After 20 Years of Journaling, Here's What I've Learned

2025 marks 20 years since I began regularly keeping a handwritten journal, and it's been an amazing journey! In this video, I share my top seven journaling tips, insights, and advice that I've gained over two decades of analog journaling. During this journey, I've kept commonplace books, writing journals, family journals, gratitude journals, and more. And I've used notebooks large and small, as well as writing instruments from expensive fountain pens to cheap pencils. Over time, my journaling system has changed dramatically, and it's been rewarding to adjust my system over time as my journaling needs and preferences have changed. MY SEVEN LESSONS FROM 20 YEARS OF JOURNALING 0:26 Writing in your journal is learning. 1:27 Your journaling practice doesn't have to be perfect. 2:11 Analog journaling is better than digital journaling. 4:37 Keep different journals for different purposes. 5:21 Let your journaling system change and adapt over time. 5:56 Vent on paper, not online. 7:15 Journaling can be FUN! PERSONAL LINKS - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downthebreatherhole/ - Website: https://www.brianwallacebaker.com/ - Tip Jar: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=NGWDHLWGSNLP4&no_recurring=0&item_name=Thanks+for+supporting+Down+the+Breather+Hole%21&currency_code=USD MY FAVORITE WRITING GEAR (paid affiliate links*) - Favorite fountain pen: Lamy Safari -https://amzn.to/42jMlc6 - Favorite fountain pen ink: Pilot Iroshizuku Syo-ro - https://amzn.to/42sjjaG - Favorite ballpoint: Andhand Method - https://www.andhand.co.uk/products/method-pen-black?ref=downthebreatherhole (use discount code "downthebreatherhole") - Favorite pen case: Kaco 20-pen case - https://amzn.to/3Ef4Gz9 - Favorite EDC Bag: Lochby Venture Pouch - https://www.lochby.com/yhrfy5 - Favorite paper: Rhodia ivory 90GSM paper - https://amzn.to/3GxTm1V *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I also have affiliate accounts with several brands. Using my affiliate links doesn't cost you any extra, but it means I get a small commission if you make a purchase using these links. Thanks for your support! #journaling #journal #handwriting