For as long as I can remember, I've tried and failed to enjoy journaling.
I've spent unimaginable money on notebooks and pens, tried different formats and styles, but to no avail. I still can't stand the idea of keeping a journal.
So this year I'm deciding to try something different. I'm trying a few different types of journals that are better suited to my learning styles and to my life. Research some different methods and try one (or more) of them yourself!
1. Travel journal
Keep track of your trips. Plan every moment from the flight to the hotel to the excursions to all the cool restaurants you want to try. Hold onto your plane tickets and other ticket stubs to attach later!
2. Write songs
3. Bullet journal
Bullet journaling is the latest fad to make anything you want to write down look like an art form. If you're creative and have gorgeous handwriting, this is definitely the one for you. Pro tip: invest in a grid-lined notebook that makes organization easier.
4. Take photos
If you're not a big writer, you can keep a scrapbook or a photo journal to hold onto some precious memories without having to worry so much about finding the right thing to say. A picture is worth a thousand words, after all.
5. One line a day
Long-winded journaling isn't your thing? Use notebooks like these to sum up your day with a quick one-liner before you go to bed.
6. Write letters
Something about writing for an audience makes it feel different to me. I get my sister a postcard every time I'm in a new place and I'm pen pals with my aunt and my little cousin. Writing something for someone else to read can be incredibly emotionally cleansing.
7. Start a blog
Express your thoughts on the internet, whether through Wordpress, Pinterest, Tumblr, or any other site.
8. Join a writing community
Join an Odyssey team or a similar organization that groups together like-minded individuals who are all working on their writing skills.
9. Write lists
Grocery lists, to-do lists, lists of things you want, lists of places you want to go; the lists of lists are endless!
10. Write stories
You don't have to write about your personal experiences to be a writer. Let your imagination run wild by creating stories that will transport your readers to a different time and place.