This post is open to all readers, paid and unpaid. I would love for you to read and enjoy (and restack!) this post if you like it, instead of paying for it. The word-of-mouth, that matters to me dearly so I’m thrilled if you choose to share this in your Notes or forward this to someone that could use some creative, inspirational vibes today.
Hello my sunshines… as I talk about extensively in GET REAL, I’ve been using journals for words and images (& stickers!), since I was in grade school. A LONG TIME. But this WAS my escape then, and it totally IS now. The thing is, most don’t share my view. In fact, lots of you see a white, blank page or imagine committing to a regular journaling practice with WORDS, actual WORDS, and WRITING WORDS, and feel your face go green. You see, we’ve become excellent typists and thumb typers, but the second we’re asked to write a sentence on a piece of paper, we freeze or worse, we write something that looks like a doctor’s signature. Sound about true?
No judgement.
Truth is, when you get out of the habit of writing with your hands, writing becomes harder and harder and you may have a hard time writing as legibly as you once did. That’s okay, you can train it. You can write beautifully again, with flow, with words pouring out of your pen.
But suppose you don’t really care to do that?
Maybe you aren’t a fan of hand writing and are happier in the world of Notes on your iPhone or tapping away on your keyboard as you work on your next email newsletter.
Maybe actual writing by hand isn’t for you.
First, that’s fine. But you are missing something big, which I’ll get into in a moment.
Next, you can still be creative, write (a little) and be into a journaling practice. This is especially awesome for those of you who have felt torn between wanting to write and wanting to create something visual.
Have you heard of art journaling?
It’s the most perfect middle ground. And it’s the big creative pastime in your life that you just may be missing.
Art journals are where images and words make out.
Using your journals for words and to be creative visually is a beautiful way to express things that are too big, too raw, or too layered to put on white, empty pages. It’s for creative souls who crave depth, meaning, and a little bit of visual magic. And it’s for artists who don’t really love to write, and for writer’s who don’t consider themselves artistic.
I enjoy working in all size books, but particularly I use the largest books I can find with blank white pages inside. They must lay completely flat and no spiral binding. There’s something about that open space that feels like freedom. But also… let’s be honest… the blank page can be intimidating. It’s the big fear, right? Where do you begin?
To ease into it, I always start by lighting a candle. The vibe chills me out and also tells me that it’s time to center myself and focus on a little time for myself. I’ll also put a few drops of essential oil on my pulse points (lavender or oud are my go-to’s). Scent is powerful, it helps me feel grounded and connected to the moment. I also play music that sets the mood.
This ritual tells my body: We’re about to create.
(which sounds a bit naughty, but trust me, this has nothing to do with sex.)
If you're sensitive to sound like I am, you might love Lo-fi Girl on YouTube, and the music (no lyrics!) keeps your mind calm and focused.
But if you do like lyrics, and they don't distract you, I highly recommend any Spotify playlist curated by Interior guru Leanne Ford - she has her own channel here. They’re fun, chic, and mood-boosting, I even play them during dinner parties and road trips. Her French playlist is my fave for journaling. I don’t understand a word, so it doesn’t hijack my brain, and it has just the right energy to keep me flowing.
So… what am I missing… I covered scent, sound… Oh yes - snacks!
Grab something that you love to eat that won’t stain your work or make a mess, pretzels or nuts are good (and healthy!), and my go-to drinks are a hot raw cocoa with coconut milk, cappuccino, or a matcha latte. And next, I make sure to grab my journal and a bunch of art supplies…. Pens, markers, papers, magazines, stickers, scissors, a glue stick, and of course, my giant stash of washi tape. (I may or may not have around 100 rolls of washi tape.)
One of my favorite tools lately for journaling are intention cards. I made a bunch for you to cut out in my Get Real course. These aren’t like oracle or tarot cards. They’re not metaphysical tools. They’re gentle prompts, designed to help you break through the fear of the blank page and just start.
These cards will support you when you're stuck or just need a gentle nudge to begin. You simply face them down and draw one that vibes right with you, flip it over, read the word and manta, and try to focus on that topic and see what reveals itself on your journal page.
And…. for if you feel stuck in a creative or business rut in the moment and missed the Get Real 7-Day Mini Course with my lovely live art journaling session for 90 minutes, you can enroll in the next one now, which begins on June 1st and runs until June 7th. I hope it sparks something real in you, a desire to keep exploring, expressing, and connecting through your creative voice! [You can save $10 if you enroll by May 15th if you use coupon code SUBSTACK10.]
Remember, art journaling is not about being a great artist or a perfect writer. It’s about showing up. It’s about telling your truth visually, emotionally, and with deep heart.
Hugs,
Holly
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