starting a new journal! ft my old journal

Hey journal fam! So many of you have been asking about my journaling process, especially after seeing my new journal setup. I'm Kian Jenkins, and today I wanted to dive a little deeper into why journaling is such a special part of my life and how I approach it. For me, journaling isn't just about writing down thoughts; it's a creative outlet, a memory keeper, and a personal space where I can truly be myself. It’s where I document everything from daily happenings to my biggest dreams. My journals are like little time capsules, filled with my handwriting, doodles, and all the cute stickers I collect. It helps me process emotions, organize my thoughts, and even spark new ideas when I feel stuck. It’s become an essential part of my self-care routine. You might have seen my two journals in the flat lay – the green one and my beloved pink one. The green journal is often where I do my more reflective writing, perhaps a gratitude list or deeper thoughts, while the pink one, adorned with 'You're doing amazing, sweetie' and my favorite My Melody and Kuromi stickers, tends to be my space for daily logs, quick notes, and creative spreads. I love adding little photos of friends and family, just like the one of two people you might have spotted, making each page a true reflection of my life and a joy to flip through later. Starting a new journal, like the one I just began on September 14, 2024, is always so exciting! My first step is always personalizing that very first page. As you saw, I wrote 'this book belongs to Kian Jenkins' and added a fun picture of myself making a peace sign, flanked by those absolutely adorable blue rose and white daisy stickers. It instantly makes the journal feel like mine and sets the tone for all the adventures it will hold. Don't be afraid to make your first page uniquely you – it's your space! If you're thinking about starting your own journal, my biggest tip is just to begin! Don't worry about making it perfect or having all the fancy supplies right away. Grab any notebook, a pen you love, and just start writing. You can choose a theme, or simply let your thoughts flow. I find that decorating with stickers, washi tape, and little photos makes the process even more enjoyable and therapeutic. It's not about being an artist; it's about expressing yourself. For sticker inspiration, I often look at online shops or local craft stores, always on the lookout for unique finds like those blue roses or cute character stickers. Another thing I love is looking back at my old journals. It’s amazing to see how much I’ve grown, the memories I’ve made, and even how my handwriting has changed! Each journal tells a unique story, and it’s a beautiful way to track your personal journey. Whether you use yours for daily gratitude, dreaming big, or just jotting down ideas, the act of putting pen to paper is incredibly powerful. It’s a wonderful way to capture moments that would otherwise be forgotten. So, if you've been curious about getting started with journaling or just want to add more creativity to your current practice, I hope this gives you some inspiration. What are your favorite journaling supplies? Share your tips in the comments below! Happy journaling, everyone!