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Let’s talk about journals. Some people love them—they write pages and pages every night forever. Others, not so much. Basically for some, journaling feels like torture.
Even as a professional writer, as someone who writes books for kids as my job, I fall into the in-between category. Let me tell you why. Here’s my very own journal:
I’m on my third book, and I started writing in my One Line a Day in 2011, when my now 12-year-old daughter was a little over one. I wanted a way to just record things that happen in my life, mostly so I won’t forget them. Some days, my journal becomes a list of things I’m grateful for. Other days, it’s a list of complaints. There are even times where I simply write UGH across the five lines, and go to bed. That’s okay. I love keeping a record of my days, of the funny things my kids say, of amazing meals I eat, accomplishments, gripes, worries, sadness, all of it. And the best part is being able to look back and read the previous year’s entry on that particular day. I highly recommend a One Line a Day if you want to write some stuff down, but don’t have the energy for long entries. This version is cute too.
Here are a few other journals I'd love to use, and I think teens would also get excited to have in their room.
Do it for Yourself, $14, is bright and invites creativity with every page.
A gratitude journal, $24, is great because the prompts really help you if you're having writer's block. On the pages here, you'll find questions like "What past experiences are you feeling grateful for this week?" And research has shown that taking time to be thankful actually boosts positivity overall. So that's cool.
A classic Moleskine, $22, is a standard choice for many writers. But I like this smiley version because it's cheerful but also sturdy and lightweight so it's ideal to carry around with you, for any time inspiration strikes!
The HappyMe Journal, $34, is made specifically for teens, sophisticated and fun at the same time. It's beautifully designed with plenty of prompts for older kids, helping to encourage positive habits and routines. plus questions, challenges, emojis, affirmations, quotes, and spaces to note moments of gratitude and reflection. There are also weekly review pages and then the rest is blanked-lined pages for whatever your heart wants to express.
Sometimes we can lean toward catastrophic thinking, but what if we could lean the other way, too? And consider the possibility that whatever we’re worried about will turn out okay? It’s hard to do when we feel overwhelmed and stressed, but this journal, What if it all works out?, $12, may help us all accomplish it.
Whether you’re a committed journaler, someone who can’t be bothered, or somewhere in between, there are options out there for you! l Pick up a pen or pencil, and whichever type feels right, and try it out. Maybe this notes and thoughts bullet journal, $32, will inspire you. You may surprise yourself (in a good way) in the process!
Lisa Greenwald is the author of more than 20 novels for tweens and teens including the TBH & Friendship List series. She lives in New York City with her husband, two daughters and a mini bernedoodle named Kibbitz. She writes in her One Line a Day, Five Year Memory Book every night before bed.
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