Photo credit: www.bustle.com
When envisioning the act of journaling, many imagine sitting down with a single, elegant notebook meant to house all their thoughts and experiences. Yet, within moments of beginning to write, the reality often diverges; doodles fill the margins, urgent to-do lists emerge, and the pages become an outlet for frustrations. This may lead to a disorganized and chaotic notebook, which some find less than conducive to their journaling practice.
As such, many individuals turn to the concept of using multiple notebooks, a practice popularly referred to as a “journal ecosystem.” This trend has garnered significant attention on platforms like TikTok, with over 30 million posts tagged with the phrase. In a viral video, TikTok creator @mostlymady presented her collection of journals, commenting on the sheer number by saying, “Here is an official tour of my journaling ecosystem. And I know what you’re thinking: ‘Holy sh*t, that is a lot of journals and notebooks.’”
Mady explained that she finds clarity in using several notebooks, detailing her approach to each. Among her array is a creativity journal for her imaginative endeavors, a hiking journal specifically for documenting her outdoor exploits, and a coffee journal for noting experiences from cafés visited during her travels. Additionally, her collection features a monthly planner, a casual spiral-bound art notebook, and a leather diary for morning reflections. This trend celebrates individuality, urging others to establish their own unique journal ecosystems.
The Advantages of Cultivating a “Journal Ecosystem”
As noted by Emely Rumble, LCSW, a therapist who specializes in journal therapy and is the author of the forthcoming book Bibliotherapy in The Bronx, journaling serves as an invaluable tool for emotional regulation, self-reflection, and deriving meaning from experiences.
“Journaling allows us to articulate and process our emotions, identify recurring thought patterns, and distance ourselves from intrusive thoughts,” she shared with Bustle. However, Rumble acknowledges the common intimidation that arises from a blank page, with many feeling pressure to write something profound or consistently polished. “It’s vital to remember that journaling isn’t about crafting beautiful prose—it’s about being present,” she emphasizes, encouraging people to begin with anything from doodles to simple lists.
Rumble sees the journal ecosystem approach as a means to ease this pressure, offering a more flexible framework for organizing emotional and creative thoughts. “[It] empowers individuals to create a journaling structure that feels organic and less daunting,” she explained. By separating themes and moods into distinct journals, individuals can diminish feelings of overwhelm, cultivate joy, and better express their needs at any given time—whether for venting, dreaming, or contemplation.
This trend, Rumble notes, also validates the notion that there is no singular, correct method to journal. “You have the freedom to keep a messy journal, a visually appealing one, a private diary, or one that remains unfinished,” she remarks. Observing others embrace varied journaling styles can lessen feelings of shame and inspire experimentation with one’s journaling process.
Furthermore, the emergence of journal ecosystems corresponds with a broader trend towards intentional living, as individuals strive to connect more deeply with various facets of their emotional, creative, and intellectual selves.
Steps to Establishing a Journal Ecosystem
The number of journals in your ecosystem—whether it’s two or ten—depends on your personal preferences and needs. To kick off your collection, Rumble suggests focusing on the following five journaling themes:
- A thought journal: A space for releasing racing thoughts, addressing fears, and untangling anxiety—ideal for late-night reflections.
- A mood/reflection journal: Use this to log daily emotions and meaningful interactions, fostering emotional awareness and mindfulness. You might even visualize it on a graph.
- A memory journal: Capture significant memories, whether from childhood or important relationships—anything you wish to remember.
- A travel or sensory journal: Perfect for reconnecting with experiences of awe and beauty, usable in cafés or parks while observing surroundings.
- A reading journal: Track your reading journey, jot down impactful quotes, and respond emotionally to themes and characters as if it were an academic notebook.
Once the foundation is set, feel free to expand your ecosystem with additional journals for various needs, such as a junk journal for memorabilia, a planner for scheduling, or any other journaling feels appropriate. This multiform approach also encourages exploring different types of notebooks—perhaps a spiral-bound for doodling or a luxurious leather notebook for morning pages.
Ultimately, a journal ecosystem provides a wonderful opportunity to utilize those notebooks you may have purchased long ago but never used. The fundamental principle? “Maintain a spirit of self-compassion,” Rumble advises. “Remember, these journals are for you alone. They need not be perfect, finished, or shared.”
Source:
Emely Rumble, LCSW, therapist specializing in journal therapy, author of the upcoming Bibliotherapy in The Bronx.
Source
www.bustle.com