# I journaled everyday for ten years—here's why ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XjhTpqX8cw0/maxresdefault.jpg) ## Journaling's Impact and Evolution - Journaling has been a tool for remembering, dissecting, and growing for 19 years, with thousands of pages and countless memories, and it has helped regulate emotions and learn about oneself [(00:00:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=7s). - The habit of journaling has made the biggest difference in growth over the years, helping to get through breakups, deal with loss, and cope with losing oneself but then finding oneself again [(00:00:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=52s). - The tools used for journaling matter, as it's essential to find tools that you love to use, making it appealing and easy to do, and having the right tools makes a big difference in the journaling habit [(00:01:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=72s). - The preferred journaling tools include variations of either the Moleskine setup or the Leuchtturm setup, with a preference for medium-sized notebooks and dotted paper [(00:01:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=104s). ## Preferred Journaling Tools - The Moleskine notebooks are loved for their smooth writing experience, but the medium-sized ones were used for a couple of years before switching to the expanded version, which is thicker but more annoying to bring around [(00:02:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=127s). - The Leuchtturm notebook is also liked, with paper that is a little bit more sturdy and thicker, allowing for use with fountain pens, and it is something that is repurchased over and over again [(00:02:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=165s). - Recently, Paper Republic covers have been discovered, which are beautiful Italian vegetable-tanned leather covers that can be embossed with initials or a name, and they have an elastic that holds the covers together, allowing for switching out the notebooks inside [(00:03:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=196s). - A journaling system consists of multiple notebooks, including a learning notebook, ideas notebook, and others, all stored in a single cover, making it convenient to carry around [(00:03:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=232s). - The notebooks used are from a brand that offers a 30% discount with the code "Angelpr30" for bundles, which include notebooks and a cover [(00:04:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=255s). - The pens used for journaling are the Muji point5 pen, which has been used since high school, and fountain pens, which were recently introduced and have become a joy to use [(00:04:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=271s). - The tools used for journaling, including pens, highlighters, rulers, and tape dispensers, are stored in a pencil case and are linked in the description box [(00:04:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=294s). - It is essential to find the tools that work best for each individual, as personal preferences may vary [(00:05:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=319s). ## Journaling Practices - The most common journaling practice used is brain dump journaling, where everything that comes to mind is written down, including thoughts, feelings, and goals [(00:05:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=333s). - Brain dump journaling is similar to the morning Pages practice, which was discovered later in life, but has been a consistent part of the journaling process [(00:05:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=359s). - In addition to brain dump journaling, goal planning and reflective journaling practices are also used, which have recently been separated into different notebooks [(00:06:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=383s). - Reflective journaling involves dissecting specific topics, such as body image, and analyzing thoughts and feelings through lists, mind maps, or free-flow writing [(00:06:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=399s). - Monthly spreads are also used to review the month, set intentions and goals, and reflect on what went well and what could be improved [(00:07:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=433s). - Commonplace journaling, a new format started this year, involves recording and reflecting on things read, consumed, and learned [(00:07:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=453s). - A commonplace journal is used to record thoughts, ideas, and learning in one notebook, divided into a margin section for personal thoughts and a body section for direct notes and quotes from various sources [(00:07:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=473s). - The separation of sections helps to remember facts and analyze information, making it easier to retain and reflect on what has been learned [(00:08:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=508s). ## Building a Journaling Habit - Building journaling into a habit requires making it appealing and easy, such as creating a comfortable and cozy routine with a designated time and place, and using the right tools like a favorite pen and paper [(00:09:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=543s). - Creating a welcoming environment and doing it at the same time every day helps to build a habit, as the body learns to adapt to a routine [(00:09:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=597s). - Removing pressure and allowing individuality in the journaling process is essential, as everyone's process will look different, and it's not necessary to write a certain amount or follow a specific format [(00:10:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=638s). - Alternative journaling methods, such as doodling, scrapbooking, or making lists, can be just as effective, and using journaling prompts can help to get started [(00:10:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=654s). - A 30-day journaling challenge with daily email prompts is available to help build a journaling habit and provide a fun and challenging experience [(00:11:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=669s). ## Journaling's Role in a Life Transition - The decision to leave a 9-to-5 job to become a freelancer and content creator was one of the scariest decisions made, and it presented a tough mental challenge that required working through with the help of journaling and therapy [(00:11:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=707s). - Journaling helped in becoming more self-aware and working through childhood traumas and scars that were previously unknown, and it also helped in realizing the ingrained desire for stability due to cultural and societal influences [(00:12:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=740s). - The decision to quit the job brought up issues such as scarcity mindset, familial pressure, and the expectation of being the eldest daughter, which were addressed through journaling and reflective journaling [(00:12:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=759s). - Journaling was used to work through these issues, plan the job transition, and prepare for the conversation with parents, and it played a crucial role in navigating the challenges that arose after quitting the job [(00:13:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=825s). ## Personal Journaling Journey and Encouragement - The journaling journey started as a place to tell stories and make up events as a 10-year-old, and it evolved over the years to become a tool for emotional dumping, working through issues, and writing lists about things that bring happiness [(00:13:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=839s). - There is no pressure on the tools or methods used for journaling, and the process is about building a practice that works best for the individual, with the goal of using it as a tool for personal growth and self-improvement [(00:14:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=881s). - Three journaling prompts are provided to help get started: what is stopping you from journaling more, what would you like journaling to help you achieve, and what is something you can do tomorrow to grow in your journaling journey [(00:14:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=898s). - A 30-day journaling Challenge is available, and the details can be found in the description [(00:15:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjhTpqX8cw0&t=952s).