A simple journaling format
For five years I used a ‘one line a day’ journal: five entries on each page, for the same day of each year, a few lines rather than just one as its title described. I only missed a few days over those years, and loved the ritual of scribbling some words before bed each evening. Initially I also found it fascinating to look back on the previous year(s)’ entries, charting the changes from the early days of grief, and then through the pandemic.
I finished this journal in September, and while I wanted to continue the easeful habit of a few daily lines, the looking back part had started to feel cumbersome, like having to carry the past along. I used one of my miniature books for a while, as each page is the perfect size for a short daily entry, but breaking away from the five-year journal format made me wonder what elements I could add to daily journaling instead.
A new year feels like the perfect time for a fresh journal, especially as it coincides with a personal project for this, my 50th year. I spent some time thinking about the size and format of book I wanted and settled for A6, small and portable, a case binding with rounded spine. I wanted it to be simple and plain, so I chose pale, neutral colours for the covers and endpapers, and a cream cotton ribbon for the bookmark. With 128 pages, I could comfortably fit the features I wanted to introduce: one page for each month, and a week over two pages, each divided into four sections. I use the monthly page for notes on a tarot reading, but it could be a reflection on the previous month, or a list of goals or wishes for the weeks ahead. The first slot in each week is where I decide on what I’ll do for my 2025 project, and set some intentions. The remaining seven spaces are where I write a little each evening.
There are plenty of ready-made formats available for planning and journaling, and they can be perfect to try something new and explore what might work for you. But if you have some experience of journaling already, creating your own can ensure that you get the most out of the practice.
Tips for setting up your perfect journal:
Think about what your practice can look like and what you’d like to include
Determine how much space you’ll need for the writing you want to do, and how to format each page – it could be a larger format with more subdivisions, or a smaller book with less on each page
Based on that format, figure out how many pages you’ll need for the period of time you want to cover (it doesn’t have to be a year!)
Find a notebook that meets those requirements – opting for blank pages or a dotted grid will give you more options for your own page format than lined paper
Take the time to prepare your journal, adding lines and dates – making up a template out of thick cardboard will speed up drawing lines for your chosen format
If you’d like to try my journaling format, these notebooks available from my shop are A6 with 128 pages:
Pin it
