The Pure Joy Of A Handwritten Journal

[@silfervox2970]

I really love the new direction of your videos, acknowledging when digital just isn't enough.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you. Glad you like them.

[@ullahennig]

I absolutely agree with you regarding the difference between digital journaling and handwritten journaling. I mostly do handwritten journals, and I often look up what I've written a year ago. And I also use my handwritten journals for writing down fears, moments of happiness, how I dealt with a problem.

[@Carl_Pullein]

It's great for those things.

[@mikeprunty1]

Great video. I'm 44 and have recently started journaling, by accident. 2 months ago I decided to start writing with my right hand (I'm a lefty) using a fountain pen to encourage my 8 year old daughter to practice her handwriting. Small sentences turned into paragraphs, which turned into daily ramblings.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hi Mike, I've never thought of that. As a lefty, I've always wondered what it would be like to write right-handed. Thank you for the tip.

[@jonathan1636]

I think this is the coolest story I’ve ever heard on how someone started journaling 😊

[@maryhazlett]

This reminds me of my childhood. Back then, handwriting was a class and we were graded. If we (6 kids) came home with a bad handwriting grade, we had to write a page (both sides) a day until next report card. If the grade didn't improve, we continues until the next card. My dad was "full of" such ideas.

[@marcel9568]

Another lefty here, also in my fourties. Using a Bic ballpoint. I have to write very slowly to write readable text. Then again it isn't even as dark as other people get their text on paper. Mine is always light blue, like I am not pushing hard enough. I would love to be able to write more readable text.

[@CricketGirrl]

Great story!

[@WaskiSquirrel]

Glad to see your fountain pens making an appearance. Digital tools are useful, but nothing can really replace the magic of pen and paper. And your way of journaling is quite interesting, especially with all the inserts.

[@Carl_Pullein]

I completely agree with you there. Nothing beats that feeling.

[@robertcopeland8309]

Love your content. Analog journaling, as you call it, has many advantages. I also use Day One and believe it has some advantages too. First, Day One works on my mobile device and iPad, so I can add journal notes when I’m in a waiting room or waiting in traffic. Second, Day One also allows me to include photos from my library. For years, I made it a habit to put in several photos and notes each day which Day One does beautifully. Third, I like the “on this day” feature where I can look back and see what I was doing each day for five years. It’s interesting how some things in my life change and some things seem to carry on from year to year. Fourth, I like the privacy and security I get with the Day One application. Look, I totally agree that “analog journaling” is great and I enjoy it too, but the Day One app offers some pretty great features. Finally, I type MUCH faster than I write and sometimes my writing is atrocious. Yes, I could slow down and write more legibly, but I’m thinking about what I want to write next. Thanks for allowing the comments.

[@AlongfortheThrill]

This year I got into journaling, and I have 3 because that's how my brain likes it. A reading, mind dump, and health journal. I read tons of books a year and got frustrated that I couldn't remember 5 books back, and it's been an invaluable memory resource, but also a creative outlet since I theme and decorate it!

[@thebritishindian1]

I made the same switch back to paper a month ago because I never looked at my journals in Apple Notes. I’ve even gone a step further and have a separate book where I write the key things I learnt from all of the web + magazine articles on finance / tech / business or anything else which I may genuinely use in future. Having the key learnings in one place means I can re-read the insights multiple times all week so I increase retention of information. Again with Apple Notes, that just doesn’t happen.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Ah, yes, that's something I've been doing with my Commonplace Book. It becomes a great resource and is a real pleasure to look through.

[@yenra]

I'm all in after 3 decades away. One week back, using pencil on paper. Your video is a boost of encouragement. Thank you!

[@Carl_Pullein]

You're very welcome. 🙂

[@kummiekins]

I love writing with a pencil, especially wooden ones although over time the stubby ones can get annoying. But the feedback gives me better control even on smooth fountain pen friendly paper.

[@JT1358]

Oh no.... not more goosebump-inducing handwritten pages! I love it. Can't beat paper but it has to be soft-bound for me. The linen covers always feel like they will get grubby with handling, especially in light colours. Wine-bottle labels - leave them to soak in a bowl of water and (if you're lucky) they will eventually just float off themselves. That's my handy tip for today!

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hahaha - That's exactly what I ended up doing with my wine label. Worked a treat (but did take quite a few hours to come unstuck hahaha)

[@thenubianreview]

I actually recently started going through my bullet journals and adding additional personal information to store as a personal diary for my family. It’s a most therapeutic experience. Leaving my personal stories for my family to read and know more about my thoughts.

[@Carl_Pullein]

That's also something I want to be able to do. And who knows, your thoughts may be shared in hundreds of years, too. (think Samuel Pepys, Anne Frank, Leonardo Da Vinci, Marcus Aurelius)

[@frankmoller4345]

I started analogue journalling a few weeks ago. Before that, I also used "Day One" for a long time and most recently "Apple Journal". But that was somehow so fast-paced and arbitrary. Now I love to write with my fountain pen in my "Leuchtturm 1917" journal.

[@benjaminwockenfu6006]

What type of leuchtturm do you use? daily calendar or a basic notebook?

[@frankmoller4345]

@@benjaminwockenfu6006 I use the basic notebook A5. And my next One will be the B5.

[@maikeru86]

Hey Carl, Maikeru's here 😊 I could recommend some notes very friendly for fountain pens: - Maruman MNEMOSYNE N104 or N194A (it's also B5) - but it's ruled - Rhodia Composition B5 - oh, it's phenomenal, I use it. - Leuchtturm1917 Composition B5 - oh that's German perfect precision job! Paper ecru give some special character for your diary notes. But! It's quite expensive in Europe.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hi Jacek, thank you for your suggestions. I use Maruman MNEMOSYNE for my scratch pads (little notebooks at the side of my desk for quickly jotting things down)

[@focusedfreebird]

I type on the computer mostly for my final poetry and prose and essays. BUT I also type on a manual typewriter daily ramblings like a journal and make little books out of them and they are fun to read later. I also always keep a journal book that I write in. Daily notes, story ideas, poems, lists, most anything.... I think it's important to document daily life. I always was glad that I kept written documents throughout my life and it's fun to look back on them. Thanks for sharing.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you for sharing that. Ooh! a typewriter..... maybe.... oooh 😁🤔

[@hushingsilence]

Journaling for decades. Just keep writing, doesn't matter much what you write in, or with. Invaluable to go back and reread those journals years later. 🙂

[@Carl_Pullein]

Absolutely. I've never thought too much about what to write. I just write. 🙂

[@luigig6256]

Totally agree with you about fountain pens and paper journals. I sometimes use Apple’s ‘Journal’ app to get inspiration and write from there. Love that Dunhill.

[@tridibbiswas3361]

As a fountain pen enthusiast it would be nice if you could do a session about your fountain pen collections. Would love to watch it

[@Carl_Pullein]

I'll add that to my list of videos to do. Thank you for the suggestion.

[@tridibbiswas3361]

@@Carl_Pullein Thank you

[@debbiekoortzen1154]

I just found your channel and enjoyed every moment of this video. Thank you for your insight. Regards from South Africa

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you, Debbie. Greetings from South Korea.

[@miffyonabike]

Going back to keeping a diary in a notebook myself. I have just bought myself a B5 notebook and I am delighted with how much space it gives for adding small notes and like you, sticking in the odd picture or drawing my own diagrams. I use the a Stypen Harley Davidson fountain pen from my undergraduate days. It puts out a lot of ink so I need to make sure the paper is up to the job. I have found some suitable notebooks on Amazon, which suit me just fine. 100 gsm - wonderful. Subscribed so that I can keep up with your back to analogue content.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hahaha when you started talking about "putting a lot of ink down" you got me hooked 🙂

[@miffyonabike]

@@Carl_Pullein Am piling through the notebooks, writing a dissertation at the moment and I find handwriting things helps me retain info. The b5 notebooks are just perfect. A5 = too small and A4 is too big. Got myself a new fountain pen, Jinhao cheap and cheerful with extra fine nib. I was so pleased with it that I went and got myself a spare. I think I may have to treat myself to something very impressive when I hand in this dissertation.

[@Carl_Pullein]

@@miffyonabike My wife bought me a new pen when I published my book. I also got my first MontBlanc when I graduated from university. They are great ways to celebrate milestones in your life.

[@Richard_Barnes]

I could chat about paper for hours, 😆 Am obsessed with notebooks and fountain pens. My issue is I can't stick to one paper, I have to use like four books and really have nothing to write in any of them but enjoy using the fountain pens so have to use them every day. Leuchtturm 120gsm books are great; William Hannah is epic; Midori papers. Just so many out there that are great for fountain pens. Cheers 👍🏻🍻 Edit to say I've been using Day One for over 10 years and still do as well. That's got my food diary in it and some holiday things as it's easier to attach photo's and things whilst away.

[@Carl_Pullein]

That's a challenge I am facing, too, Richard. If I keep up the pace I am buying notebooks, I'll be opening a stationary store at the end of the year LOL. I console myself my telling myself that I am currently in testing mode.

[@meeluanistyn1644]

I use DayOne following your recommendation around two years ago and it’s great. I also use the On This Day function and love to compare how I was feeling a year and two years ago. I have created a written journal in the past and, like you, loved being able to include drawings, photos and other memorabilia. I even had a fold-out snakes and ladders game I created that was a reflection on the ups and downs of my life at the time. Then, one day, I realised I needed to destroy it - too many really personal details and sadness that I didn’t want anyone else to see. So I ripped out the pages and shredded it - a time-consuming task. That’s why I prefer a digital journal. I can password protect it and, with a few clicks, can erase the content and delete my account forever. I miss using a paper journal as it inspired a creativity in me that DayOne (and Penzu before that) never does. However, the practicality and relative privacy of a digital journal is what I need so that’s why I’ll stick to DayOne.

[@Carl_Pullein]

That was a consideration for me, too, but in the end, I realised nobody would be able to really read my writing, and if they did, that's what I was feeling in the past, not now.

[@osmanali8404]

My name is Othman from the Republic of Sudan. I live and work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.. All thanks and appreciation to Mr. Carl Pullein for the information and clarifications that you always provide to us in the form of positive doses that inspire us and often serve as a spot of light that we see at the end of the tunnel. I was not accustomed to writing diaries. My life was scattered before that. Since the beginning of the year 2024, I began to... I continued writing diaries during the months of January and February, but soon I felt lethargic until I heard you say that you have been writing diaries for about nine years. I was astonished, which awakened Mardy in me to return and continue writing diaries. I am happy to always receive advice from you and I am grateful to you for that. I thank everyone who took the time to read my post

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you, Osman, for your kind words. And good luck with your journaling journey.

[@benjaminwockenfu6006]

Such a great impulse! Can not explain how much I enjoy your paper productivity-journaling-journey. I use Day One, too. Like the option to put fotos and other media in this. Just thinking about this versus the benefits of paper journaling. AAAAAND ;-) … how do you journal, when you are on vacation? Thank you so much Carl, your videos this years helped me out of a productivity crisis!

[@Carl_Pullein]

I began writing my journal when I flew to Ireland last year, and that was the test that convinced me to return to paper journaling. It was so nice to pull out my journal on the 15-hour flight and write. I was also very surprised how well my fountain pen held up in a pressurised cabin.

[@shenjianhong]

Handwritten journal and electronic management systems coexist in my life. I really feel that handwritten journal is irreplaceable.

[@missjane782]

Great video. Completely agree with the joy of a good notebook. You may be interested in trying a sterling ink B5 notebook if you enjoy tomoe river paper. I have recently started one and it is a joy.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you for the tip. I've found a source for Tomoe River paper that do the B5 size. Good Inkpressions. They are very good.

[@missjane782]

@@Carl_Pulleinthank you. I’ve come across those also and very good but prefer the covers on sterling ink. There are many excellent brands to try nowadays though.

[@juanitacarrington8445]

I love this! I love Rhodia however for journaling I use a super cheap A4 spiral bound. I do use a pen that glides, but there is something about the imperfections of the paper that I can scribble my thoughts. I also go back and highlight my own notes. I love reviewing my journal! As a small business owner, journalling is critical to working through concepts and ideas as I freely write. The only thing with cheap paper is that sticking in things doesn’t really work too well…but I don’t mind that. I am quite attached to my rough journals 😂😊

[@juanitacarrington8445]

I can appreciate your attraction to your beautiful journals and pens though 😉

[@miffyonabike]

Another good set of diaries is Alan Duncan. His book 'In the Thick of It' is a delight. PhD politics student here, so I get to read a lot of political diaries and this one is great.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Ooh, thank you for the tip about Alan Duncan. I'll add that to my list of books 🙂

[@igorchichkin509]

WoW ❤❤❤🎉😊awesome

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you 🙂

[@karenlee-johnston7118]

Hi Carl I don’t know if you’ve ever tried the Brand Stalogy but they offer a B5 journal that I use with a variety of fountain pens and inks-it has I believe Tomoe River paper which is extremely highly regarded amongst people like me (fountain user born at least a century too late)! Freshly subscribed and looking forward to watching your videos! Best of luck on the B5 hunt I know the pain!

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hi Karen, Than kyou for the tip. I've added Stalogy to my Pen & Paper notebook (digital) for future purchase. 🙂

[@hellofromdavid]

Indeed

[@meganotofthisworld]

You are an amazing person and therefore your journal entries are, naturally, amazing. 😉 But are there entries you look at now and think, What silliness is this? What were I thinking?! 😂

[@Carl_Pullein]

Oh absolutely. I laugh at myself at what I was worrying about and how little it bothered me in the end 😁

[@TamaraPrins]

Leuchtterm for the win. Hobonichi has tamoe paper which is nice with a fountain pen but I always come back to Leuchtturm

[@StarcrossTV]

Hey Carl, I have a question about your recommendation for paper journaling. You tend to suggest any kind of paper in the form of A4 format. I live in the US and we only have letter as our equivalent. What kind of journal paper format would you suggest for someone in the US or Canada?

[@Carl_Pullein]

For me, the best size is B5, which is 6.9 x 9.8 inches. I buy most of my notebooks through the US, so they must be available there.

[@christiandevos9468]

Hi Carl, I have some questions because I want to start journaling on paper (Day One, Journey or Journal from Apple are not OK for me): How many pages does your diary have? What is the weight of the paper? Isn't the diary distorted with all those additions? Do you also keep a digital copy of it in a note taking app like Evernote or Apple Notes, because of their search functions? You can't find everything in a paper diary, can you? BTW: I write with a Mont Blanc rollerball (better and more convenient than their pens)

[@Carl_Pullein]

The Plus sized journal has 206 pages, and it's 90 gsm I don't really mind the distortions. I was inspired years ago by Leonardo Da Vinci's journals, and you should see the distortion in those 😁 My journal's not for digital (I wouldn't read them that way). Instead, if I have an idea while I am writing, I will add it to my digital notes after I've finished writing. That's true. It's not searchable. However, for me, it's not about finding something specific. It's the randomness that I love. I come across lost thoughts and feelings from years ago and I find that very nostalgic.

[@nonuora]

Any other recommendations for pens other than fountain? 🖊️

[@Carl_Pullein]

I don't use any other kind of pen. So I don't know what other pens are like.

[@DrTomTonkin]

That is exactly what I have. And I bought 50 of them! Maybe I did this to you. I have been journaling since 1996.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Ah, Thomas, it's you!!! hahahaha

[@sallyfinch540]

Ah Ha! That’s why they are out of stock! Mystery solved.

[@JT1358]

​@@Carl_Pullein Maybe he could sell you a handful at mate's rates! 😄

[@Fclwilson]

Journaling AND fountain pens? Just subbed.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you 🙂

[@lindyredmond9838]

Do you do one page every day or just write as much as you want going to second pages?

[@Carl_Pullein]

I write freely. Some days, it's one page; others, it may be two or three.

[@lindyredmond9838]

@@Carl_Pullein thank you

[@lindalacroix1253]

Lovely content just wondering do you print? Well the next generations be able to read cursive? I am 70 is it too late to journal? ❤️

[@Carl_Pullein]

@@lindalacroix1253 Hi Linda, I don't print, and there will be people able to read cursive writing. We've been able to read Leonardo Da Vinci's mirror script without a problem. And it's certainly not too late to journal at Get yourself a nice notebook and pen and enjoy the experience. 🙂

[@meganotofthisworld]

Chuck Norris is not pushing himself up, he is pushing the ground down.

[@Carl_Pullein]

LOL 😂

[@richardlees5303]

so glad I haven't gone down this rabbit hole alone, ;-))

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hahaha Oh boy is it a rabbit hole too 🙂

[@richardlees5303]

@@Carl_Pullein I bought a notebook (ring binding) at your recommendation and damn... the paper is so beautiful I feel guilty writing on it!

[@Carl_Pullein]

@@richardlees5303 Hahaha, I know how you feel. I sometimes have to force myself to write in a new book. but it's worth it 🙂

[@richardlees5303]

@@Carl_Pullein It triggered a whole set of feelings for me so it's always good to recognize how new stationery can be a self help vehicle. ;-))

[@jonathan1636]

WHAT!? He likes above and beyond!!!??? Subscribe!

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hahaha thank you. 🙂

[@WilMenJr]

Going old school. Love it. That's the only way to ride. I love my Mont Blanc fountain pen gliding against a nice piece of paper. That's not a feeling I can get on my iPad or computer. Good stuff sir!

[@Carl_Pullein]

Absolutely! That's something I've noticed too. 🙂

[@paulcaskey]

Goulet Pens sells a number of different B5 fountain pen friendly notebooks.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Yes. I've crawled through their website--it's on speed dial hahahaha

[@stankramer6262]

one of your best essays! thank you

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you 🙂

[@maxgreenwood2609]

Have you tried MindJournal?

[@MattDiffey]

Have you filmed this on an iphone in cinematic mode? The edges of your body unnaturally fuzzing in and out of focus is really distracting

[@AmritAssi]

It's hard to take this from you, when you're earlier doing everything on screen and now you're doing journaling on paper 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Carl_Pullein]

It's a journey, and I became uncomfortable living my whole life on a screen. Technology is great, but sometimes the old ways are better for specific things.

[@AmritAssi]

@@Carl_Pullein Noted, Sir 👏🏻

[@jasona.2044]

I’m sorry but you have never seen my handwriting. Joy will turn to nightmare.

[@davidbrinon]

So, just try nothing and stay exactly where you was yesterday 😊 Jocking. 😅 No one have to read What you will write. Give it a try 🙏

[@LikelyProcrastinating]

Enjoy your videos but can we please stop calling it analog journaling? Journaling in an app will create digital files. Journaling in an app is analogous to journaling with pen and paper but writing in itself nor the outcome being words on paper are not analog. I don’t know who started it but let’s stop.😉

[@starling333]

One definition of analog is "not involving or relating to the use of computer technology, as a contrast to a digital counterpart" ? I feel like it's completely valid to call it such

[@LikelyProcrastinating]

@@starling333 and yet I'm going to disagree. irl people would comment that your taking handwritten notes (see video title), not analog and your friends would laugh at you for being pretentious for saying "I'm taking analog notes".