I’ve mentioned before that I’m a fan of keeping a daily journal. Not only to keep track of ideas for stories and poems, but also as a sort of mental health treatment. Being able to write down my thoughts, fears, anxieties, and dreams helps me to keep the attic clear of debris. It’s cheaper than therapy and I can do it in the comfort of my home.
And while I enjoy the process of journaling, there is one moment that I look forward to every few months.
Starting a new journal.
I get excited when I near the end of the current journal. I start counting how many pages are left until there are no more. I check the calendar to estimate what day I’ll be wrapping up. I get a little more long-winded as I push towards the end.
Then the day comes that I sign off on the last page, close the cover, and place it among all the others in my bookcase. Immediately afterward, I pick a new journal off another shelf and place it on the table in my writing spot, laying the pen tenderly on the cover, and I wait until morning.
Opening a new journal is the best feeling. I work the covers carefully back and forth to loosen up the spine (I prefer hardcover journals), then dip my nose between the pages so I can inhale that fresh paper smell. There’s nothing quite like that. It’s like that familiar smell of an old bookstore or a library. The pages here are still fresh, though, and unblemished, just waiting for the ink.
Writing on the first page, those first few letters, the first words, the first sentence…in that moment I’ve christened the journal, like breaking a champagne bottle over the bow of a new ship. It’s now ready to set sail with my thoughts to unknown horizons.
During the ensuing months, I’ll take my time writing out my thoughts and savoring the experience. In the back of my mind, I know there will be another journal a few months down the road. In the meantime, I can enjoy this one.
RB
The pleasure was indeed mine RB 🙏
I love this! I have found that since I’ve started blogging – my attic is decidedly less cluttered as well!
Jodi
LOL…glad to meet like-minded bloggers! Thanks for stopping by, Jodi.
Thank you for sharing your emotions and feelings as you start a new journal!
And thank you for taking the time to read and comment, Luisa. Cheers!
🌹🙏🌹
My favorite journals are the 5x7s with the dotted paper. It’s a totally different experience than typing, isn’t it?
I’ve seen the dotted paper journals, but haven’t tried one yet. I’m a fan of the college ruled pages.
But yes, it is such a different experience than typing. It feels more organic to me.
Enjoy using your new journal
Will do, Sheree! 🙂
Sounds like journal writing is a totally immersive experience, Richard.😎
It definitely can be, Pat. Highly recommended!
This post brings me back every beginning of September of my childhood and teenage years.
A new school year starting (so much more significant for me than the 1st of January), new note books, new pens, new ambitions!
I haven’t done pen to paper writing in a while, tbh. But I do write down things digitally, mainly ideas for the blog.
But reading this post does make me miss the good old times. And I am definitely a bit sad kids these days don’t get to experience it like that, most likely
Nostalgia, eh 😀
I’m the same way. When it’s back to school time here, I love walking the school supply aisles and thinking back to how excited I’d be with the new notebooks and pens.
We never really outgrow it. 🙂