It’s fun to look inside of other people’s journals.
And Michelle Marie of SeaweedKisses.com was one of the first journalers I came across who combined visuals with journaling. Her blog and YouTube channel became a constant source of inspiration for me, but the thing that captured me the most was a series she wrote called “The Journal Diaries.”
It was so powerful to see inside of others journals.
Journals are so personal. They say so much about the person keeping them. Even when two people journaled on the same topic, the results were wildly different. (And there was incredible beauty in the differences.)
The glimpses Michelle shared on her blog into other’s journaling practice helped me take my visual journaling practice deeper.
Which is why I was really excited when Michelle agreed to share her personal journey with journaling–including snapshots of the insides of some of her journals!
If you’ve been curious about how other journalers approach their practice, check out Michelle’s story below:
When did you start journaling?
Journaling has always been a favorite hobby of mine. The earliest I can remember was in my elementary days. There was nothing I looked forward to the most than coming home from school and scribbling away about the day in my little diary.
How has journaling impacted you?
There are many ways journaling has impacted me. From increasing my self-awareness and motivation, to boosting my drive for goal-setting and productivity. Keeping a journal throughout these life experiences turned into an archived guide for the process.
A favorite quote capturing my thoughts on journaling is one by JM Barrie-
“The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another; an his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he vowed to make it.”
Tell us about your personal set up? What type of journal and tools do you use?
Although my notebooks tend to change year-to-year, my setup has remained pretty consistent. For daily journaling, I enjoy A5 size notebooks. I’m a picky one, though. The ideal journal has to offer at least 200+ pages (as I tend to write a lot!), and it must lay completely flat when open on a writing surface.
With that being said, the large Moleskine journal has been my current go-to for deep writing and self-reflection.
For travels, though, I like to keep that separate from my daily journal. Therefore, I’ve been using the Traveler’s Company “Traveler’s Notebook.”
The Traveler’s Notebook is light yet sturdy. And the customization system is fun and easy to switch things around for convenience.
My go-to writing tools are any type of smooth rollerball click pen. This makes journaling easy for my on-the-go days and traveling.
What advice do you have for people just getting started?
Just start, even if it’s just a word or sentence a day! Heck, you don’t even have to write something every day. Just journal whenever that “writing feeling” hits you, then your words and story will flow out more authentically. Your journal will capture a true and raw perspective of things. Then in time your true journaling style will shine through, the habit will form, and your flow will come out naturally.
Also, use a notebook you’ll love. From past and personal experience, if using a journal that isn’t your ideal size, quality, design, etc, you’re less likely to use it. So use what will work and be comfortable for you. That includes a decent pen or pencil, too!
Where can people connect with you to learn more?
Lately I’ve been active on my YouTube channel- Seaweed Kisses. There I share journal flip-through, planner reviews, and stationery obsessed videos!
I also enjoy sharing my quiet morning journaling pages and setups through Instagram- @SeaweedKisses.
Connecting with other journalers through the community is such a highlight to my day! It’s nice to know that there are others that share the same hobbies and passion as you!
The Seaweed Kisses Patreon club is where I share more personal journaling prompts, stationery favorites, and secret bonus posts!
Feel free to stop by and say “hi!”
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/Seaweedkisses
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/Seaweedkisses
PATREON: www.patreon.com/SeaweedKisses PS. I’m a Patreon subscriber!
“Just start, even if it’s just a word or sentence a day! Heck, you don’t even have to write something every day.” Michelle of Seaweed Kisses
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