## Choosing a Notebook - Journaling is a therapeutic and helpful habit that has been recommended by therapists, doctors, and mental health advisers, with a lot of scientific information available about its benefits [(00:00:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=55s). - There are no rules with journaling, and the tips provided are simply suggestions to help develop a daily habit, with the first tip being to pick a notebook, any notebook, without overthinking it [(00:01:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=95s). - To start journaling, one can take an old, partially filled notebook off the shelf, clip together the filled pages with a paper clip, and start writing from the next empty page, making a note to distinguish the new start from the previous attempt [(00:02:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=146s). - The benefits of using an old notebook include not wasting the book, not stressing about buying the right one, and having a head start, with the goal of filling the book [(00:03:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=183s). - The notebook chosen will be the one to fill before moving on to any other, serving as the daily habit journal starter, without worrying about the type of cover or material at this point [(00:03:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=223s). - The focus should be on developing the habit, rather than worrying about the perfect notebook or cover, such as leather covers, which can be considered later [(00:04:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=245s). - To start building a journaling habit, one needs a notebook, and the next essential item is a pen, which can be any type of pen, as the specific type does not matter [(00:04:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=256s). ## Choosing a Pen and Pen Loop - To start building a journaling habit, one needs a notebook, and the next essential item is a pen, which can be any type of pen, as the specific type does not matter [(00:04:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=256s). - The key aspect of the pen is that it needs a pen Loop, a small accessory that can be attached to the notebook, allowing the pen to be stored with the journal at all times [(00:04:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=297s). - Pen Loops are inexpensive, with a pack of five available on [[Amazon (company) | Amazon]] for $5, and they have a small adhesive strip that can be attached to the back of the notebook or a card stock page [(00:05:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=309s). - The purpose of the pen Loop is to keep the pen with the journal, making it easily accessible when inspiration strikes, and eliminating the need to search for a pen, which can cause the moment to be lost [(00:06:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=361s). - While it is possible to add additional pen Loops for other writing utensils, such as markers or highlighters, it is recommended to keep things simple and only use a pen and a pen Loop to avoid complicating the journaling process [(00:06:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=412s). - The elastic material of the pen Loop can become worn over time, but it is a durable tool that can fit a variety of pen sizes, and if necessary, the adhesive strip can be removed and replaced with a new one [(00:07:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=443s). - Ultimately, the goal is to have a notebook and pen that are always together, making it easy to establish a journaling habit and take advantage of inspiration whenever it arises [(00:07:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=464s). ## Keeping the Journal With You - To build a journaling habit, it is essential to have a notebook and a pen, and the key is to keep the journal with you everywhere you go, making it a constant companion [(00:07:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=472s). - Leaving the journal open in a visible place, such as the kitchen counter, can help tempt you to write in it, and starting with small entries, like writing the date and one word, can help develop the habit [(00:08:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=497s). - Writing every day, even if it's just a sentence or two, is crucial, and not limiting oneself to a specific format or style can help make journaling a enjoyable and sustainable habit [(00:09:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=582s). - It's not necessary to have all the stickers and decorations to start journaling, just writing the words and developing the habit is enough, and with time, it's possible to become a daily journaler [(00:10:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=637s). - Combining entries from multiple days is also an option, especially on busy days when it's hard to find time to journal, and covering the content of those days is what matters [(00:09:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=598s). - Having a consistent journaling practice can lead to writing more extensively over time, and it's possible to go from writing a few words a day to writing several pages [(00:09:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=566s). ## Future Video Topics - Future video topics may include a comparison of different leather journals, such as the Wyatt leather and the Maverick, and sharing personal experiences with these journals [(00:11:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ&t=667s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJAtEKGqgQ)