No.1 habit to boost mental clarity & scroll less

[@jeannegray6359]

Since the loss of my husband almost 3 years ago I have kept a daily journal. I can write down the pain that I feel since most people are uncomfortable with you talking about it. It has helped me deal with my overwhelming grief.💔

[@judithrussell9162]

I did the same thing during a long period of grief (which never really goes away does it). It allows you to express the grief but also keep your loved one close. Some people think it holds you back but your experience is your experience and you can only live it your way.

[@jeannegray6359]

@@judithrussell9162 ❤️❤️

[@sheliamaynus9869]

Thanks for sharing this.❤

[@julesm9081]

I’m so sorry to hear this. One of my best friends passed away at new year he was one of my best friends for 16 years almost and I miss him terribly. I did not know he was ill until after he’d passed away I was trying to contact him all through December and wasn’t hearing back and was so worried about him. I will miss him for the rest of my life. I have been considering starting a journal specifically for memories of him and our time together and all the times he was there for me and all the laughs etc also I am thinking of writing letters to him in it - these are both things I’ve seen online that apparently may help a little. 💔💔💔 I also want to start a separate daily journal generally now..

[@anagoldberg]

I'm so sorry for your loss ❤️Grief is rarely talked about, and Finding ways to express it on paper is so important. Thank you for sharing your story, dear friend. Sending lots of love to you.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

I don’t understand why people think that by writing in a book full of blank sheets of paper they will spoil it. It’s the same mentality with painting: people collect paper and then won’t paint on it because they are terrified it won’t be « good » enough. What on earth is happening to people’s minds? It’s just a sheet of paper. It’s purpose is to be written on. Just like your life won’t ever be perfect, it still has to be lived. Apply this idea to a sheet of paper - without your writing or painting on it, it is completely meaningless and has failed in its function.

[@pauladavey4467]

It’s symbolic of the fear of starting something. Surely you’ve experienced that? And she asked for a shoutout if you’ve ever experienced that. Undoubtedly the vast majomajority of us have. I have/ I do. I absolutely love the logical and insightful yet creative way she sees the world. Loving this channel. ❤️

[@moonhunter9993]

@@pauladavey4467 maybe also once you've put pen or paint to paper, there will be proof of your "failure" or inadequacies...

[@williamclark1244]

Ana, I too am guilty of not wanting to mess up a beautiful journal that I purchased. A lot of people do the same. It may not be with a journal, but instead it could be good dishes, clothing, etc. Just wanting to keep things in a pristine condition instead of finding the joy in why you have it in the first place. Our best and most beautiful items should be used.

[@anagoldberg]

Such a good point, William! 🤗

[@bmxt939]

I just made couple of DIY ones, one 96 sheets and other 360. Moleskin style on the horizont. This way I don't fear spoiling them too much and also it somehow makes journaling even more intimate and kinesthetic.

[@giulias.5104]

So darling of you to mention Anna Frank, Ana. Another great diary writer was Marcus Aurelius, one of the emperor of the Roman empire, and his thoughts ("Meditations") were ment for himself alone, as self reflection. 🙏❤

[@dawrightleo13]

I totally relate about not wanting to "ruin" a perfect notebook. I'm happy you spoke on this, I felt relived.

[@melisasiciliano8923]

Ana, it is amazing but I have the same feelings with beautiful notebooks. I love them and I usually collect them but I think they are too beautiful to write down my thoughts in them and now I feel inspired by your video. Why not? Why not enjoy them and feel motivated to use them? I have been following your content for a long time and they always make me feel better. Relaxed and at the same time inspired and motivated to start doing my best to improve my life.

[@pansyflowerboy]

My personal workaround for struggling to ruin beautiful notebooks has been to write in more basic notebooks, with pages that can be torn out, and to write in pencil. It helps me a lot!

[@Everythingsharn]

I agree with this method

[@candacestone5728]

Omg, i thought it was just me that does this! I have sooo many pretty notebooks 😭 but i have not been able to bring myself to write in them.🤦🏽‍♀️ instead i write in plain notebooks from dollar tree and my pretty ones just sit empty.

[@jiggersotoole7823]

Me too!

[@oliviastar3812]

Have found so many old diaries from years back blank mostly because of perfectionism or lack of commitment to them.

[@moonhunter9993]

I agree. You can always decorate the journal with collaged pictures if you feel like it.

[@giselaafonso]

I've lots of notebooks (for years and even decades and mostly they are empty, because of the things you mentioned (perfectionism, etc.). It is just like my own life, an empty book (with no life experiences), caused by all sorts of self conditioning (fear of failure, lack of self confidence,...).

[@emilyvictoria8625]

I can relate to this very much. I am sorry you are going through it but I am pleased I am not alone. ❤

[@anagoldberg]

I'm sorry you have challenging feelings about your life, Gisela ❤️ Maybe getting to write in your notebooks will bring some relief. Sending you much love.

[@herstrangekind]

I can relate to this as well, sadly. You are not alone.

[@lincolnlane6763]

You can just open one and write one sentence and start there ❤

[@lifeimitatesart97]

I relate to this so deeply, I do have some pretty notebooks I bought when I was a teenager and now I'm 27 years old and these notebooks still look as they did when I bought them more than a decade ago. And yes, this reflects how I lived my life too. I just this year decided that this isn't how I'm going to live anymore and I'm trying to slowly learn how to step outside of my comfort zone a bit even if it's just by writing in a new notebook. I pray that all of us find confidence and happiness and live the rest of our lives beaming with happiness ❤️‍🩹

[@kuanding1980]

Thank you for sharing these thoughts. I never thought that writing could replace therapy, but it makes sense when I think about it. Since I was young, I have always received various forms of counseling. To a certain extent, I usually knew what the therapist's goals were for me on any given day, what questions they would ask, and I could give standard answers. I understood how they would categorize and explain things. Interestingly, my ex-girlfriend who we discussed marriage with was also a therapist. So when I write down my thoughts, I tend to detach myself and engage in dialogue with different roles and perspectives within the text. I often play the role of my own therapist. I'm 44 now, and one technique I frequently use is to write a question and then answer it from the perspective and viewpoint of my 65-year-old self. I imagine my 65-year-old self as wise, caring, patient, and compassionate. This practice has been immensely helpful for me. I used to write a diary online for over a decade, but when the provider shut down, I lost all those years of diary entries. It was traumatic for me, feeling like a part of my life had vanished. Now, I'm more accepting. I'm not a great thinker, and hardly anyone reads my diary anyway, so I'm not bothered by my messy handwriting, illogical content, or whether anyone will read it in the future. I just enjoy writing, feeling closer to myself through the act of writing. I really appreciate your voice. Thank you for making this video. I hope you and everyone watching can get closer to themselves through writing.

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you for this very thoughtful sharing, my friend!

[@efstathiakositzidou2490]

Anna Frank's and Sylvia Plath's diaries are my two favorites.They have had a profound effect on me.I have been journaling since my early teens it helps me keep my balance and mental clarity.Very nice video Ana,as always ❤❤

[@nualafaolin7129]

Very interesting! I like to think of beautiful notebooks as feeling lonely unless someone shares their thoughts with them, that they’re grateful when we use them… and thank you for doing your videos in English, I probably never would have come across you otherwise and shared in your journey through life! 😊

[@lifeimitatesart97]

I love this!

[@mymynavarro3817]

i 100% agree that writing is the cheapest therapy. it helped me a lot over the years, especially during pandemic. and i have the same experience with you whenever i have a beautiful notebook and so afraid to write them because of my handwriting or sometimes i'm not sure of my intentions in using that notebook 😊

[@rachellaird6667]

Dear Ana I really enjoyed this video. I've been keeping notebooks for journalling for as long as I remember and I'm 75 now! I have had exactly the same fears about "spoiling" a special notebook with unworthy thoughts and ramblings but I have largely got over it! Still, when I just want to vent my feelings or list my problems I usually just use scraps of paper which I put in a "forgetting" box. Then from time to time I look in the box and read the scraps and throw them away when the problems have been solved, often just by the passage of time. Other than that I do write all sorts of things in my "special" notebook, without censoring myself. Thanks for all you do and share Ana ❤ Rachel

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you so much for sharing, dear Rachel ❤️🤗

[@carterb43]

As always, dear Ana, I loved this video. As a lifelong journaler, I have experienced that perfectionism and feeling like I have spoiled a notebook. When I set myself free from that my notebooks became repositories for everything that is happening in my life and I don’t feel like a failure when I skip a few days or even weeks. I just pick back up where I left off and keep going.

[@laurad1487]

I have several notebooks meant for writing, but i dont use them because they have beautiful illustrations or paper or some other artistic features

[@annelarsson6152]

Dear Ana, You are not alone at all! I have collected Beautiful notebooks for years, and they are empty! I have until now felt ”unworthy” with my bad/worsening handwriting due to arthritis!! 😢 Thank you so much for sharing your experience with these feelings! I will start to write in them and even decorate them as I feel. Much Love ❤️❤❤❤ Paka paka

[@earlchapman37]

The carry all, hold onto, reach for, have displayed in spacea they get used. Its okay that they get the rough feel to them. That means they mean a lot to you. Its part of the process you let yourself have available. You do like me and more. Thank you for sharing and making me feel less alone in writing.

[@josephvolgyi3382]

Dearest Ana, Thank you for today’s video. It made me think about the fact that here in Michigan USA the schools do not teach cursive writing in elementary schools. My 9-year-old great granddaughter only knows block letters. She can read and write but only block letters. Her mother, 27, also does not know cursive. She learned how to sign her name only in cursive. It’s sad that the schools don’t think it’s important to teach it. As a side note, they also don’t teach telling time with hands on the clock or coin denominations. I wish you a beautiful week, my friend. ❤

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you, my friend ❤️ Wishing you a wonderful week too! It's very sad that cursive is becoming a forgotten skill...

[@kathleenolszewski7982]

I love writing in cursive, ever since learning it at age 6 in catholic school. Students were graded on their handwriting which I think was rather wrong because not all can have good handwriting. I am lucky that I do have nice handwriting and even at age 68, I still have a few “Penpals” where we exchange letters on a regular basis. This is my therapy and I love it so much. Thanks Ana, for this wonderful video. I believe it is my favorite of yours so far. Happy Springtime to you!

[@directionofease]

Thank you, very much. Pure gold: Consume high quality content - practice slow reading - absorbing knowledge - and, the Rumi quote: “And you? When will you begin that long journey into yourself?”

[@marianne8280]

Thank you Ana, just what I needed this gloomy day when I don´t know what to do with life. I shall write.

[@anagoldberg]

❤️🤗

[@ShesUnreal]

Ana, I so relate to being afraid to mess up a beautiful notebook with my "unworthy" writing. Thank you for saying that so we can both feel less alone!

[@minerva_luna]

Dear Ana, this video has resonated very deeply. I have a drawer full of notebooks I've collected in different trips, I find them so beautiful that I rarely dare use any of them, I'm afraid I might ruin them with my silly ideas and ugly handwriting. And what's the point really? Thanks for putting your words and ideas out there. They are so vulnerable and beautiful.

[@rachavi32]

I really resonated with your video about the pitfalls or downsides to minimalism. Sometimes I feel obligated to watch or scroll. Unplugging some times almost feels selfish or like I'm not paying attention I'll take your advice to start writing .

[@pustelnicaa]

It's my first time encountering your video and I must say I really loved it. Recently, I fell in love with writing, for my it's really about finding my own voice. Unfortunately I have a lisp that I can't get rid of which led me to being really quiet and afraid to talk in public, sometimes I even stutter. When I was younger, I used to journal when I was overwhelmed by sadness and need to express my emotions somehow. Writing allows me to communicate my thoughts so clearly, without any anxiety or interrupting. It's my choice whether I want to contribute a sharp criticism on polarizing subject or if I want to be vulnerable with myself and expose all the things that are hurting me. I admire all forms of art but writing became my drug of choice. I think it's the purest way of sharing your thought process or introducing ideas. It's like immortalizing your mind outside your body and letting other people see it. Anyway, I think I got really off topic but that's the reason why I want to pursue it by studying creative writing in university lmao

[@coco85949]

Again, I resonated with you in so many things you said, especially in the point about not using the " too beautiful " notebooks. I often found myself using either a simple, small schoolbook for my 'problematic thoughts' and the better ones for my clearer and "nicer thoughts" or even for quotes of someone else🙈 It has become a bit better over the last two years (being 59 now...) But hearing you talk about exakt that phenomenon made me think about the worth and meaning of my own words in a different way. So thanks again dear Ana for this video 🙏and lots of love to you🩷💜

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you, my friend 🌷 Lots of love to you too!

[@MidoriAmae]

I’m thankful for this video. I didn’t realize how much I’ve been writing for work and not as much for self over the last few years. I used to write for myself every day! I’m definitely going to get back into that more. I also had a hard time writing common notes in gorgeous books, when in reality the books are gorgeous because I’m writing, not what I am writing.

[@LamyaaMuhammad]

A very important habit truly! Loved the video, thank you.🙏🩵

[@dlo-i8l]

Thank you for this genuinely from my heart. I grew up shy and feeling unworthy to write or put my hands on a pencil/pen to write. Never gave myself the permission or love to expressive myself on paper as I always yearned for a genuine connection of waiting to express to one another. But also coming to the thought of “my words aren’t big enough” to create some impact. I started writing as of mid last year. I love the way I get to write, to feel each feeling as I create a word or sentence. Truly is so important to me now. Thank you

[@BettyHorn]

I was guided to this from your most recent video and I don't know how I missed it! I think I needed this message more than the one on introversion! I need to write! And I never know what to say. I love your first point to write for yourself and to yourself. I never thought of that before! Thank you so much. It gives me clarity. And now I think I will sit and write!

[@JoanneSzabo1844]

Ana, writing and journaling have always been a part of my life. Writing allows me to be as serious or as outlandish as I chose to be. It's freedom. Sometimes it's a dress rehearsal for a future conversation. Sometimes it's a rant or a prayer. Sometimes it's a little watercolour to pair with a piece on the page. Oh how many journals I have that remain blank. Afraid to mar that pristine page with a thought that may not be fully formed. Or my handwriting is not what it used to be. I refer to the onset of computers and keyboards as cause. I appreciate the digital age but for me I want to retain some of my own personal imprint. Putting pen and hand to paper is an immersive experience. I also have lots of different notebooks for various uses. Daily recording, books read with my own reviews, budget, etc. At times they overlap. I have kept my writing for over forty years (I am 68 years on this earth) and intend to go through them now that I'm retired from paid work.

[@AlexaSmith]

its soooo true! i have accumulated so many empty notebooks i decided last year my only goal for them was to use them up however possible. I used to be so stressed about what I wanted to use them for or using them for the right thing but I am having a much better time just writing as much as possible! The biggest thing that helped me is realizing I don't have to write across the whole page. Sometimes I'll start a mind map or just start with some doodles or even stickers. I love just filling up journals and notebooks with whatever! It has also really made me realize the difference between physically writing something down and typing something out.

[@RainbowLane]

Thank you for these insights Ana - very helpful. The biggest stumbling block, for me, to write freely in notebooks is what will happen to them when I die. Who will see them? What will happen to them? So I was always inhibited by those worries when writing. I censored what I wrote in case I died suddenly one day, leaving my journals there for all to see. But then I discovered the Good Notes app and I have lots of different Notebooks on there. My main one is my daily diary and I’m now up to 1881 pages! I know that no one can get into my iPad except whoever I trust with the password. It’s made my writing much freer because I know no one can read anything Ive written. Very liberating! And I use an Apple Pencil to write on the screen, so it’s still handwritten. Thanks again, there is some very useful advice here.

[@rhosymedra6628]

love it! I've always kept both a diary and a weekly planner. I love diaries for being a place to just dump raw emotion and thoughts and process them privately. Lately my planner has also doubled as a sketchbook, because one of my goals for 2024 is to get better at sketching and water color painting.

[@SuperNathalies]

totally understand the thing about the notebook. I have this beautifull one with little elves in gold on green in my bag, but I always feel like it is a waste to use it. I will thougt, thank you

[@silviareche2428]

Hola Ana, como perfeccionista, me he sentido identificada con tu historia de no querer usar esa preciosa libreta por no estropearla 😬

[@arthurplatonov1247]

As I had a near death experience when I was 12 or 13 years old, I have been feeling existential crisis deep inside, feeling like a stranger in this world. But only journaling saved me, helping me to go through the journey called life.

[@philipholding]

Along with other NHSl protocols for PTSD, I used Narrative Exposure Therapy . So, your journal approach is well validated.

[@tahitihawaiiblue]

Journaling is a great tool but unfortunately I have never been able to journal consistently. Instead, as of late I’ve been studying my Bible every morning especially The New Testament which gives me a lot of comfort, guidance and so much needed clarity.

[@tarantularo2533]

I love love love your hair! 😍 great video also!

[@latedinn]

what ana says is correct. journaling and writing with the pursuit of non-judgement will reveal your interior world to you. you will then be less subjective (adhered to, no perspective) and more objective (aerial view, more perspective, more agency). but the most accelerated way to do this is with high frequency classical psychoanalysis. the act of talking is more liberating and more efficient than writing. although writing is very beautiful! we will ultimately need another person (the analyst) to guide us through.

[@jeanmeierbachtol6154]

I love to journal sometimes I go thru periods that I don’t but then pick it up again. It helps me to sort out my feelings and figure out where I want to go in life. When my husband passed away almost 13 years ago I had a very difficult time sorting my feelings as our marriage was not that good so I had to deal with sadness,anger and at the same time relief which created a lot of guilt I ended up having therapy for over a year also I did a lot of painting at that time that exposed my feelings as I got in touch with them. These things helped me heal and when I was ready I destroyed both the notebooks and the paintings it freed me

[@calvinfranklyn5499]

This video is reaching the specifics of what I need to hear better than almost any other video like this has done. Thank you, genuinely. 😌 I also have feared to write my lousy handwriting and unimpressive thoughts in beautiful notebooks. I, too, have put it off for years, on that basis.

[@juliateodoro1075]

I like the tip of having different notebooks! I'm not sure if that will work for me, but I do sometimes struggle with mixing aaaall of my writings in one notebook, or of scattering them too much. I'm also kind of guilty of rarely coming back to what I write, but I can 100% notice a better mental clarity and emotional space when I'm writing! I like when I start my days with conscious streams of thoughts, I like writing my dreams, and journals, and my ramblings through my days and through my creative processes. I think I'll try having different notebooks, or at least not mixing my "work" with my "personal" one. I feel like I also struggle a bit with that because my creative work is very personal, but I think giving that separation of personal/intimate from work/even then maybe still a bit personal, could be helpful! I would also love to know which place in the internet was that of people sharing those secrets, I feel like the internet has been lacking that sort of space, and instagram and x specially can feel very very overwhelming! Also, anyone got literature recommendations? Something you have loved reading!

[@dawrightleo13]

You speak English beautifully, but I giggled inside when you said you sometimes get tired of speaking it because I have heard many that speak a 2nd language say the same. I admire that skill, but never considered the mental exhaustion it results in.

[@kamidsjournee]

What a great video. Journal writing is a must for me. I started writing more regularly in the late 1980s. I write everything, but because of the deeply private nature of my writing I burned all my journals in the mid 90s. Since then I have written as much or more, but now I write with the idea someone will be reading them one day (probably my daughter). So, I may write as freely, but in a code I know. Writing is a true outlet for me. Talking to others is too painful, but talking to my journal (myself) is freeing.

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you so much for sharing your writing way, dear Kami ❤️It's such a beautiful idea to write journals keeping in mind your daughter who will read them one day. Like delayed letters....

[@saulroa851]

I'm also HSP, I discovered that recently, it changed my life. I struggle writing cause I think it's too personal and I feel "naked", but I write my thoughts down in an app notes in my phone. I feel very connected to your channel, we really need to slow down. Thanks. Paka, paka!

[@MetroSanto]

This has prompted me to think about the purpose of each journal. One could be for collecting quotes and such, one could be for reflection, and one could be for mind maps.

[@libbyannstew8775]

Lovely video Ana! I’ve never been a journal person but should probably do it for no other reason than maintaining my penmanship. Decades of office work, mostly on a computer keyboard, has destroyed my handwriting. It’s almost illegible and it is a real source of stress and embarrassment for me if I have to prepare a handwritten note or card. Daily practice would probably help this a lot.

[@anagoldberg]

I can relate to this a lot! When I had a break in regular handwriting, I was horrified how awful my skill has become. Unfortunately, I'm still not able to fix it, as my train of thought is too fast and I need to write everything down before it leaves me 😅But the joy of writing by hand is still there and growing. So, do not hesitate to resume your writing practice, my friend!

[@libbyannstew8775]

@@anagoldberg Thank you Ana! I have been doing genealogical research and I am speechless when I see the beautiful penmanship of our forefathers. It is something to aspire to! Happy journalling my friend. I look forward to your next video.

[@heatherelliot6852]

Oh my god yes! I have finally overcome the mindset of a too beautiful journal to write in (what ridiculousness!). I’m not sure if it was my upbringing (it very definitely was), or perfectionism, or what, but I am happy to make all the beautiful notebooks my own! Thank you for talking about this important tool and for sharing your own practices!

[@kme3894]

beautiful video as always, Ana, thank you ❤ I used to write a lot on physical notebooks, but always felt too vulnerable knowing that my innermost thoughts could be found by my narcissistic family. Lately, I have started using my ipad and apple pencil with an app (notability) where I can lock the whole app and this feels very safe. I was unsure about purchasing this tech at first because of the cost, but as a reserved thinker it has changed my life for the better

[@mariaruiz3848]

I really enjoyed this presentation . Thanks to you I have a common place journal . Little by little I am beginning to enjoy this practice .. I have a gratitude journal as well as food journal. Thank you for the tips and mostly for your motivation. ❤

[@anagoldberg]

Dear Maria, I'm so glad that you're enjoying your commonplace book! ❤️

[@linzlu7051]

Thank you for this sweet reminder

[@mariacarlacabrera]

I love writing poems, my life, my thoughts and I just don't have the money to go to my psychologist but I love that this video has appeared, on the other hand I would like to meet people who are going through the same thing

[@mindfulfairy46]

oh my goodness, you've taken the words out of my diary and out of my mouth💌thank you

[@existanzen]

Было так необыкновенно приятно услышать пока-пока. Спасибо!

[@dorianphilotheates3769]

I’m immune to distracted confusion: I was raised by an extended Greek family - ten people, five-hundred-and-sixty-eight conversations.

[@MCG84]

I feel 100% identified. I also stopped writing when big challenges came in the way. Too hard to write them down. And of course I have had notebooks that were so beautiful o meaningful that’s I didn’t write on them for decades. Only short time ago I started writing again and decided to use them.

[@kathrynmcnerney6490]

Thank you for this. I love the way your brain works and I could listen to your perspective for hours . You have inspired me to write again as I know it will help me.

[@tinawong7825]

get a cheap notebook....write in it....decorate the cover with your own art

[@sheliamaynus9869]

This was a great video. As most of yours are! It is inspiring me to keep going with my journal no matter how silly no matter how terribly personal, no matter how boring it would be. If somebody else read it. Because that's not the point, no one else is going to read it!

[@bluegirl4079]

Wonderful video! I completely agree with your premise. Writing connects you to your mind. My favorite notebooks are medium Mead Grad books with hard cardboard covers and a large spiral. It must be comfortable to write in. The writing utensil must also glide and be comfortable in my hand. I jot down thoughts, new words, sayings, and interesting concepts. Every so often I re-read sections just for inspiration. It is, as you say, therapeutic. Frankly, I'm skeptical of actual therapy because it seems that much of it is just a sounding board that allows the therapist to mirror back what is told to them. It can do more harm than good. Often a therapist has an agenda which may not place the patient's best interests at heart. They benefit financially by creating more mental and emotional trauma within the patient. My husband's sister went from therapist to psychiatrist to psychologist to priest until she found one who would tell her what she wanted to hear. It created more anxiety in her and magnified her symptoms. Her therapist basically verified that everyone was against her, and the only one she could count of was herself and the therapist. She created a paranoia that had not existed before. I'm sure many people do benefit from simply having someone to talk to, but not all therapists have good ethics. For me, the journal allows me to release my thoughts onto the page which is very cathartic for me. Much of my journal is filled with positive ways to think about life, and I must admit to creating a doodle or two. I sometimes print things out and glue or tape them into the journal along with annotations I add. I am looking forward to watching more of your videos!

[@Oliveandcheese]

I don't write everyday but I really need to write sometimes. And when I start to write I feel like home, so alive.

[@KATIEKATEish]

Excellent thoughts once again Ana thanks for sharing this

[@hroma3671]

That "пока пока" caught me off guard 😂 very inspiring video I remember journaling random thoughts back in uni, when I was deeply depressed. I plan on returning to that habit, as it's something beautiful and intimate ❤

[@pansyflowerboy]

I highly recommend "What It Is" by Lynda Barry for anyone who wants to write more, especially those of us who struggle to let go of the self consciousness that can get in the way.

[@vwatts8738]

You r not alone in not wanting to “spoil” a beautiful notebook with your random thoughts.

[@recorder71]

I literally just ordered some field notebooks, and a special new pen to keep with me all the time to journal more. A friend of mine has been after me to use the practice to help myself with trauma and anxiety, and I really think that it will be very helpful for me. I'm also going to check out the books you recommended as I'm a voracious reader, and I am always on the hunt for new things to read!!! 🙏

[@oneseeker2]

I love those! I have a box full,neat 1st I used them, then stopped, I am going to pull them back out.

[@anagoldberg]

I'm so excited for you beginning your writing practice, Michael! I bet your friend is right and you'll very quickly feel the healing effect 🤗

[@lisawyer7524]

I am sitting here with my journal on my lap. Thank you for sharing the importance of writing.

[@dwizard7769]

Thanks for this information it makes me want to write more and i will

[@rebecasalinas2705]

Hi Ana!, I can tell you I feel totally the same about writing in physical notebooks... I feel I must have the most beautiful letter and write a very trascendental thing in order to be worth it .. I have like three or four I bought bout theyre still intact

[@Three721]

It’s such a joy to listen to you. We are close in age and you give such calm practical insight.

[@SusuWorld-dy3pq]

Ana, I feel as though you speak directly to me.

[@emilijadivaine162]

❤you are not alone with attitude to nice notebooks❤.... really. And i also have a dream journal, ordinary everyday calendar diary, a notebook for ideas, who comes to my mind and a notebook for qutations wich i like, and, a notebook onganize for my poems, i write them, and till this have publications in some books. Notebooks is friends to introvert, and very helpful.

[@raggedblossom508]

So true, Ana. Writing is a refugee I need to make more time for. So much of life slips by undocumented. Wishing you all the best! ❤❤

[@dannysmith2794]

tHANK YOU Ana

[@marajane3188]

I love to keep lots of journals and on apps too. I'm going to start a studying one as well I'm going to study biology and brain health. But I love writing letters to myself and being my own cheerleader! It's really fun incorporating art journaling as well into my journals . I pick out magazine pictures that I love and make layouts with them then write in top of the cut outs : )

[@lifelikeatob]

I have a big Moleskine notebook, which I cherish and I also know the feeling you describe, that I could ruin it. 🫠

[@me4word249]

Thank you Ana. Such insightful content. Your thoughtful content is unlike any other on YT. I so appreciate it. I used to write so much more than I do now. But I feel that it will help me in many ways to return to this practice. PS. I understand the perfectionist desire not to want to “mess up” your lovely journals. I recently purchased one for myself but have not written anything in it. 😊. After listening to you, I will take it out and use it.

[@loves2spin2]

This is a beautiful video, Ana. Thank you.

[@apatheticminx]

Thank you so much for this video! I need to take your advice and spoil some beautiful notebooks and journal regularly.

[@rheidiamond9285]

Thank you for this video. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have been journaling on and off for the past 10 years and recently I have found myself " stuck ". I reread one of my journals from a difficult time and was so surprised by how negatively it affected me. It took a week to feel okay again. Now I am afraid of writting negative feelings so I have been using my notes app on my tablet, but I miss paper ...😅

[@kafiatutakini]

Many thanks for your kindest voice and a reminder of these evergreen methods of self-help ❤

[@Mannix00]

I have the same feelings toward notebooks, but the wreck this journal thing helped me. Now I think about these notebooks when I want to write in them: I give them personality. :D

[@arecestravi]

I was searching for a long time for ideal notebook for journaling. So I’ve never found that kind of notebook in past. But then, when I started to really need journal to stay sane, I picked the first random one. So for now I have ugly but very comfortable notebook, which I’m not afraid to ruin :) So if you afraid of same things, maybe try pick random notebooks too, considering it just a sketchbook for thoughts, you can’t spoil or ruin sketch :)

[@Sup3rSH0O]

I try to journal, but am very inconsistent. It’s OK, I love when I do actually feel like sitting and getting my thoughts down. 💕📖

[@sakshi.johari]

Thank you... And you are very sweet😊

[@liammcweeney1674]

Another great video Ana have a great week

[@anagoldberg]

Thanks Liam, you too!

[@Magda_M._Vegan]

Greetings to you. I'm an introvert and I love writing. I feel the same way, in beautiful notebooks I have stage fright before writing and usually wait for the right moment. :) Regards and thank you for your video.

[@MIOLAZARUS]

What a wonderful video dear Anastasia ❤❤❤ I love writing. It’s very important for me right now. Ps. I love your accent. Its so beautiful to listen to.

[@debbiekoortzen1154]

Hi Ana, so good to see you. This video was just for me, thank you! ❤

[@allthebest744]

As always, an inspirational and thought provoking video. ❤

[@nyckolaus]

Thank you, Ana!

[@singlecloud]

Thank you so much, Ana, for explaining the extensive space we gain with multiple notebooks! I was afraid as a aspiring minimalist that having more than 2 notebooks was a sin. In reality, I have a monthly planner (even if I only write down 4 events in one month), a commonplace book, and a super mini notepad that works as a task and ideas container. My psychologist asked me to writte down how I felt every day for the next session, so I see it as walking slowly into the path of writting a diary!

[@anagoldberg]

There's never any sin with writing and creating, my friend 😊 I'm so excited for you to try the diary practice!

[@shirley1413]

Oh my gosh, so glad I found you today! Yes,I have the fear of messing up a new notebook,journal. Once I start writing I tell myself how silly that is. I also sew,, and sew journal, notebook covers,, and I also have a fear of cutting up a piece of fabric,,,anyway, new subscriber, thanks for sharing.❤

[@carolineodonnell5109]

Thank you Ana! As always, very inspirational, interesting and great advice. I love your honesty too 😊 Caroline

[@lllthink]

Thank you I keep a gratitude book to write things I am grateful for having and experiencing 😊 Your last video on the commonplace book made me start writing 😊

[@anagoldberg]

Aww, I'm so glad to know this! ❤️🤗

[@kat_thefruitbat]

Amazing video, as always! 🤗❤ I also prefer handwriting and often find it difficult to start writing in a notebook; just as I feel hesitant to cut or sew into a beautiful piece of fabric, draw or paint on a special piece of paper, or try my hand at something new. I have to consciously remove my focus from the possibility of “failing”, otherwise I fail to do anything at all.

[@emilyvictoria8625]

I am very much the same. I'm sorry you struggle with the fear of failing and perfectionism too.

[@kat_thefruitbat]

@@emilyvictoria8625 Thanks for sharing/ emphasizing! 🤗 I know so many people experience this but don’t often talk about it, so it’s always nice to be directly reminded that we’re not alone in it. It can become very crippling if we allow it to take over. It’s so important that we exercise our ability to push past these obstacles, to make it easier and more natural with consistent practice. ❤️

[@sharonshmuel3386]

Loved this content ❤ I totally agree with you, writing is so therapeutic. Thanks Ana for another amazing video ❤

[@thethrivingcreative]

I can totally relate to the feeling of "spoiling" beautiful journals with my writing. You're definitely not alone! I felt that way for years! And then all of these beautiful notebooks would just sit on the shelf and my Perfectionist Self would harshly judge any idea I had for using it. "Not a worthy use of this notebook! You should be ashamed of yourself!" type of silent scolding. (It turns out loads of other people have felt this way too!) Fortunately, I got over it eventually. But generally, I just stick to purchasing the same kind of notebook all the time now. (I think I have over 60 Decomposition Books filled with my messy journal entries now. LOL) Thank you for sharing these tips!

[@judithrussell9162]

Thank you Ana for another thoughtful and insightful video. I am a writer of fiction and write every day, but strangely I have never been able to journal. It isn't natural to me, always forced and makes me feel that I'm somehow failing with it. I do, however, write odd notes in odd places which I never look at again, so the cathartic act is there. I think the journal block is tied to feeling like I must do it, rather than it being something I long to do.

[@anagoldberg]

I can relate to what you say in a way, dear Jude. Thank you so much for sharing ❤️ When writing is either your job or a part of your job (like it's in my case), it becomes challenging to detach from the act of writing as work and percieve it as a pure joy/self-care/experiment etc. Journaling can take so many forms! Mine is mostly observations, lines of unfinished poems, odd words and memories. The more chaotic the better as it makes me feel alive.