Letters from Tammy Strobel is a free weekly newsletter about creativity and curiosity, funded through Buy Me a Coffee.
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I've been journaling since I was a teenager. I didn't develop a consistent journaling habit until my twenties, though. I can't believe I've been journaling for the past twenty years! Journaling has helped me reflect on grief, confusion, delight, and more. It's also helped me make difficult decisions and think critically about my judgements and biases.
During 2021, journaling helped me navigate depression and my adventures with melanoma. I also used the practice to bring joy and fun into my daily life. For example, I love recording daily delights, documenting my travels, and sketching. It's important to process hard emotions, and it's equally important to infuse joy, delight, and fun into my daily life!
This fall, I simplified my journaling practice. Below you’ll find a brief round-up of my journaling tools. I also talk my journaling routine.
Journaling Tools
1.) I use the Hobonichi Techo Planner to plan my days, write to-do lists, and record/log daily delights. My favorite part of the Hobonichi? The paper! It's smooth, gorgeous, and sturdy. I also like the page a day format. Filling out one page a day is simple, meaningful, and it’s not time intensive. Surprisingly, I'm able to fit a lot of details on one page.
2.) I use a large Leuchtturm1917 for writing longer journal entries and sketching. The longer entries usually take the form of mind-maps, inspiring quotes, and ideas for this newsletter. The journal is almost full, so I ordered a new sketchbook from Minimalism Art.
When I attended a writing workshop in Paris, I used a Minimalist Art journal to take notes. I enjoyed writing in it! Like the Hobonichi, the paper was smooth, sturdy, and I didn’t have issues with ink bleeding through the pages. I’m excited to write and sketch in the notebook again!
3.) I am experimenting with the Notes app on my phone. I use the app to record ideas and lists on the go. I also carry 3 x 5 cards in my purse for the same purpose. This strategy has lightened up my purse, and I love it!
4.) My favorite writing tools include a LAMY safari fountain pen, a brush pen, and a set of Faber-Castell pencils.
Journaling Routine
1.) In the morning, I spend 5-20 minutes writing in my planner. I write a list of delights, review my to-do lists, and reflect on my goals. Since we adopted Ursula the cat, I’ve kept my morning journaling sessions short. In the morning, Ursula runs around the house doing wild kitten moves and I love playing with her.
2.) I spend about 30-minutes a day drawing; sometimes more, sometimes less. I haven’t created a specific time to draw, yet. Right now, I like going with the flow of the day. I can see myself incorporating sketching into my post-dinner routine because it’s a wonderful way to wind down in the evening.
My journaling practice evolves and changes seasonally, and I think that’s a good thing. Experimenting with my journaling tools and routine is a joyful and fun creative practice.
What’s your favorite journaling tool? And, do you use specific prompts or activities that delight you?
An Journaling Workshop …
Journals and journaling are on my mind because I’m going to teach a workshop—Journaling for Joy—on November 15, 2022. I’m excited about the opportunity!
The workshop will be part of The Simplicity Space; a learning program that was created by my friend Courtney Carver. The Simplicity Space opens for registration at the end of October, but only to people who are on the waitlist. If Courtney’s program sounds interesting, you can sign up here.
Good Links
With that, here’s what I enjoyed listening to and watching this week:
1.) “Maintenance Phase: wellness and weight loss, debunked and decoded” is an amazing podcast. It’s hosted by Michael Hobbes and Aubrey Gordon. Their research and analysis helped me understand why I find so many wellness trends problematic. Also, Hobbes and Gordon reminded me to be a critical consumer of media.
Last weekend, I listened to episodes while I practiced drawing. A few of my favorites include: The French Paradox, Goop, and the introductory episode. Listen here.
2.) “Pencil Sketching For Beginner Artists” is a short and informative online workshop. If you want to improve your drawing skills, this class is a great starting point.
3.) I'm not affiliated with the journaling products/companies I mentioned above. I buy my journals via The Goulet Pen Co., JetPens, my local bookstore, or directly from the company.
Thank you!
I know there is plenty to read, watch, and listen to online, and I'm appreciative of your readership and support.
All the gratitude goes to: Mina, Victoria, Christine, Amelia, Mrinalini, Fran, and Jennifer for the coffee and kind words!
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With gratitude,
Tammy Strobel
I'm so excited! I'm in Simplicity Space - I can't wait for journaling class! YES!
Lovely drawings of birds! FWIW, I almost always draw in the evening. Nothing like a cup of tea, some classical piano, and a sketchpad.