Today, I realized something kind of special—it’s an anniversary for me. Ten years as an avid journaler. What started as a simple habit turned into one of the most valuable tools in my life. Not just for reflection, but for growth, creativity, and even joy.
Since I run an art shop and live surrounded by paper, pens, and beautiful stationery, journaling has also become deeply connected to how I create and what I share with others.
Here are the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way—and how you can bring them into your own journaling practice.
1. Writing in your journal is learning
Journaling isn’t just recording your day—it’s processing it. Every time you write, you’re making sense of your thoughts, patterns, and emotions. Over time, you start noticing growth you wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
2. Your journaling practice doesn’t have to be perfect
Messy pages, missed days, half-finished thoughts—it all counts. The biggest mistake people make is waiting for the “perfect” way to journal. There isn’t one. The real magic is in showing up.
3. Analog journaling hits different
There’s something about pen on paper that just works. It slows you down, helps you think more clearly, and creates a stronger connection to your thoughts. Plus, let’s be honest—beautiful notebooks and pens make the experience way more enjoyable.
(This is where having stationery you love makes a difference—your journal becomes something you actually want to return to.)
4. Keep different journals for different purposes
You don’t have to put everything into one notebook. Over time, I found it helpful to separate things:
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Book-Planner: Intention and and planning
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The CommonPlace Book: Collected inspiration
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Notebook no.1: Ideas & expression for my art
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Notebook no.2 : Emotional processing
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Travel Book: Moments & memories
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Reading Journal: Reflection & ideas from books
This keeps everything clearer and makes journaling feel less overwhelming.
5. Let your system evolve
What worked for you last year might not work now—and that’s a good thing. Your journaling practice should grow with you. Try new formats, switch notebooks, experiment with layouts. There are no fixed rules.
6. Vent on paper, not online
Your journal is a safe place. You can be honest, unfiltered, and real without worrying about judgment. Writing things out privately often brings more clarity than posting them publicly ever could.
7. Journaling can actually be fun
It doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Add color, stickers, sketches, different inks—make it yours. When journaling feels creative, it becomes something you look forward to instead of something you “should” do.
A Note from My Art Shop
If you’re starting (or restarting) your journaling habit, having tools you love can make all the difference. That’s exactly why I create and curate stationery—to make everyday practices like journaling feel inspiring.
Whether it’s a fresh notebook, a smooth pen, or small details that make your pages feel special, the goal is simple: help you enjoy the process.
Ten years in, journaling is still one of the simplest and most powerful things I do. It doesn’t require much—just time, honesty, and a page.
And maybe… a really good notebook 😉
