Embracing Messiness: Why I Opt for Dot Journals Over Traditional Lined Notebooks (sometimes)
how I like to write & a journal freebie for you!
My journals are messy.
In fact, I stopped buying traditionally lined notebooks. The lines felt constricting for my loopy scrawl and often left me thinking more about the space on the page than what I was getting on the paper. Today, I opt for dots over lines. I’ve even become really radical and occasionally incorporate a stylus and my laptop. I usually reserve that method for the shopping lists though, because when it comes to the important stuff—goals, dreams, fears, doodles—I still prefer paper.
When I first started using the pen as a healing implement, there was no way I’d ditch the lines.
The words I wrote felt risky enough. Throwing convention and order out the window was out of the question. I relied on journals with prompts, worksheets, and expensive safe-feeling paper. The more I’ve grown comfortable with my mind wandering and not casting me out to dry, the less I’ve relied on structure for a feeling of safety. Although, I do have an allegiance to one type of pen— a black Pilot G2 10 BOLD. From time to time when my mind feels stagnant or inspiration is lacking, I go back to the basics. I pull out a journal loaded with prompts. Sometimes it’s good to get out of your own head for a few minutes.
For a handful of months, I kept a running list of ‘wants’.
The word ‘want’ sits better with me than the word ‘dream’. The word dream feels almost a little too hokey and triggering to me but, I digress. Everything made the cut on my want list. It ranged from “I want a big ass soaking bathtub” to “I want to run a retreat”. Then I stopped. I don’t know why. I don’t know when. Even if I did, it’s irrelevant. What I do know is that I want to start this list again, but I need the help of a tool. A blank dotted page feels too scary. But instead of turning to a journal sitting on my bookshelf, I made myself a tool and I’m going to share it with you!
With the start of a new month and spring barreling along, I thought I’d incorporate some of the elements of nature as my guideposts. I’m going to hold these four categories in my mind today, and then dedicate some time tonight to jotting down some things I desire for each section. I know it’s a belabored point, but writing things down truly is magical.
What are your intentions for the new month?
»»Celebrate spring by checking out my journal Lessons from Nature.
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Maggie, I would be interested in how the format turns out for you. Keep us posted -- D