New Ways to Stay Engaged with Your Journal.

One can have a life-long relationship with a journal. The journal itself will change over time, just as the person writing will. One beautiful aspect of the journal is that it is a kind of writing that is open to everyone--not only to aspiring or professional writers. But any long-term relationship needs adjustments. Here are some ideas for keeping your journaling fresh.

• Play with color. If your journals are plain, try one a colorful cover and colorful or screen printed pages.
• Shop for future volumes. Go to Barnes, a stationery shop, or a gift shop. Seeing those empty journals may make you want to scribble.
• Stop worrying about being messy. If your handwriting changes daily, it's just reflecting your changing moods.
• Use different kinds of writing utensils: markers, ballpoints, metallic or glitter Gelly Rolls, a fountain pen...focus on the tactile experience. Find your favorites.
• Doodle. Add stickers. Make a mess.
• If you find inspiring questions, quotations, or phrases, write them on a new page. Respond to the prompt on that page right away, or flag it an come back to it later.
• If you love an expensive journal but feel bad about buying it, remember that you may use it daily for months. Maybe that's worthwhile!