I’ve been writing in a journal ever since I saw Shiri Appleby as Liz Parker in Roswell write in her leather bound journal when I was in the sixth grade. Watching it on Netflix DVDs then, some things never change as I’ve used school notebooks, Momma’s grocery list pads, little free hotel notepads to write! I now purchase journals for myself that I love and prefer! I still remember my first brown leather wrapped journal, blank cream sheets, I sectioned off for different categories! Filling my journals with everyday thoughts, poems of my own, song lyrics from my favorite songs by my favorite bands, memories, dreams, and ideas! I always find carrying around a journal or notepad so useful for my daily journey of self love!

Pictured above are a few of my current favorites! The smallest black journal is lined and the perfect size to travel with you everyday! I call it my Los Feliz journal since I got at a local shop on Vermont out in Los Feliz. My gold spiral notebook is a 2017 planner! I love to stay organized and schedule my days and weeks but always leave room for spontaneity! This planner from Target is monthly tabbed with both daily and monthly layouts. My all time favorite and repurchase year after year is the black spiral notebook from Art Supply Warehouse! This journal has 80 thick, blank, and perforated sheets that are perfect for anything and everything! Not only do I write in this journal but I sketch out ideas and upcoming projects! It’s my go to journal since I write fairly huge, it gives me the freedom to express myself outside of lines!

Journals have always been my best companion! The kind of companion that is always there for you, doesn’t judge you, and just let’s you be YOU! I’ve found comfort, relief, and peace in writing. But it’s more than just writing, it’s letting go, it’s release of all your thoughts, all your worries, all your concerns, all your fears and giving you the peace to breathe again. Opening your heart to trust it, to listen to it, and to follow it, reminding yourself that everyday is a chance to start again, everyday is a chance to love.

If you’ve tried journals before and they don’t work for you, try using alternatives such as journal apps, Word documents, quick notes on your phone, even texting yourself to help express yourself daily, little by little.

-B