I’m an avid journal writer. But not in the way you would think. I’m not writing to my journal or even recording what happened in my day (often looking back at those journals make me cringe and they end up in the garbage!) No, in my journals I make lists or take notes. Some journals I’ll process what’s going on in my world but those aren’t one’s I ever look back at–I actually prefer my digital journal for that so it’s easy to discard. My journals are usually a beautiful notebook that makes me feel inspired with a theme to go with it. There are a variety of ways to use journals, and with the new Modern Magic journals, you’ll want to learn all the different types of journals so you can collect them all!
Types of Journals
So if we aren’t starting with “dear diary…” then what would you use a journal for? Oh, honey, I could give you a journal filled with ideas. But instead, I’ll list out a few of my favorite ways to use Modern Magic Journals (or any journal for that matter).
Gratitude Journal
One of my favorite books, 1,000 Gifts, creates the challenge of writing 1,000 things that you’re grateful for. In order to achieve such a large number of gratitudes, you have to get really specific and detailed. Being thankful for your family will go only so far but when you’re grateful for last nights dinner around the table or for the little kicks you feel from your unborn child, that’s where the magic is. Having a gratitude journal can be an amazing practice to bring you into the moment and to make you appreciate what you already have. Their is science around how gratitude can rewire the brain making you feel whole and more content in your life. If you’re new to journaling, this is my favorite way to start.
Recipe Journal
While I often use Pinterest to find new recipes, I personally love to have my favorites written down somewhere. For me, it’s easier to find and cook from. I have recipe journals for full meals as well as a separate one for tea and herb mixtures. You could even go as far as making one for special occasion meals, one for quick meals, one for drinks, etc. Or add some tabs to your journal to section out different areas to easily find what you’re looking for.
Along with tracking herbs and teas, I like to have some pages dedicated to my garden. I’ll record what plants I want to plant next season, take notes about where our sun is in our yard, and reference the soil quality in different areas.
Dream Journals
Ever wake up in the middle of the night from a dream you just can’t shake, only to not remember it at all in the morning? A dream journal sits next to your bed so you can easily record what comes up for you while you sleep and have the chance to process it in the morning. Even just writing down simple words you can remember from the dream like snakes, bus, sunset can be helpful to decipher what your subconscious is trying to tell you. Then when you’re awake check out this dream website to learn more about your dreams and take notes in your dream journal. You might just learn a few new things about yourself.
The Brain–Notes Journal
My mother call the notebook in her purse her “brain.” It’s the place she writes down fun quotes, suggested restaurants, books, movies, etc., or anything else she doesn’t want to forget. She’ll often pull it out and reference it to me when we’re talking about someone she saw this week or something she’s been thinking about. Of course, there are other ways to use journals for notes too. I have journals with different genres of notes I take–spiritual notes, notes on Ayurveda or healthy eating, art notes etc. This way when I need to remember a fact I read or a quote I loved from a non-fiction book I can easily access it. Modern Magic journals are also the perfect size to keep in your purse or book bag to always be able to write something down so you don’t forget it.
Along with a notes journal, I like to keep an ideas journal. I have one journal specifically dedicated to all my ideas for art projects, wallpaper collections, books I want to create, etc. Anytime I get an idea for a new project I put it there so I can reference it when I need something new to work on or am having a creative block!
Travel Journal
When I have big trip planned–like living abroad in Africa for 4 months or spending a month in Costa Rica– I like to have a dedicated journal for this trip. A place where I’ll write down what we did, record things I don’t want to forget, tape in pictures or momentos, draw pictures, and make it a scrapbook of that journey. Having something that’s small but has a hardcover makes it easier to travel with, which makes the Modern Magic Journals your go-to travel journal.
Moon Cycle Journal (Or Health Journal)
As a woman, I think it’s extremely important to understand how your body flows. While a moon cycle journal is often thought of as tracking your menstrual cycle, I think this is only one part of what you can be recording. Taking notes of emotions, mental fatigue, and PMS symptoms should all be included. But also taking notes of the foods that do and don’t feel good in your body (and keep in mind that seasons and time of month can make this change.) Also take note on how outgoing you feel or how creative you feel, these both are influenced by your monthly cycle. The better you know yourself the better you can take care of yourself and those around you. A moon cycle journal is the ultimate way to tune in and be present.
Starting Your Journaling Practice
While there are a variety of types of journals you can start, choose something that resonates with you and then find a journal that gets you excited to write in. For me, this means it needs to look and feel beautiful, have sturdy paper that doesn’t bleed, and a bonus is easy to rip out pages for when you mess up or need to share a piece of paper with a friend (all of these are, of course, included in the Modern Magic journals!)
To keep up with your practice, whether it be daily or weekly, have your journal in a place that’s easy to access with a pen close by. I personally am a huge fan of these reusable and sustainable U-Brand Pens. I have one in my purse, one by my bedside, and one by my favorite reading chair. When the ink runs out you can replace with any 1mm ink cartriage . (I always feel better about getting a pen I can use forever instead of one you have to throw out when the ink runs dry.)
By having a good pen and a journal you love to write in, you’re more likely to work in your journal. And by putting it in a place for easy access (Recipe journal in the kitchen, dream journal by your bed, moon cycle journal by your favorite reading chair, Notes journal in your purse/book bag, etc.) you’ll grab it anytime the moment is right to record what’s on your mind.
Modern Magic Journals
The listed types of journals above are just the variety of ways I’ve used a journal but there are so many more ways you can use the Modern Magic Journals. With their small size, supportive hard cover with a velvet feel, and lined perforated paper, they work for just about anything you could need a journal for. But the best part about them is the artwork on the cover that reminds you to look for the everyday magic in your life. Journaling is a great slow living practice and a powerful way to tune in or to remember something new.
Looking for a journal to spark some creative magic?
Shop Modern Magic’s Collection of Journals
