If you had told me a couple years ago that I would become a journaler, I would have gently grabbed your hand, led you to my stack of untouched journals and notebooks (which I acquired over the years because “tHeY wErE pReTy”), and laughed in your face. Don’t get me wrong, I WANTED to be a journaler. I loved the idea of it, and even occasionally hit a whopping 4-day writing streak (stellar, I know.) But for some reason, I just couldn’t get into it.
That is, until August of last year.
Was it because I’d taken a leave of absence from social media and found myself with a lot more time on my hands? Was it because I’d developed a real LOVE for writing? Was it because I began facing new challenges that I was struggling to process through? Maybe it was a little bit of everything or something else entirely, but whatever the reason, I am so, SO GRATEFUL.
I officially consider myself a journaler, although it looks quite different than I used to imagine. I don’t write every single day. I don’t always use my very best handwriting. I don’t work through one journal at a time; I work through many, each with their own wonderful uses. My commonplace journal for the quotes and words and phrases that clung to me when I first heard or read them. My content journal for analyzing the content I consume and creating content of my own. My catch-all journal where I write about everything from hitting a new PR in weight-lifting to struggling with loneliness in my hometown to the latest painting I’m working on.
And this, my newest journal (a lovely gift from my dearest friend, Hannah!) This journal is going to be an exploration into the Meraki Meadow, uncovering the lore of Bits and Bobbles, and (hopefully) a path to new illustrations.
If you’re surprised that the first entry was sketched rather than written, so was I. But it was 13782% fitting. It was the very best first step I could take with this journal.
Anyhoo, if you love journaling too, consider picking up a sticker sheet or two from my shop! I LOVE creating fun little spreads in my journals, and you can choose from loads of different themes amongst my sticker sheets. (Or you can go for the gold and buy the whole set at a big ol’ discount right now!)
