Wellness
Theres a method to the madness.
Just like that, the notebook turns into a multi-purpose pad that feels out of control.
While this method works for some people, its why others prefer to have multiple notebooks for different topics.
On TikTok, this is called a journal ecosystem, and it hasover 30 million postsunder the phrase.
In an April 1 video, creator@mostlymadyheld up her pile of journals.
Here is an officialtour of my journaling ecosystem, she said.
And I know what youre thinking: Holy sh*t, thats a lot of journals.
She also shared how and when she uses each one.
Her first notebook is for creativity andjunk journaling.
Her second is a hiking journal that she only updates with tales from the trails.
A coffee journal where she jots down notes from different cafes shes tried while traveling.
Its so good for you, but its also common for people tofeel completely overwhelmed by journaling.
Either you dont know what to write or you write nothing at all.
People feel intimidated by the blank page, she says.
Theres often internalized pressure to write the right thing or to sound poetic.
Others might worry about messing up a fresh diary or keeping their handwriting neat and consistent.
Journaling isnt about being profound its about being present, she adds.
Sometimes we have to start with scribbles, lists, or even one sentence.
Rumble believes ajournal ecosystemis one way to relieve some of this pressure.
It also removes the expectation that one notebook has to hold everything.
Rumble likes that this trend normalizes howtheres no one way to journal, too.
The love for journal ecosystems also reflects the growing desire tobe more intentional as you go about your day.
Its all about finding what works best for you.
The idea is to have a journal for all of your needs.
For many, a journal ecosystem is a great excuse to try out different types of journals.
For doodling, you might like a spiral-bound notebook that lays flat.
Whatever you choose, the key is to keep it rooted in self-compassion, says Rumble.
Your journals are for you.
They dont have to be finished, pretty, or shared.
Source:
Emely Rumble, LCSW, therapist specializing in journal therapy, author of the upcomingBibliotherapy in The Bronx
