All About Journals

Choosing the style of your life.

The continued popularity of journals says something fundamental about the human need to communicate. We all need to share our thoughts, even if it's solely with our private selves. And though few of them will be read by as many people as, say, the journals of Lewis and Clark, journals can also be ways to pass down the intimate details of our life to friends and family, even after we've gone. Whether the journal you keep is of a year in Africa, the course of a pregnancy, or a list of meals and nature walks recollected, here are some of the journals in which you might choose to confide.

Leather journals

Leather journals are the first choice for a quality writing experience. Leather journals draw upon the centuries old traditions of leather tanning and book binding to give you the most intimate and tactile journal writing experience possible.

There are leather journal styles suitable for all manner of journal topics. If you journal on the go, an Italian wrap style of leather journal features a side string made from calfskin, providing both extra privacy and a simple, casual traveling appearance. For further privacy, the envelope wrap style of leather journals adds an additional fold over leather flap and wrap around leather tie.

For home journals, a standard leather journal with placeholder ribbon should serve just fine. Customize with your name on the cover, or keep track of your days with an included calendar.

Small journals

When traveling through dangerous countries, the famed 19th century explorer Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton would keep note pages hidden in the palm of his hand to record his extensively detailed observations about the world around him. If you like to journal as you people watch or go on nature hikes, a small journal helps keep your intimate thoughts to yourself. A 2 inch by 3 1/2 inch ringed journal would be ideal for recording those epigrams or poetic couplets that strike you during the course of the day.

Carrying a small journal with you can act as a reminder to live consciously and be aware of your life every moment.

Blank journals

Not everyone records life through words alone. Blank journals are terrific for those who love to capture the world with both images and words. With a blank journal you'll find it easier to complement an account of your day with a small sketch. Or perhaps just the freedom of an unlined page makes you feel like you can use blank journals to write in any style you choose, like scattering uncapitalized words in the poetic style of ee cummings.

Journal topics

If you're new to the world of journals, take a moment to consider what's motivating you to follow this course of self-examination. Journal topics can vary widely. Some grandparents record journals as a keepsake for their future grandchildren. Others use journals to chart the progress of a life changing experience, such as a pregnancy or impending marriage.

Or if you're simply feeling the urge to write, keeping a journal can open the door to increased self-awareness. As Christina Baldwin said, "Journal writing is a voyage to the interior." Bon voyage.

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