It is no surprise to anyone who knows me that I am a massive note-taker. I have three children under seven, so if I don’t write it down, I don’t remember it. I am also a massive stationery nerd and like nothing more than new notepads, not all that have a purpose.
If, like me, you have a lot of notebooks with beautiful covers that you don’t use, you might find some of these ideas helpful.
A poetry book—I have published poetry, but it is not my area of expertise. However, I still like writing it. I write a poem for my partner every year at Christmas. A poetry book lets you play with lines and collect some of your favourite poems.
Reading Journal—Have you ever seen a book you remember reading but can’t remember a thing about it? In my reading journal, I write what the book was about with spoilers. This is an aid to my memory when I want to remember what it was about. It is especially useful if you read books in a series that take years to come out. George R.R. Martin, I am looking at you.
Gratitude journal—This does what it says. Every day, I write down three things I am grateful for. Sometimes, it is as simple as a cold can of diet coke. When you are feeling down, it helps to look back on these.
Ideas—This notebook is always with me and is the kind you can slip in your back pocket. It contains every idea or thought I have had, no matter how ridiculous.
Sentence a day—For those who find journalling too big a commitment, this can help you get into it. I have a specialised book for it where I write one sentence highlight a day. The diary is for five years, so I am now having the joy of looking back on previous years when I fill it in.
Self-improvement Journal—This is my commonplace book where I reflect on my writing journey and save snippets of information that will help me in my writing.
Travel Journal—If you are artistic, you can make this as creative as you like. For me, it is a scrapbook of tickets, maps and pictures of the children during holidays or trips out we have taken. You can also make this a family memories journal so you don’t forget those special moments with your family, such as something funny your child said.
Recipe Journal - Not something I keep, but you should have a book for your favourite recipes to record the tweaks you make to your signature dishes.
Health and Fitness - I keep a vague version of this on my phone using the health app, but you can include more details, such as reps at the gym.
Dream journal - For me, this ends up in my ideas journal, but some people keep a journal to write their dreams down. Both Donna Tartt and Stephen King have said that their dreams have ended up in their books.
Some of you may keep a form of these journals on your computer, and there is nothing wrong with digital notes. I like the feel of pen and paper, though. Studies also show that if you write something down, you are more likely to remember it.
If you are new to journalling or keeping notebooks, I suggest you start small to avoid becoming overwhelmed. I started with a gratitude and sentence-a-day diary for years before I added to my collection. Most of those I keep I do not add to every day it is okay to take it easy.
Do you keep a journal? If so, pop a picture in the chat and show us the beautiful covers or notebooks you use.
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Until next week, stay safe
Sam 😊
Weekly Three
Site Notes: These small notebooks are ideal for keeping in your back pocket to write ideas as they pop into your head.
Sentence a Day: This little notebook will help you record a highlight of every day, the easy setup means you can review previous years as you add to it.
Softcover Journal: I use a simple but sturdy notebook as my commonplace notebook. This comes in lined, dotted or plain, depending on your preference.
Quote of the week
It's okay to be the teacup with a chip in it. That's the one with a story. - The Comfort Book, Matt Haig