My everyday journals {and how I use each one}

I receive a number of emails asking what I do with all my journals, how many I use on a daily basis, what I use each one for, how I keep up with them, where I purchased them, etc. So, here it is. I've put together a little summary of what each of my daily notebooks are used for:

1.) Midori Traveler's Notebook- When I originally purchased this, I used it more as a creative art journal. I drew in there, I scribbled thoughts, glued pictures of inspiration, and pretty much added random things that didn't fit in the other 3 journals pictured. But as the months passed, I really wanted to use it more for traveling and life adventures. So now I just use it whenever I go on road trips with friends, hiking in the mountains, and any type of exploring. Moving forward, this will also be used to document activities and memories throughout future travels I plan on doing. I purchased mine at a Japanese bookstore in New York, but there are a few online stores that carry them : Baum-Kuchen, Resor Shop, and Goulet Pens. For those that love the leather appeal of the notebook, but looking for other alternatives, Etsy is a good place to find those handmade covers.

2.) Hobonichi Planner- I wanted this journal way before the Midori, and I was even willing to purchase the Japanese version just to have it. So I was thrilled when they finally came out with the English version last year. Originally when I purchased the Hobonichi, it was going to be used as an everyday diary where I would just write about my day. But as I started using it more and more, I realized that the dated pages weren't long/wide/big enough to write all that was on my mind without it overflowing onto the next page. So now it's become my "manifestation" journal. All my goals, projects, and future plans are written down in here. Before I even started on my vision board, I used this to list every thought that came across my mind and to help keep my ideas somewhat organized. ( I can really get ahead of myself sometimes.) I purchased mine directly through the Hobonichi website. *Update on this- I now use this Miquel Rius soft bound journal. The pages are much bigger but still have the grid design which I like.*

3.) Molang Diary Planner- This is my daily planner. Here I write down all of my daily tasks and everyday errands. My weekends are also planned ahead for the most part so I make sure to keep track of all the to-dos that slowly build up throughout the weekdays.  I also use this to keep track of incoming/ outgoing snail mail, blog post ideas, my weekly grocery list, and username/passwords for all of my online accounts. I purchased the Molang planner through YesStyle. *Update on this- I now use this Mead notebook*

4.) Little blank notebook- This is my little black notebook that I carry around with me everyday. It's used to write down those "ah ha!" moments, inspirational quotes, books that people recommend, ideas that pop out of nowhere, and last minute changes on plans or get-togethers. I purchased mine at Marshalls, but the brand is called Eccolo.

Now I know some may think that having more than 1 or 2 notebooks at a time is overwhelming, but it really works for me. In my opinion, I think it's more overwhelming to have just one notebook for all the things I've listed above. I would get lost in my own writing and get confused on where I wrote "this" or what day I needed to do "that." So with having a separate notebook for all the different things in my life, it helps me stay focused and organized. I see them more as subject dividers, each notebook serves it's purpose in providing me the separation I need for the different events in my life.