! I've been struggling for so long, with so many notebooks, so many planners, so many calendars and so many pens - when I'm actually really just into the simple esthetic of a black ballpoint pen! I'm an incredibly perfectionistic person, and once I'm dissatisfied with something in a book I'm writing in I'm having difficulties using it again... (I know, trying to work on it), but maybe the best solution for that is to tone it down? I want a thicker one than a field notes, so that I can use an index and maybe tabs for important things. But I love the simplicity of your notebook! I've tried all kinds of bullet journaling, but it turns out I hate dot grid 😅 Maybe a toned down black/grey/white with a grid paper is it? 🤔

[@ChadEveryday]

Ugh, like you I don't like the grid either lol. My Field Notes is set up this way, but thankfully not all of them are. I just really really like the National Forest artwork. I myself just like a plain and simple lined layout (college ruled too, I can't handle wide ruled for some reason). Moleskin still remains my favorite notebooks, but I'm enjoying the field notes at the moment.

[@thrivingselfcarerenee]

You can Bullet Journal in a lined or blank notebook if you want, if that style works for you. You can use any kindnof notebook you like. I find dot grid doesn't work for me because it's hard for me to see the dots. I prefer lined or blank notebooks.

[@donnajaemoon]

Isn’t the line spacing in Field Notes a bit more spacious than that in traditional Travelers inserts?

[@ChadEveryday]

The one I have is graph paper, which I'm not necessarily a fan of, but it's what came with this artwork. I have yet to try their lined notebooks out. Mine are either moleskin and a knockoff version of that.

[@ryan99842]

Its fascinating that hardly anyone has heard of the book Unveiling Your Hidden Potential. I believe it was banned but I recently saw that it has been returned

[@williammclean6594]

I'm struggling with a lot of trauma at the moment started to get therapy and my therapist introduced me to journal. I have a lot of intrusive thoughts and it helps. I just don't want to ever read my journal. I read it once and I broke down into tears.

[@ChadEveryday]

I was taught a method in therapy once to create a burn journal. Get my thoughts out and into the journal, then once it was full to toss it into a fire. I never tried that because putting the thoughts onto paper was enough for me to eventually work through my trauma, but it might be something to consider. You could also shred the pages or discard them in other ways.

[@williammclean6594]

@@ChadEveryday thanks I think once I get through this main trauma I won't need to burn my journals.

[@ChadEveryday]

Best wishes to you. It’s a tough journey, but it’s not impossible!

[@williammclean6594]

@@ChadEveryday yeah I have pretty ADHD and autism so because of that I always have a million thoughts going through my head. It's hard to build a habit with ADHD. I want to make journaling a habit.

[@MaryamBehairy]

Wow...brain dump. What a great way of going about it. Must try 😊. Now I gotta look for the journal collection I've accumulated 😉.

[@ChadEveryday]

It makes it so much more freeing and enjoyable! (and yes, I'll finally get to use my old collection as well haha)

[@uyumiscribbles]

thank you for this. i think a lot of things sometimes they don't go away easily 😅 i had to write them somewhere but i dont want them on my "structured journal" so i'll this little notebooks to carry with. 😊

[@ChadEveryday]

I agree, I still have a notebook (or two) that are more structured for some things, but these little daily thoughts journals are so nice to carry around too.

[@natatapadron]

Loved your video. I love journaling I do it since I was a kid but sometimes is difficult to get to do it cause I my anxiety tells me I just record my failures and there are times that I go back and I get sad about what I write... but over the years I've done so many different things like chakra journals, moon journals, a gratitude one, doodle journal... and when I do get to do it is awesome sometimes I forget to shake off the pressure or need for it to be pretty or like the pressure of write something of big impact cause not everyday is like that but everyday is worthy or at least a sentence

[@ChadEveryday]

It’s a great thing you’re journaling, no matter what form it takes! I write both the good and the bad, just whatever is on my mind at that moment, really. I have noticed, though, that when I go back and read about the bad things, whether it be failures or anxiety or whatever, I find that I either learn something about myself or find out that I have grown into something better than what I was before. It significantly has helped tremendously with my health anxiety.

[@zomalfa4363]

I've been keeping a journal for almost 30 years and it doesn't seem to work for me like it used to, I'm not able to get to the bottom of it anymore.

[@ChadEveryday]

That's great you've been doing that for 30 years. Sorry to hear it's not working for you anymore. Maybe you can find a creative way to change things up and make it more interesting.

[@zomalfa4363]

When you've been doing it for a long time it changes.

[@slane_design]

I love FN in my EDC. I do the same thing with just putting whatever I need for that day, could be a list, could be a quote, or brain dump. I keep all my cards, cash, etc in the same cover. Its been a game changer!

[@ChadEveryday]

That sounds lovely! I definitely like being able to keep other things with my journal. I’ve started adding stickers and pictures as well. Helps with inspiration sometimes too.

[@auntyb6313]

I’ve always brain dumped in journals, I can’t stick to a daily diary, I end up leaving most of the pages blank. Now I save $12 and make my own junk journals to write, draw, glue in.

[@ChadEveryday]

That sounds like fun to create your own! I might have to look into that when I fill up my current journal!

[@1GoodWoman]

I use different journals for different things. 1 for gratitude every morning..3 items, not repeating. A health journal for records and to take to appointments, length as needed. Lately I have free pages I made up for daily activity tracking…not for analysis but just for me to pay attention to me. It helps on productivity. Then a night journal, 3-5 min whatever. It helps me sleep. Having the actual different volumes makes a difference.

[@ChadEveryday]

That's a really great idea! That was an issue I ran into when I first tried to do it all in a singular journal. I either wouldn't leave enough room to expand on one of the areas and it would eventually skip another area, or I just got overwhelmed with too much in the one journal. I like the idea of keeping three. THANK YOU for sharing that!

[@jeffeppenbach]

I found using loose leaf pages, rather than a bound book helps me. Even the small Field Notes feel to precious. I use to use the old Dayrunners, or at least that size. I now use Travel and Personal size binders. It has the advantage of being able to swap out or rearrange pages as needed, instead of laboriously rewriting things.

[@ChadEveryday]

That’s a cool approach! Hadn’t thought about loose pages. At that point you can really make it whatever you like

[@jeffeppenbach]

@@ChadEveryday I carried Field Notes in a fancy cover (waxed canvas with a zipper) for a couple of years, and only used a couple of pages. I used the full 3x5 hardback journals before that. But, I was always reluctant to "waste" a page for the work notes I (should have been) taking every day. Back when I wrangled dinosaurs for the Air Force, Day Runners were the thing. But like the dinos, they went extinct. I went on Amazon to see what was available, only to find a bunch of stuff being used as "budget binders", as well as some military oriented. I got a good water resistance and zippered binder. I make my own paper, mostly from scrap, which I cut to size and hole punch. You can still buy preprinted calendars, but for this coming year I made my own, specific to my wants and needs. And, as you said, I can make it what I want. If I want a lined page, grab one from the back and pop it in place. Same with dotted grid, or heavy drawing paper

[@ChadEveryday]

@@jeffeppenbach that is such a great point about grabbing what you need from the back. The majority of the time I use and prefer a lined paper, but occasionally I could use graph, dotted, blank, or whatever else might exist. It's inconvenient for me now due to switching notebooks rather than just paper.

[@pchabanowich]

Great stuff. Simple stuff works every time.

[@ChadEveryday]

Couldn’t agree more, sometimes the most straightforward approach is best.

[@pchabanowich]

@@ChadEveryday For me, I've instituted a morning ritual of typing out dreams if there are any, commentary as if I'm a psychologist, and thoughts on a free range with no tether. Much is discovered and oft brings me to cheer. As you know, the world is always as it is, so the inner experience is kept peaceful and curious, making journaling a joy. Thanks for writing.

[@Hugosnow942]

It would be great if you linked to the products you share. I can find the field notes but the leather cover a bit harder…

[@ChadEveryday]

It’s Leather Worx on Amazon, mine was $25.99 US.I thought I had linked it. I’ll get my description updated, thanks for letting me know!

[@elizabethp17]

Just what I needed to hear today. Thank you!

[@ChadEveryday]

Glad I could help today 😊

[@AvaGld2309]

Wow, this is a great idea. Thank you for doing this.

[@ChadEveryday]

You’re welcome. I had to share, it was a revelation to me

[@shinglepicker]

I just use your affiliate link to pick up both things. Thanks for the insight.

[@ChadEveryday]

I appreciate that! I hope you enjoy them both as much as I do.

[@RiccaMente]

thanks man, this is exactly my setup and routine

[@ChadEveryday]

Awesome to hear that! I’m always trying to tweak mine as my style changes

[@sghosh7049]

Brilliant advice at 3:55 on doing things and adapting it to your situation.

[@ChadEveryday]

Making it personal makes it so much easier.

[@IAmMajor101]

I draw in my journal along with writing down my thoughts in poetry form. It works for me.✨

[@ChadEveryday]

Love that! Being that photography is my background and I judge myself too hard for drawings and doodles. I might start putting small prints in mine

[@XYZ-ii6vs]

Voice memos is the best way for me. And then batch transcribe all my thoughts once a month, so I have it as searchable text.

[@ChadEveryday]

Never thought about that! I do some voice to text notes sometimes while I’m on walks, but the voice memos would be a nice addition

[@1linnell]

Wait! No Crying in....what? Dentistry?

[@ChadEveryday]

In the apocalypse 😉 it’s from the show Sweet Tooth

[@Chasingthesun24]

Thank you for asking. I kept reading it as There’s no crying in buck teeth and I couldn’t figure out why that didn’t make sense.

[@andrewcurtis4907]

@@Chasingthesun24 same here

[@Astraplans]

Great video and great advice. Thanks!👍😊

[@ChadEveryday]

Glad it was helpful!

[@whereswendy8544]

I will only journal on Notes on my phone as I don't want anyone snooping through my thoughts when I'm busy.

[@ChadEveryday]

Great way to do it! I can't do it on my phone, I get distracted too easily.

[@tedrice1026]

I come from a family of diarists. Have them going back to the mid-1800's. My Grandfather got me started when I was about 14. I still have most, though my wife accidentally threw out those from my High School years (they were written in ripped up old school notebooks). My Great-Grandfather's were the most interesting as he only wrote when he had something to write about, whereas my Grandfather wrote every day regardless. Who wants to read "walked dog, nice day, had stuffed up nose, visited so and so in the evening" over and over? My Dad, unfortunately, never got into it. He tried a few times but soon forgot and dropped it. Of my kids, only my middle daughter got into it. I also have a massive supply of old letters from my Grandparents, G-Grandparents, and relatives. They'll probably all get trashed when I check out, no one today has room for all that stuff.

[@ChadEveryday]

That's massively impressive to have documentation back that far. Interesting to me as I have been doing a lot of genealogy research on my family and as far as I can tell no one kept many records of anything. Glad to hear so many of your family picked it up, and who knows maybe someone would want to digitize some of those things at some point.

[@sghosh7049]

Actually I’ve had mixed feelings about journaling because I love the idea but it was too stressful to have to write down a daily record. This seems like a better approach for me. I’ll give this a shot.

[@ChadEveryday]

This was the only way I could help my anxiety. Holding myself accountable each and every day just made it so much worse. Now I just use it when I need it! Hope this route can work for you as well.

[@susinok]

When I first began journaling years ago, I would write a paragraph of intent on the cover page. It stated, essentially, that this journal was for me and my thoughts, and it would have big gaps, and I was not held to any standard or schedule.

[@ChadEveryday]

Love that so much! Thank you for sharing that!

[@sheilabartlett6044]

Great advice, thanks.

[@donmccracken5331]

Thank you!

[@KenCunkle]

Thanks much. It seems so obvious once you hear it from somebody, but it's so hard to believe it if you just tell it to yourself. Also, what notebook cover are you using? (I promise, I won't wait until I get one before I start.....)

[@ChadEveryday]

Right? Sometimes just hearing it out loud from someone else is all it takes. That's what worked for me at least. If you're talking about the notebook cover, it's the Field Notes National Park Set that includes The Great Smokey Mountains, Rocky Mountains, and Yellowstone. The leather cover was a generic one I found on Amazon. The notebooks come in the 3-packs for $15 and the cover was around $25

[@Teutoburg09]

The one thing holding me back from trying journaling is the the thought that I might lose my journal somewhere. Then my personal thoughts an private information would be read by whoever finds it. And I would lose the thoughts that I stored away in the journal, unable to recall what I had written before. How do you deal with this?

[@spannule]

You would lose the thoughts in your journal? Thats the whole point of writing them. If your writings require your memory to make sense, then you should write more. The whole reason why I write is because I cant remember everything

[@queenbunnyfoofoo6112]

Just leave it at home. You don't need to carry it with you.

[@ChadEveryday]

One good thing about your journal is that if you don't write your name in it or get too descriptive with things, no one would really know it was yours. For me too, it's more about getting the thoughts out of my head and on to paper. Unless it's tasks or ideas to save for later, typically what I write down I want to forget. When I do travel with my pocket notebook, I tend to keep it inside of a backpack or my pocket for safe keeping.

[@robot7759]

Sunday's... 🙄 Sounds like you'd benefit from a commonplace book setup, 'cus everything is allowed, which basically is what you're already doing. Good for you.

[@ChadEveryday]

Had not heard the phrase before, but it is exactly what I'm doing now! The enlightenment from this video has been great! I live in a smaller population area and it's really hard for me to connect with others that are into these topics. I'm glad to have put this out there and learned so much from everyone thus far.

[@BonLee-jh5pk]

I do a journal like I'm writing a letter to a friend.

[@ChadEveryday]

I love that!

[@EvelineUK]

I used to do this too, like Anne Frank wrote to her Kitty. I switched names every journal, though.

[@BonLee-jh5pk]

@@EvelineUK It started when I lost my best friend to cancer in early elementary. I missed her soo very much that I started writing to her about my day.... and it just kind of stuck. I'm sure at the beginning it was just a grief reaction, but it became a habit.

[@BonLee-jh5pk]

@@EvelineUK In 45+ years, I've never changed names. It's just habit, now. At first the letters were to my best friend in elementary school who died of cancer. Now,it's more out of habit.

[@proteustsaimsaim2240]

Very helpful thank you good sir.

[@ChadEveryday]

Glad to hear to hear it. You’re welcome!

[@shadowphoenix8962]

Good advice,thanks.

[@ChadEveryday]

You’re welcome! Glad it helped!

[@_stevenfoster]

Solid video.

[@MikeT-o5b]

Umm honestly I most times just don't really want to do it. I get it's fair therapy and can just time away from social media, but other than that I've never really understood why do it?

[@ChadEveryday]

Various reasons really. I've used it for songwriting, planning my creative projects like photography, writing notes while reading books or researching, or just writing down various thoughts/ideas. Helps a lot with stress and anxiety too. It's mostly just what you want to make of it.

[@Julie-si3hi]

I think i could use a common olace book (thanks ruby granger!) I am hopeless at being consistent with journalling

[@ChadEveryday]

Common place seems to be where it's at for a lot of us. I wasn't sure of the name until I made this video, but it seems that most closely matches what I am doing. Although I do omit a few things such as shopping lists and whatnot that I have heard that others put in theirs.

[@Jay-ql4gp]

Thank you!

[@maryzanwarren6514]

My life is so mundane and boring and limited I no longer have anything to write about

[@ChadEveryday]

That's what I enjoy writing about sometimes. Something but also nothing at all. I think of those entries like Seinfeld episodes.

[@quickontheballpaul]

What's the leather cover you have?

[@ChadEveryday]

It’s a “Leather Worx” 3.5x5.5 journal cover I found on Amazon. They cost around $25.99. It’s great quality, especially for the price

[@quickontheballpaul]

@@ChadEveryday Excellent! Thanks

[@carolallison862]

Thank you 🇬🇧

[@ChadEveryday]

You’re welcome!

[@cornixregina]

sounds like a common place book.

[@shaunnadeckard1012]

What is the name of the notebook cover that u r using?

[@ChadEveryday]

This is the Field Notes National Forest Series. The cover in this video is from The Great Smokey Mountains National Park. It's the closest one to me.

[@neonsignguy]

Is there a difference between Journaling and a Diary

[@ChadEveryday]

I have heard the terms used interchangeably (and I have in the past). They are similar but here’s the basic difference. A diary is typically a daily record of personal experiences and emotions, often focused on day-to-day events. A journal, on the other hand, is more reflective and can explore thoughts, ideas, goals, or specific topics beyond just daily life.

[@neonsignguy]

@@ChadEveryday I can't be that controlled in which i think am i writing journals or diaries, i'll just write whatever comes. But i rather call it Journalism because diaries are mostly for 13 year old girls.

[@alanflint2135]

Thank you

[@ChadEveryday]

You’re welcome!

[@paularose847]

What are the dimensions of a field notes book?

[@ChadEveryday]

The majority are 3.5x5.5 but they do have some bigger ones

[@CarlosBenjamin]

What does the shirt say?

[@ChadEveryday]

"There's no crying in the apocalypse" it's from the show Sweet Tooth on Netflix based on the comic series.

[@CarlosBenjamin]

@ thanks!

[@javapick]

OKAY...I just have to ask. What does your t-shirt mean? There's no crying in teeth with antlers? No comprendo.

[@ChadEveryday]

Haha it’s “There’s no crying in the apocalypse” it’s from the show Sweet Tooth

[@malonelocke]

There are no rules here. And if there are, I make them up. 100

[@ChadEveryday]

That's the only way. Well said!

[@mandarinlearner]

I already know what im thinking so why bother/waste time journaling

[@ChadEveryday]

Fair point! Sometimes, though, writing things down gives a new perspective - kind of like seeing your own thoughts in HD. Plus, it can be cool to look back and see how much has changed!