Journals 📔
I recently saw a post that inspired me to share something about myself. I’ve always loved writing in several different journals, but until now, I didn’t realize how intentional I’ve been about it.
I’ve been a “journal girl” for as long as I can remember. Whenever I walk into stores like Burlington, Marshalls, Ross, or Target, I can’t resist browsing the journal section. The cover always draws me in first, but once I open the pages, I’m hooked. I’m definitely a college-ruled lines type of girl—wide spacing just doesn’t feel right to me. I also love journals made with recycled paper.
A while back, I saw another woman’s Facebook post where she had an entire bookshelf dedicated to her journals. That inspired me even more, and it made me feel completely okay about embracing my love for collecting them. At this point, I probably use about 8–10 journals regularly, each with its own purpose:
1. Book List & Club Notes – I use this journal to track the books I read throughout the year and to take notes during book club meetings.
2. Deep Thoughts & Healing – One of my favorites. I use it for venting, processing emotions, self-reflection, and personal therapy sessions.
3. Group Therapy Notes – I started this during a session on attachment styles. I’m not sure what else I’ll use it for yet, but it may also hold notes from women’s groups at church.
4. Bible Journal – A gift from my therapist. I use it to record Bible topics, themes, verses, and applications.
5. Bill Notebook – Another favorite. The cover shows a Black woman with locs and the phrase “Trust the Journey.” It reminds me of trusting God’s plan and my own loc journey when I had to “trust the process.”
6. Coffee & Tea Date Journal – A birthday gift from my aunt. My best friend and I use this for our journal sessions during coffee or tea dates, choosing topics and sharing ideas to help each other grow.
7. Everything Journal – My creative catch-all. I write about work goals, career accomplishments, financial plans, personal discipline, and even business ideas. The first page is a letter to myself about why I’m using it. I also do brain dumps and write responses to seven-day journal challenges I’ve found online.
8. Business Journals – I keep two: one for passwords and platforms I’m signed up with for my notary/signing services, and another for notes from notary/signing agent trainings.
Journaling is more than just writing for me—it’s therapy, creativity, organization, and growth all in one. Each journal has its own voice, and together, they tell the story of my life, one page at a time.#blackgirljournaling #journalwithpurpose #journalyourthoughts
Journaling is a powerful tool that extends beyond mere note-taking to become a therapeutic and creative practice that enhances mental well-being and personal development. The use of multiple journals, each serving a distinct purpose, supports focus and intentionality. Many find that specialized journals—such as those for tracking books, processing emotions, or organizing business details—help compartmentalize thoughts and tasks, making it easier to maintain clarity. The mention of recycled paper journals aligns with an eco-conscious trend prevalent among journal enthusiasts today, combining sustainability with personal expression. Furthermore, the connection between journaling and faith, as seen in the Bible journal, offers a way to deepen spiritual reflection and capture meaningful insights. Therapeutic journaling, including deep thoughts, healing reflections, and group therapy notes, facilitates emotional processing and self-awareness. It can act as an extension of professional therapy by providing a private space to vent, analyze feelings, and track progress over time. Social journaling, such as the Coffee & Tea Date journal shared during quality time with a close friend, illustrates how journaling can also strengthen relationships and foster mutual growth through shared experiences. The 'Everything Journal' concept highlights the versatility of journaling for professional and personal goal-setting, brainstorming, and tracking accomplishments—tools vital for productivity and self-discipline. Incorporating affirmations like “Trust the Journey” reflects the empowerment and motivation journaling can inspire, especially within communities such as #blackgirljournaling, which celebrates both cultural identity and personal expression. For those inspired to start journaling, it’s important to select tools that resonate personally—whether it’s the type of paper, line spacing, cover design, or journal size—as these details enhance engagement and consistency. Leveraging hashtags and communities online can also provide inspiration and a sense of belonging. Overall, intentional journaling is a multifaceted practice that supports holistic growth—mental, emotional, creative, and organizational—making it an invaluable habit for those seeking to document their lives meaningfully and purposefully.
This gives me relief. You have different journals for the things that you are interested in and love. I love this ❤️❤️❤️❤️