Create a Notebook Especially for Journaling Prompts

Create a Notebook Especially for Journaling Prompts

The Benefits of Journaling

Journaling can look different to different people. Whether a cathartic release, a personal history kept for posterity, or a meditation time for creativity, journaling is good for you. In “What’s All This About Journaling?”, NY Times writer Hayley Phelan states that journaling, as shown in scientific studies, is “essentially a panacea for modern life.” She wrote:

There are the obvious benefits [to journaling], like a boost in mindfulness, memory and communication skills. But studies have also found that writing in a journal can lead to better sleep, a stronger immune system, more self-confidence and a higher I.Q. Research out of New Zealand suggests that the practice may even help wounds heal faster

So it seems like a pretty good practice to implement more!

Journaling Prompts

I admit I’m pretty good at journaling as venting and thinking through issues and problems. (Phelan says that’s because writing is essentially organizing, which helps us make sense of things.) To be honest, I think I can best be described as:

However, I miss a lot of writing and creative thinking by limiting myself to just trying to make sense of what’s in my brain (as helpful as that is). I trust you’ve seen a handful of lovely journaling prompts from Paula here at Between the Bookends, such as Words Like Wildflowers – 15 creative journaling prompts and Cultivate Your Inner Bookworm – 15 journaling prompts. This type of thoughtful and creative encouragement is like a conversation starter, whether you write solely for yourself or you share it with others.

Creative writing has many benefits, from an increased attention span to improved self-esteem. And, in fact, if you don’t think of yourself as creative or as a creative writer, guess what. Creative writing boosts creativity!

A Notebook Especially for Journaling Prompts

Admittedly, I have notebooks upon notebooks scattered around my house. I write everything down. I mean, everything.

Two years ago, I began taking CEUs (Continuing Education Units) as required to maintain my ASL Interpreter certification, and I also started attending trainings and Professional Development meetings as an ASL Instructor. Wouldn’t it be nice, I thought, to just have one place to keep all those notes together?

So I made myself a personalized notebook! I took some of my favorite beach photos (my happy place!) that I’ve taken over the years and created a special-to-me notebook.

And I think this would be a fantastic idea for the journaling prompts you see here (and will see here) at Between the Bookends! How fun would it be to DIY your own personalized high-quality notebook?! You can choose from hardbound or wirebound journals/notebooks, and there are lots of designs to choose from here.

These books are 6″x8″. You’ll also be able to choose your interior pages. I like the lined pages for writing, but there are four different options. You choose these after you design the front, right before you checkout.

So give it a go! Try writing from one of the many journaling prompts Paula provides us here (that link will have the latest) and create a special notebook here to house them.

I taught a quick class about this a while back, so check out the video recording if you’d like. The AutoPrint platform has been updated, so the process isn’t exactly like this, but it’s just as easy.

One of the best things, I think, about keeping all your journaling in one place like this is the ability to look back. What will your journaling prompts notebook look like a year from now? Will you see growth? Ups and downs? Insights as you spend time being thoughtful and reflective? An increase in your creative ability?

I’m looking forward to using my brand new Journaling Prompts Notebook!

P.S. If you’d like to use the same design I did, the template is here. This one template allows you to change color, font, and text!


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15 thoughts on “Create a Notebook Especially for Journaling Prompts

  1. Jen, this is fantastic! Love this idea! This sounds perfect, I’m going to check out creating my own journal like you did.

    1. I’m so glad you love it, Paula! I have really enjoyed using mine specifically for your journaling prompts and taking the time–which I haven’t for a long time–to focus on creative writing.

  2. Your notebooks are really creative. I have so many books myself but I’ve never thought of keeping one for journal prompts, that’s a great idea.

    1. Thanks, Anne! It was so much fun to make. I love that there are so many designs to choose from, and that they’re pre-designed so that I can personalize it and order it in just a few minutes. I hadn’t thought of keeping a separate one for journaling prompts until now, either, but I’m so glad I did. 🙂

  3. Hello my loved one I want to say that this post is amazing great written and include almost all significant infos I would like to look extra posts like this

  4. This is a great idea! I used to keep a completely separate notebook for blog post ideas… which is sort of the same thing but not… 🙂

    1. Thanks, Joanne! Yes, same idea as a separate notebook for blog posts (but not–ha ha). I’ve really enjoyed doing this specifically for Paula’s journaling prompts. I haven’t done any creative writing for much too long!

  5. Jennifer, I’ve always enjoyed journal prompts. This is a great idea, and I love that you can personalize the notebooks. Journaling has always been a favorite of mine. Thank you for sharing at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party #50.

    1. I haven’t done any journaling prompts for a long time, so I think I’m just catching up to you, Stephanie! 🙂 Thanks–I think this personalized journal is a fun idea, too. Thanks for sharing your experience, and thanks for hosting!

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