Journal throwback + Tips on personal journaling

Hello, readers! Last time, I mentioned we are on an ongoing project at home – de-cluttering and redesigning our room – to make space for Toyo. And guess where we are now…..uhm yeah still there. (Lol)

During the past holidays, I had time to re-scan my old journals I found during the clean-up. Why the hell I write on journals??? There are things that are too personal to share, but nothing for my daily journals. I write everything in them. They’re like an “idea dump” notebook, except those are not just ideas, but are my actual and most honest thoughts, feelings, and personal stories.

It’s really just cute and touching (and funny, tbh) reading old stories from your past self. May mga problema kasi talaga noon na tatawanan mo nalnag talaga ngayon. And it’s also cute reading stories from your past love. Some are inspiring, they can also make your treasure your current love life as well.

My favorite parts though are the doodles and letterings and paintings. Oh yes, I really love colors more than writing (uhm??).

Coming from a journal lover, it really is a challenge to maintain a daily journal. I’ve been trying to make it an everyday habit, but I always failed. Learning from all my journaling experiences, I learned making it an everyday task is just not worth it. Especially for myself who runs a life of the “usual everydays”.

Update whenever you feel like doing so.

Since you are trying to keep a personal journal or a diary, whatever you call it, you have to make it as honest as it can be. Writing just for the sake of updating it daily won’t do any harm, but keep it honest. Ideas will eventually flow when you focus on not being shy or hesitant.

Make it a personal task.

I tried challenging myself with prompts from the internet, but it never worked. It was like I was faking my journal and worse, lying to myself. But of course I can’t tell if it won’t work well for you, too. Try it! What things are worth sharing? Are there moments you don’t want to forget? Feelings? Or funny times you want to remember again in the future?

Reflect your personality…or current mood.

Adding stuff my ephemeras or pictures or art that perfectly describes you or your mood is one of the best reminder of who you are (or were, in case you want to make your future self laugh).