How to Choose the Perfect Journal for Your Yearly Theme

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Have You Chosen Your Yearly Theme Yet?

If you haven’t settled on a theme yet, don’t worry! The year isn’t over, and it’ll come to you. For those who have, it’s time for my favorite part—stationery shopping!

Choosing the right journal and pen is more than just a purchase—it’s about setting the tone for your year. These items will accompany you through moments of inspiration, reflection, and growth, so select them with intention. Before diving in, set a budget (trust me, it’s easy to overspend in stationery stores). Personally, I spend $50-$100 each year, carefully curating tools that spark joy and keep me organized.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Journal

  1. Size and Weight: Are you always on the go? A compact journal may suit you better than a bulky one that stays at home.

  2. Planner vs. Journal: Some planners lack sufficient journaling space, so decide which fits your needs.

  3. Page Style: Do you prefer dotted, lined, or blank pages?

  4. Page Count: Aim for enough pages to keep your thoughts in one place—200 is good, but I love 365.

  5. Color and Theme: Match your journal’s color to your yearly theme as a visual reminder of your goals.

Here are my top journal picks:

  • STALOGY Notebook: Lightweight with 365 pages, available in multiple colors. Be mindful of ink bleed-through on thin pages.

  • LEUCHTTURM1917: Durable hardcover, two bookmarks, and a back pocket for extras.

*These notebooks and all your pen needs can also be found on jetpens.com

Some links on this post contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through those links. Your support helps me continue sharing valuable content—thank you!

Finding the Perfect Pen

A great pen enhances your journaling experience. Whether you love fountain pens or prefer gel pens, choose one that writes smoothly and feels comfortable in your hand. This year, I switched things up with a pack of colorful gel pens—and I’m loving them!

Setting the Tone

Decorating your journal is a powerful way to embrace your theme. Start by personalizing the first few pages:

  • Write your theme and what it means to you.

  • Add affirmations, a letter of encouragement, or your favorite stickers and doodles.

As we step into 2025, I’ll be sharing journal prompts to inspire reflection and keep you aligned with your goals.

Do you plan to buy a journal this year? Let me know your pick and its color in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

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