types of journals: an introduction

 

There are as many different types of journals as there are reasons to journal. Here on fine print journaling, we will discuss the varieties of journals in great detail. This post will give you a quick run-down on some of what you can expect.

Travel Journals

Travel journals are, simply put, awesome. They give you the opportunity to remember your trip in a way that photos can’t. These journals can be as simple as reactions to your day or as intricate as a combination of photos, mementos, and recaps of what happened. The best part is that you can do this any way that you want! When I travel, I tend to come home with a pile of ticket stubs, restaurant receipts, parking passes, postcards, and any other little scrap of paper that I shoved in my pocket or bag. I also have my written memories, both in a tiny pocket journal and emails that I send to myself at the end of each day. I put all of these things, along with any photos I print, into a box, and that’s my journal! I used to always tell myself that I would make beautiful scrapbooks out of these mementos, but I’ve accepted that I am not that person. And that’s okay! Journaling is flexible.

Reading Journals

After getting two degrees in English, it became habit for me to respond to what I was reading. In school, the responses were much more analytical than they are in my journal, but I still get the same insight that I did then. All I do is talk about what the book made me think of and how it made me feel; basically, the entry is my response to the text. It can get very personal and I’m often surprised at what I figure out because of reading. It’s not a perfect science, it’s very reactionary, but it is still incredibly introspective. It feels like my own personal book club.

You can, of course, just keep a basic journal that recounts your daily activities, thoughts, and feelings, and it can be whatever you want it to be. Not everything has to be categorized, but knowing why you’re writing is always beneficial. I always try to have purpose in everything I do, and journaling is no exception. I write because I want to remember and because I want to know myself better. All of the types of journals that we’re going to talk about help to do this.

Soon, we’ll be posting multiple articles and photos, and even some DIYs, about all of the kinds of journals that you can explore. If there are any that you would like to learn more about, feel free to comment or contact us!

Remember, journaling is flexible! How you journal and what you journal about is fully up to you. Have fun with it and don’t be afraid to branch out!

 

 

xxoo

R