We have big plans and lofty ambitions for 2021. I mean, 2020 was easily one of the worst years of our lives, so we’re keen for this year to make up for it, even just a little bit. So, to capture our goals and stay focused, all three of us started journaling daily thanks to our friends at Take Note Journals who gifted us each with one of their three-month wellness journals.*
Although, it’s so much more than a journal – it’s really like five journals rolled into one. And that’s because Amanda, one of the creators of Take Note, wanted to consolidate all the tools she was using to create an all-in-one wellness journal that people would actually use. It’s designed using the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, focusing on how our habits, behaviour and mood all relate to each other. So, it’s got a lot going for it, including:
- prompts for monthly, weekly and daily goal setting
- an hourly mood and activity diary (really needed this one!)
- space for daily affirmations
- to do lists and blank note areas
- a weekly spending diary
- a blank monthly calendar
- a place to list three good things that happened each and every day. This is our favourite part. It’s usually the bad parts of the day that are hard to let go of, but so much good stuff happens too and if we take the time to capture it then it’s more likely to stick with us.
I personally hadn’t used a journal since the 8th grade. And that was just a blank notebook given to me by my teacher who demanded we all write an entry daily, so it wasn’t truly of my own accord. As a new journaler AND new mom I was worried I wouldn’t have the time to commit to using it every day, but I’m happy to report that it’s seamlessly become part of my routine. The layout makes it easy to use, and it quickly became part of my (oh so precious) “me” time. Plus, it really allowed me to connect with how I was feeling and promoted some serious positivity that I dreadfully needed. I mean, it’s January and we’re in a goddamn pandemic. Also, I was really inspired by the goal setting features. Taking the time at the start of the month to think through everything I wanted to achieve and map out how I would get there left me feeling organized, optimistic and totally badass.
The journals also looks so much cooler than my 8th grade one (which was just a book that said Journal in cursive on the front). These ones have some seriously gorgeous cover art courtesy of queer, BIPOC, and disabled artists from around the world. And there’s tons of covers to choose from so the journal ended up feeling really personal to me.
Another reason why we were into Take Note? It’s a female owned and operated business (like us!) that produces its products right here in Toronto – sustainably too!
- A Take Note Wellness journal, which you can order from their website here. Each journal comes with a feelings wheel and mandala
- Pen, pencil and pencil crayons
- An open mind and spirit
This part is totally up to you. Each journal has blank dates though, so you can get started whenever you want. I found it helpful to journal while having my tea in the morning and revisiting it at lunch and after dinner. Some days, that’s totally not going to be realistic, but getting in to a groove of setting aside five minutes every day is totally manageable. After two weeks or so you’ll find it just becomes part of your routine. Happy journaling!
We’ve got the perfect bevy to sip on while journaling. Our wildflower and herb detox tea has the all-natural kick and immune boost to get you all fired up. Get the recipe here.
These chill tunes will get you all zen-like for your journaling venture.
Click Here to Start Listening!
*While the journals were gifted to us by Take Note, our opinions are our own.