The Benefits of Keeping A Journal With Rajiv Surendra
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- čas přidán 9. 07. 2024
- Rajiv has been keeping a journal since he was a teenager and writes in one almost every single day! Today he shares the benefits of writing in a journal and his tips for how to start and keep the practice going.
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★ TABLE OF CONTENTS ★
• 0:10 - Writing is a Safe Place
• 0:59 - Writing in a journal during the pandemic exercise sample
• 2:02 - Modern Love journal submission for New York Times
• 2:55 - Journal entry during his time in Mean Girls after the movie's debut
• 3:47 - The everyman every day journal
• 4:40 - It's not the now that's special , it's the later.
• 5:14 - Journaling as a form of therapy but also a feeling of Nostalgia
• 6:04 - Different Types of Journals
• 7:06 - water coloring as a Journal
• 9:40 - Shopping for a journal
• 11:30 - Pick up a pen or pencil to start the process
• 13::40 -To counteract Writer's block, start out writing about anything.
💡 TOPICS IN THIS VIDEO 💡
• Leather-bound journals
• watercoloring as a form of Journaling
• Start out by writing about anything that comes to mind
• Writing as a form of therapy
• Writing's benefits is the feeling of Nostalgia
• Writing for you but also for your children and grandchildren
• Writing examples for where to begin
• A simple recording of the day can help undue writer's block
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🔴 ** ABOUT THIS CHANNEL **
Welcome to my CZcams Channel! I've been immersed in the creative and domestic arts for all my life and its a real honor to be sharing my interests with you.
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I have kept a journal since March 1, 1983. I am now on my 70th volume. I love writing in my journal!
Where do you keep the collection? Do you have specific instructions for what to do with them when you pass away? What a written legacy, congrats.
That's so inspiring!!!
@@florflauret They are all together in a bookcase that has a glass door. However, I mailed them from California to New York & found I can get 15 journals in a large flat rate USPO box. They are all the same size. Approximately 5x7, hard back. As to legacy, I heard there is a division of the Smithsonian that takes diaries. One of my daughters wants to read them, but I am hesitant because some entries are very private. Keep writing! 😊
@@shermarkham6376 Amazing!
@@rajivsurendrathank you for this video, it was also inspiring. So inspiring that I thought of using it as a trigger to organize a meet up in my local community to combine Languages and Caligraphy using the handmade journals of a local entrepreneur. It will be a sort of a tea gathering where people will share and dictate quotes in a foreign language and the rest will write by hand. If you ever do something similar and got the idea from me, please let me know! I would love to attend. I will let you know how it goes! 😊
You're so right about writing down mundane things. In years to come, you'll be surprised how meaningful they become when you read that page later. I took a blanket out in a field with my journal, snacks, water and my dog. Big drops of rain fell for a few seconds as a cloud passed over. I faintly outlined the water warped spots, and mentioned in writing what the faint circles were. Then my dog stepped on my journal and left a slightly muddy foot print. I let it also dry and wrote around his print, saving it in my journal. I was sad that day, but journaling and writing whatever i wanted to (this is MY journal!) gave me a feeling of being in control when things seemed crazy. It was a very cathartic day for me. And i have that record of that beautiful day.
Wow, beautiful! I love reading comments like this one. You get it!!!
Happiness is a Rajiv Surendra new CZcams video notification 😊and this one’s a gem
Amen!
Yazzz❤🎉❤🎉🎉🎉🎉
Agreed❤
Rajiv, your channel is like a fresh chicken soup to my soul lol I can’t explain it but it’s not overly flashy, it’s classic and well thought out and INTENTIONAL. Thank you for sharing your journaling practice ✨🙏🏽
I'm 68 and have been keeping a journal since I was a teenager. I have boxes and suitcases of journals. My favorite journals are inexpensive school composition books with hard cardboard covers you can find anywhere. The paper is nicely smooth and is wide-ruled which is essential for me. I cover the outside with collages or with beautiful paper.
That is awesome.
Absolutely my favorite journaling books too, I love creating the collages, mostly pictures from my vision board, I am 31 and I hope to keep making them 😍😍
Another tip: write with the knowledge that nobody is going to read this but YOU. Get incredibly personal, because you don't have to share the journal with anyone.
And only get that personal if no one but you is able to read your journal. An art journal or a gratitude or a this happened today journal may be safer in some home situations.
@@katievickery8735 Yes. I mean, you can hide it or get other journals that you use in case other people see them if you don't trust the people you live with not to invade your personal space, but I don't like living that way. I'm not going to dilute what I write for fear that someone in my household sees it. By the same token; I feel that if someone is going to be so bold as to snoop, they also deserve what they find in there. They may not like it. lol. I've actually had that happen before, and I'm like, "Oh well, now you know how I really feel about you." Shrug and move on. 😃
Unless you kill someone. Then don't write that down, no matter what!
I jest, but apparently lots of people have been caught in a similar manner.
I cried watching this video. I wrote in a journal when I was a very young mum, I wrote it in such tiny font so that no one could read it. I was sometimes careful with my writing, just in case someone read it. I wish I hadn't been because it eventually became burdensome and deterred me from continuing. Fast forward to many, many years later, I suffered a traumatic brain injury in a freak accident, and memories were swiped within the blink of an eye. The only thing that helped was a lot of time and my loved ones telling me random stories. How I wish I didn't let fear take over and dictate my storykeeping. I have nothing to draw upon when my children ask me about their younger years - no memories and nothing tangible to share. Only now do I realise the value of journalling even the mundane.
Oh Rajiv, I wish you would have posted this years ago!
I started journaling in my twenties & continued well into my 40's...then I stopped! Wish I'd written down "why" I stopped...guess life got busy; changed my routines; didn't think it mattered?? I'm now in my late 70's BUT because of your thoughtful and inspiring video I will begin again with earnest determination! I will also dig in my storeroom to find my old journals & read my reflections of past years!
THANK YOU RAJIV❤
It's funny that you tell us to shop around for a journal we like! I was shopping for a really cool journal but most were like $20 and I didn't really want to shell out that much because money was tight and I didn't know if I was going to actually use it. But then lol I found this absolutely WILD notebook. It was the brightest NEON GREEN hardcover with a matching green ribbon and I actually laughed when I saw it because it was like the runt of the litter, it was pushed off to one side nowhere near another journal, it was shunned! I went and scanned it and it was like $4. I felt a kindred spirit in him so I bought him. Despite my inconsistent journaling I'm getting to the last pages and I'm grateful to have found him.
I love that! Sometimes the right things just speak to us.
The runt of the litter…. I like that
I love this comment. 🌞
It is partly because of Rajiv that I now sew my own journals, for which I am eternally grateful 🙏
Me too! I was interested in bookbinding, and found his marbled paper video. I'm pretty sure that was his first video I watched. I then saw his bookbinding.
Just yesterday, I finished binding a small leather journal with marbled paper I made from his tutorial, and I love it so much! Writing in a journal really does help clarify and order my thoughts so much, and since I used unlined paper, I can sketch in it, too.
I'm so honored!
During covid, I wrote ten good things that happened each day. It is amazing how positive we become by recording these.
I appreciate this thought! Thank you for the beautiful reminder.
thats really cool!
I've always thought that keeping a journal would be beneficial. Plus, I adore a beautiful well-made journal.
In fact, I feel as though many people substitute social media instead of journal keeping. Sometimes, your thoughts don't need an audience. Instead, keep a journal and then go back in a few years' time and look at how you've changed.
People do seem to be substituting social media for journaling. Such a good point. Some thoughts are just for you!
Almost 2 years ago, I opened an antique/vintage shop in my little northern New Mexico village that borders several Navajo and Apache reservations. My store has little vignettes -- for instance, a vintage kitchen area, a travel area, southwestern area, old book area. For each vignette I've created a themed junk journal with small tags, cards, notes, etc. (check out junk journals and how to make them...) And the each journal has a pen (made by my brother) attached. I encourage all my customers to add a memory or comment to the journals and also welcome them to spend time looking through them and reading the other comments. It's a really fun way to connect to my customers and for them to share memories that the items in my store trigger. I recently added a tea cup junk journal with various patterns and I placed packaged tea into the envelopes of the journals so, if someone makes a note, they receive a bag of tea (which of course, I also sell in my store.) I also have a vintage recipe journal and encourage people to add their own recipes and I keep cards that people can take to copy recipes from the journal.
I mentioned that my store borders several reservations, and many of my customers are natives. The southwestern/native junk journal is probably the most popular and I'm in the process of making a new one. Some of the notes and stories that people have written in are amazing. I have a pair of vintage beaded children's moccasins that triggered a memory in an 85 year old Navajo elder who came into the store. She wrote about seeing a shapeshifter when she was a child and what it was like to experience various rituals. When customers read entries left by other customers, it also triggers memories and they share.
Anyway, this is just another use for journaling that I thought I'd share with you all. Have a wonderful day and thanks Rajiv for your wonderful channel.
Sounds wonderful, perfect idea.
So interesting! I am ALL about vintage and antiques, so if I ever get down that way, I'd love to visit. How wonderful to get the locals perspective and stories. There's so much to admire in our Indigenous people. Thank you for sharing 🙏
@@patriciaholloway Yes, please message me and come visit. The history of my little village is fascinating. Today an elder from the Jicarilla Apache tribe read about the shapeshifter and then proclaimed "Ohhh those Navajos. They can be so weak...that's NOTHING. When the Sasquatch come visiting, that's when I get nervous." So she journaled about regularly seeing the Sasquatch coming to visit." It's actually quite funny when the Navajos (Diné) and the Apache try to outdo each other in a journal. On the other hand, I also keep a journal and yesterday's entry started with "Today a goat wandered into my store and preened in front of the antique mirror..."
@@EnfinLibreNM 😅 That's amazing, I love it. Maybe the goat was a shape shifter?! Lol
@@patriciaholloway lol. That would be funny. Actually though, he's a Nigerian Dwarf and very small and adorable. Although the population of my village is quite small, we have a major highway running through it and since I was afraid he'd get hurt, I worked with a rancher who owns goats to make sure "William" (named by the rancher because he's a male billy) is safe and happy with a haram of Nigerian Dwarf does.
(Oh...and tonight's journal entry starts with "It's unseasonably hot tonight and with the windows wide open, I'm begging for a bit of cool breeze. Patch & Munchkin (Australian Shepherd & Shiatzu) are fully on guard as the nearby bugling of the bull elk disturb the silence of the darkness and interrupt the whiffled snoring of Cooper. Basset Hounds allow nothing to interrupt their beauty sleep...")
Hello from Montreal (Canada) Well since I was a kid I have tried so many times writing a journal... but never was loyal to go on with it.... now close to my 70's and being a cancer survivor since 2019... who knows? Your video this morning inspires me, I found an old lined notebook on a shelve, it will do the trick until I find a new notebook.... It starts like this in french of course.... "Ce matin, je regarde un vidéo de la chaine CZcams de "Rajiv Surendra" il parle de son journal......etc etc..." Well who can say, maybe this time, ... I am not that sure not being a very introspective person.... But, let's give it another try !!! Thanks for your video! Have a wonderful day!
I laughed out loud at the part when you couldn't read your own handwriting. I started an entry in my journal again today because of this video Rajiv. The last entry was 6 months ago and it took me back to how I felt so much love for my husband that day. you are right, it's later when the entry becomes special. This week I was getting angry and building up resentment at my husband but reading back to my entry 6 months ago completely changed my demeanour towards him. I love him again 🥰
I love that the red on the front of the table is picked up in the red in the flowers.
I started journaling everyday at the beginning of the year. I also started practicing my cursive handwriting on the side. Now every morning I do my "Morning Pages" and then I have a regular journal and an "artsy" journal where I accompany writing with drawings, stickers, and other ephemera related to whatever memory I want to keep. It's really helpful to see how I am progressing with my mental health, which is something I am working hard on in therapy. It's easy to feel like you're stuck when you have nothing to compare to, and journaling has really helped me see that I am not as stuck as I believe. I now don't believe everything I think ;)
Awesome. I wish you the best. 😊
2 people that promote "Morning pages" are the Artist/Author Julia Cameron, and the Artist/Author Natalie Goldberg.
I LOVE "Writing down the bones" by Natalie Goldberg. She wrote it years ago & it is a quick read. You can pick it up, read a chapter, then put it down again. I need to read it again. I found it very inspiring!
Of COURSE Rajiv journals!!! I'm sooo excited for this video.
I like to save quotes and I love to read them over, they make me happy. IT's also alot of fun to use colored markers to make beautiful designs.
Rajiv. You're my hero and I struggle to keep good habits but I want to do everything you suggest, you make everything so lovely and nice 😭
Thank you, you can do it, YOU CAN~~~
Rajiv is unfailingly interesting and inspiring. He has such a purity that he makes me think of the advice of Tolle when he tells us to be here now. I cannot think of anyone who would be better company for his own self, as well as others, than Rajiv. His setting always looks as ordered and relaxing as his conversation. He is a remarkable human being.
I love the fact that you made your own journal, I remember watching the video where you marbled the end papers. Journals are quite easy to make in your own style, maybe you could make another one to show them how easy it is, a simple pamphlet stitch with a few pages and a lovely cover might encourage someone else. ❤️🇨🇦
I write every morning with my left hand (raised a righty) it centers me. I also have stacks of journals. I like to take unused notebooks and collage the covers. When I go thru the old ones and I see the cover, it brings me back to when I made that collage, another element to bringing back moments past.
Lovely idea.
been journaling for last 3 years , still struggling to write daily , I was totally resonating with that idea of just sitting there and finding nothing worthy to write .. until I really did write that down and that's how it got me started .. thanks Rajiv for sharing your journey 🌟
Would you mind sharing a link to those leather-bound journals, if they're available online?
Years ago, I started with a gratitude journal, I now also have a regular one as well as an art journal. I love looking back to see what mattered to me then. Thanks Rajiv.
I started journaling about a year ago. I decided to start it because my mind was just going to explode around the time I was just having trouble focusing at Uni. That became my safe place to let go all my feelings. I'm the type who never sticks with one thing for a long period of time, but journaling is one of the only things i've actually been constant with.
Journaling has always been a part of my life since childhood when I would write about fighting with my sister 😅 and what the cat was doing. I'm particular about my pens and paper. Sometimes I get whimsical and put in pictures of places I'd like to see, like Petra, or use funny stickers. I'll put in bits of poetry from myself and others, as well as quotes.
Been too busy lately... but I hear my journal calling me back and all I can say is "Hello, old friend".
Use to journal, needed this kick in the slats to get back in to it. Rajiv is a wellspring of knowledge, intent, beauty, talent, and inspiration. And for this, my universe is a better place. This throws me back to Davis Sedaris talking about when he started to journal when he was 20. At first he had to force himself, and now it’s become part of his identity. Turned out really well for David, helped form his career.
Sorry to be that person, but thought you might like to know that the phrase is “kick in the slacks” not slats. Slacks as in pants. 😊
@@littleleafy thanks for being that person, a teacher at heart? In the area I am from it is correct. A local colloquialism. Either, either. 👍
I am an advocate for journaling! I began my journal when I began university and it was a great log throughout my undergraduate, masters, phd, post-doc, assistant professorship, and now being an associate physics professor and researcher! The journal has followed me to different countries, schools, friends, relationships, and events. My reflections during the pandemic are particularly interesting to me. Being afraid, uncertain, unable to do my work, and feeling pain from the monotony. It’s interesting to see my anxieties and goals shift over time. I always use a blank journal, it allows me to draw and write around it. There’s a mix of diagrams and doodles, they’re beautiful in hindsight
My birthday is may 6th 2004 - hearing what you were doing the day before I was born is surreal
I write a journal. I too have done so for decades. It is so incredibly therapeutic. I may write about fun things I have done over a weekend or I may write my deepest saddest feelings. But it’s all there to refer back to at any time if I wish. I love journaling 💜
My life has changed with Rajiv in it. I look at things differently. Most grateful for your channel. Is there anything you can’t do ✌️
Side note: Rajiv can you teach us how to make an old fashioned flaky pie crust?
I think there's a bad way how to write a journal. I've always been bad at writing journal consistenly, but still there's some things I noticed:
1) don't mind if the journal is messy. I prefer blank sheet journals, because I can draw, stick some papers in it, write in whatever way I want and it still can look good at the end
2) don't write too much negative self-talk. yes, you can write down your struggles, you can call yourself dumb sometimes. but if you have ADHD like me and you're doing the same mistakes everyday and you're frustrated from it, don't talk yourself down. instead try to write what you could do or other good things that happened that day.
3) i struggled so much with thought that my future self will think I'm awkward from what I wrote. you can try to tell yourself that nobody, even you, will ever read it. but also I know, that no matter what I do or what I write, my future self will always cringe at something 😅 and I can't tell what it will be. cus the things I though were so cool are actually cringe now and the things I was most embarrased about - I now get why I did that and I want to hug my younger self. And even the things I find awkward now...they usually made feel me good at that time or I didn't know better, so I forgive it anyway. Just...don't be scared of your older seld judging you. 😄
sorry for a bad english, i hope you still get the message
@@lifaen I hear You!
P.S. love the back ground music.
“Clair de lune”The only song my mom could play on the piano!
She passed in 2004. Thanks for the memory💕
Watching this video made me want to start journaling again.
It's been 12 years since I last kept a journal. I was 25 at the time. Every now and then, I'll stumble across those journals, look at some pages, and reminisce. Some times I'll look at a page and feel embarrassed, "I still can't believe I that happened!" Other times, I wish I could go back and tell a younger me that everything will work out.
Have been making and keeping a journal with notes, doodles and sketches for years. I always preface each journal with this great Oscar Wilde quote. “I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train” 💕
Thank you Rajiv!
When I am feeling out of sorts at whatever time of the day I take my journal out and start writing. The process helps me sort out my thoughts and feelings.
2023 is my declutter year and just a few days ago came across some journaling that put a smile on my face.
I say all we really own are our thoughts, feelings and secrets and journaling, as a sacred practice, lets us reconcile them all.
With your love and appreciation of flowers, I kept expecting to see pressed flowers between the pages of one of your journals. :-D
Thank you for another lovely video. I just would add one is not locked into the day-to-day. I am older, and have started writing up little stories and memories from my travels: adventures I had, people I encountered along the way, and various memories and vignettes not previously shared. One need not be restricted to the present.
I am still amazed the Floral arrangement behind Rajiv is still looking so Magnificent!!
How can people NOT know what to write? I have so many back burner thoughts at any given time. Worries, fears, ambitions, dreams, stories that have moved me, stories that I wish were true... wow. I could write forever really.
Rajiv is truly a Renaissance Man for the 21st Century, the most inspirational individual in the pursuit of beauty, creativity and humour on CZcams. I used to write many years ago and this video has made me consider taking up the habit again.
Thanks again Rajiv for this timely video. I love your watercolor journal and how you motivate your viewers to do something new. Much love and blessings to all from Trinidad.❤❤
Rajiv breaking down busy life to precious darling little gems.
This is my favorite video on the benefits of journaling, by far. ❤
The fact that he made his own journal and has an art journal, is too perfect. 😂
Rajiv is clearly my people. ✊🏾
I used to keep journals, but after I read some of them back I asked myself - Do I really want someone to read these when I’m gone? Most of it, I would but some of it I wouldn’t, so I got rid of them and haven’t written since. You could use yours to write a memoir, because I know how interesting your life is. Good and bad. Enjoyed this video very much. Thanks, Rajiv?. ♥️
What an amazing handwriting you have! It is extremely rare to see someone taking time in forming the loops and beautiful lines these days! You inspire me to write beautifully, just like you.
Your journal will be very valuable to historians some day! Nothing like a first hand account.
Journals are beautiful. I have a few of them, but it's been a minute since I've written. This gives me journal vibes. Thanks Rajiv 🫶🏾 Sometimes distractions and the rat race of the world get in your way. Time to chill and write. 💞🙏🏽
Im 70, and I am so sorry I have never taken the time to do this. What a wonderful journey to go back and revisit your life.!
Hi Shirley, there's absolutely no reason you can't start now.
I have started and never was consistent over the many years ….and I agree with him …start NOW while you still have memories of your childhood…. Leave something for your grandchildren to read about you . Your children may not remember what to tell them about Grandma Shirley .
For me , it’s finding time in the morning…at night I am too tired.
I too wanted to become more consistent and it hasn’t happen yet.
Maybe not daily , but maybe I commit every Sat and every Wed and every Friday …just collections of thoughts that week.
I have these ideas but not good in execution…..
I think I will just start again and see how it goes . Let’s try shall we , Shirley?
I got some good news on Friday and I think I should start again …. I would like to leave something for my heirs … my life story …..
When I was about 12, my dad said to me that his big regret about his childhood was that he didn’t keep a journal. I think I started to keep one within about a month of him saying that, and I’ve been a journaler since (around 1997-ish). Just as you said, I have figured out my life so so so so many times just from the process of getting things down on the page.
I have journalled regularly for years and I actually prefer to have notebooks which aren't "special"- archival, elegant looking, etc. I know for myself that if I had a nice looking journal like that, with the purpose of having a keepsake item to cherish for decades or even pass on to someone else, I would censor what I put in it. I enjoy having a book that can be "messy", that I can write in however I want and it's fine. But I love that different people have different ways of journalling, and I love Rajiv's way! I'm sure he'd agree that it's better for me to journal in a messy book than not at all 😂
I think it's a relief when one doesn't have to censor what is going on in one's mind. I like to write out things and later I burn it. It's the method of Julia Cameron and it's working for me for 20 years until now. Maybe classic journaling requires another kind of attitude. It helps organize reminiscences.
Such a talented person. You are absolutely right about the connection between handwriting and the brain. Several studies in children especially but also adults have shown the relation of handwriting, especially cursive, with improved reading and writing, better word selection, idea expression, and memory and capturing new information , all this faster than those who used a keyboard. Not that I reject the benefits of computers, as someone who started typing my school reports and graduated to computers later in work and college. Will send sone links to a few interesting articles. Loved the drawing and painting journal, the details in those mushrooms and the city scenes. Thanks for this video.
I started a journal in March this year. I use to keep one religiously when I was in my early teens until a strict Aunty I lived with at the time, found it and read it. She beat me because of its content relating to her. I stopped until taking it up again this year. I love it and find it lifts my spirit. Like you, when I read my journal, I can't make sense of bits of it too lol
I am sorry Your Aunt did that , glad You took it up again. I had an intense childhood and when I was a teen I kept a Journal but as I did not want my Parents know what I was up too, I wrote just the first letter of the words . At the time I knew what it all meant, but years later I found it and of course it made no sense . Rajiv and Your comment , has prompted me to have a go . Just need to get a good pen as I have a collection of empty Journals that I have not wanted to "mess up" LOL At 62 I think My Time has arrived to dive in hahahaha
I’m sorry this has been your experience. No one deserves to have the privacy of their thoughts violated and beaten. My mother stopped journaling because her privacy and trust was broken as a teen. I’m grateful that she has protected mine. I hope you continue to journal for many years to come, and that it continues to life your spirit and be a safe refuge for you
I started journaling with a .10 cent collage ruled spiral bound note book and a .10 cent bic pen. The nicer journals and pens have come into my life some times. A few times I even was in a place to purchase ones. Many of the nicer ones however have come from thrift stores, garage sales and even new ones ( not written in) ftom antique stores. This is the to aspire to but dont be detoured from keeping a journal by the idea that you need the nicer journal or even a paper journal to start writting. Invest time into yourself and journal, but don't dispare if you can't journal just like this at first. I love these videos as the aspire to be like, but start where I am motivations. Thank you for making wonderful vidios.
2:55 when you say "19 years ago" and I am looking at you thinking, "wow, he had such beautiful handwriting at 6 years old." It must be true that a life lived in pursuit of simple pleasures and dedication to craft keeps one youthful.
Such a beautiful human. Intentional, thoughtful, diligent. Incredibly refreshing in the chaos of social media
I've been journaling since the 3rd grade and keeping sketchbooks. Making my own journals for the past few years as well. I never clicked on a video so fast because I love watching other people talk about their journals and how it benefits them. Excellent video ✨ your journals and handwriting are so elegant!
Having journal my entire life, I've found that nothing is more valuable than simply relating what happened that day/week. The tawdry, tired whining of expressing my emotions quickly became old upon reread!!
Thank you for this video. I actually just got out my journal from a few years ago. I am now writing letters to myself. Writing down what I want to happen in my life. It’s a form of manifestation. I go back weekly/monthly and review to see if anything that I have hoped for has happened. It’s a creative and fun exercise and I have a beautiful leather journal with a dragon on it. ❤
That sound slike a great thing to do , thanks for the inspiration!
Rajiv, I don’t know anyone else in this existence who creates as much as you do!
Shout out to the burger 😂❤
For me, it is a bit too intimidating to actually write my innermost thoughts and feelings in a journal. However, I keep a practice of documenting three things each day for which I am thankful, both the good and the not-so-good things. My thanks to you today, Rajiv, for the encouragement. I will strongly consider the art journal as an added practice, less off-putting than writing actual words! (PS: your watercolors are stunning!)
I’ve been journaling off and on over the years since I learned to write. I don’t have all of those journals anymore, but I wish I did. I think my earliest journal is from sometime in 2014. My journals are a mix of planners, long-form journals, scrapbooks… they are the most previous things I own. I write in them when I’m heartbroken, pissed off, bored, happy, hopeful, exhausted. March 2020 is when I started writing consistently as a way to cope with the rollercoaster of emotions that is/was the pandemic. Some of those entries are a bit dark-obituaries, infection stats, death stats, etc. My first Christmas without my parents (on Zoom). Roommate meetings, conversations about each of our comfort level when it came time to let select people into the house again… jokes about 50 years down the line when our grandkids are wondering why we still take Lysol wipes to the groceries… recipes from my roommates (brownies, breads, soups), sewing practice… angry, angry entries about local politicians and the insensitive, harmful things they’ve said or decisions they’ve made… the feelings of fear and loneliness that came up being quarantined in my room waiting for test results to come back (it did not take long before I felt like I was losing my mind).
All of that was incredibly important when I was writing it, but I can only imagine the value it will have 5, 10, 15, 20 years down the road. I’ve fallen out of the daily habit in the last year or so, but I’m starting to turn to my journal again for even the most mundane thoughts. Whatever kind of journal you want to keep, whether or not you ever finish a book… do it. Draw in it, write in it, paste ephemera in it (receipts are a great start!), hell, spit in it. Get a coffee or tea stain on it. Use it. The best of us struggle to remember things. If you’re someone like me with clinical memory deficiencies, keeping a journal is one of the only ways I feel I can really hold onto myself for any length of time.
It’s all worth it. Thank you for this video, Rajiv. I also finally realize why your face is so familiar to me! It’s so cool to see the person you’ve grown to be since Mean Girls (obviously I understand you’re not the same person as your character, but i hope you get my meaning.
I have not been able to get past a few notations, either i don’t accept how my writing looks, or i’m ashamed even to read what i wrote, and very much concerned that others will find n read whatever i write. So I don’t. Even my phone mssgs, text, emails seem to be “ fair game “ for others eyes…
Enjoyable, fascinating video as always. Thank you. Rajiv.
Love everything you teach us. You’re amazing. Show us your watercolors. I like combining drawings or watercolors with writing with my fountain pens. Thank you Rahiv!
I just started keeping a journal last year, and honestly, it's very fascinating to look back at it, and what things I thought were important to write about. I usually don't write daily, but I think that's what really got me into journaling consistently. It was less overwhelming and more enjoyable that way. And during this year, I've noticed that I tend to write more often, so with time, my habits had changed. I love the feeling of being absolutely free in my journal because there's no judgment whatsoever. I guess the beauty of keeping a journal is just that, being able to look back and see how you've improved or changed over time as well as the freedom you get. As usual an amazing video Rajiv!
I find your videos so cosy and relaxing, as well as being inspirational and educational. A wonderful tonic after a hectic Saturday.
You are wonderful, Rajiv. I hope one day your journals are the basis of a book or a film about your life. They could use the watercolours and sketches too. I am also a pen enthusiast but I use mine for Zen Tangles.
Any pen recommendations? Particularly, smooth, not runny, and a tip that doesn’t get messy.
@@KO-D00M Don't use marker type pens. They fade & smear. Or colored pens. Some of my early journals taught me that. Use black ink pens. Good luck.
I am 22 and have been keeping an on-off journal as a kid, since grade 1, and starting my sophomore year of HS till now I have been journaling regularly... Most of them are so personal and embarrassing, and also SO sweet because I simultaneously reflect on it with compassion for that point of my life. Right now I'm finishing my last year at OCAD University in the drawing and painting program, which is on McCaul about a 15min walk from UofT. I hope I can meet you one day! (and write about it in my journal, too)!
I keep a dance journal and I write down the dances that I create, both for my students and myself. I have experienced vision loss, and I can't actually read the what I write down, but for some reason, the act of writing down the dance helps me memorize the patterns in a way that just practicing them would not. I have stacks of Moleskine books full of dances that I wrote down, but I can't read, and I suspect that nobody could decipher but me. I wonder what a researcher would think, discovering them one hundred years from now!
I used to write a lot as a teenager. Those journals helped me so much as an anxious teen growing up. But I discarded them a few years ago and I now regret it 😢 I still journal today though and it still helps me!
Great video!....as always 😉 Journaling should be done by everyone. I've been journaling for decades too and it's the biggest self help aid I ever had! With time my journal has evolved to keep notes, entries, drawings and watercolors. I always say to people just write what you feel or what happened on that day....eventually it will start! If anything you'll have a historical account of your life 😉
I am certainly writing in my diary for solutions. I’ve also started to write poetry again. A great book I recommend is A Book Of One’s Own: People and Their Diaries by Thomas Mallon.
I lived in a shelter for 3 years while working. I learned along about myself. I would have learned less if not for journaling. When conflict was out of my control. I would go back to my room and journal. I would put the issue to rest and begin again with a new outlook. Now, I am more creative in my journaling, but I have never forgotten to process issues in my writing.
Rajiv , you’re a man of million talents. Your drawings are amazing. ❤
We need a watercolor video! Would love to see you you painting. I water color occasionally but want to do it more often. Your watercolor journal is inspiring
I've been on a dive into journaling CZcams and Rajiv, as always, is right on time with beautiful, touching, and inspiring content. You started my pen-palling endeavors with a good friend of mine, and I can only hope you continue to inspire me to be more creative and to make deeper connections to those around me. Your joy and passions multiply for every person who interacts with your content at the smallest, and certainly only grows with those interacting with you beyond a screen.
Keep being yourself, my friend, and stay safe, happy, and healthy.
I have kept a journal for decades as well and am this year finishing my first five year journal which has been really lovely. So insane how things have changed since 2019. I also love to do collage and print photos to go along with what I write. They make tiny portable photo printers which I get a ton of use out of especially on holiday.
Writing about this in my journal. Thanks Rajiv, loved this video!
After watching this video i went into town and looked at two lovely bookshops after journals. I did not find what i was looking for but i found a book i once didnt bought but forgot the title and wanted to read later on. After that i went to a family owned bakery and bought the cutest little cakes. More like tarts. I scanned the nearby flowershop right across the street in order to try to make my own flower arrangement. Didnt bought flowers, i will go to my favorite store and i should clean my appartement before that. It was a very lovely unplanned day so far.
Every moment is a treasure. You are such a good soul Rajiv. ❤
I love making my own handmade journals. Its more sustainable and I love mixing different types of papers.
Your penmanship is beautiful. Journaling is my most favorite activity.
I have always kept a journal, and it’s been very helpful. I don’t always write every day, but I mean to. Thanks for the extra inspiration, Rajiv! Regular journal writing gives me so much insight and inner peace.
wait what ? i've just subscribed after binging on your videos lately, and even though I have seen "Mean Girls" way more times than I can count, I never realised it was you x) I'm so happy that you add value to this aspect of my life that I love so deeply : journaling and paper/writing/painting and anything creative. I am 31 now and I got my first journal on my 9th birthday. I can say without a doubt that it NEVER let me down. Never ever. It has been such a journey, and I recommend it to anyone ♥
This channel is a gem. Can't wait to catch up on your videos and see what's next/ Lots of love from France ♥
All my thoughts, rude or otherwise, go into my journal. Short story ideas, new vocabulary, quotations. All very personal.
Scarborough Town Centre!! Just realized this man is a local Canadian- so so proud
I've purchased published copies of journals to read. Even the most seemingly mundane was so interesting. You've motivated me to start my own. Thank you for your channel. 📙📖
Are there some you would recommend?
@@pomelocitrus Oh my goodness, I'm remodeling my house and all my books are packed away in boxes. I can tell you how I find things like this though: primarily at estate sales (old farm houses are best), flea markets, used bookstores (again the ones in small rural towns are lovely). The one I was thinking most of I found at a small used book shop in Lake Placid, NY, so you never do know where you will find them. Just keep your eyes open. They are wonderful reads.
Thank you for this idea! I’ll be keeping an eye out from now on :)
I’m always starting or trying a new journaling. First I’m a pattern designer so I’m a total perfectionist and……I LOVE art supplies. All art materials….pens, markers, watercolors, watercolor paper, vellum paper……I’ve got it all. When he see’s the UPS truck rolling up our driveway he’s just shaking his head…..lol. “Hello my name is Michelle and I’m a art supply whore.” I’m good with it. It relaxes me and I’m doing something that I love so it’s not a job. Your journals are of course gorgeous! You also have beautiful handwriting. The nuns that actually taught penmanship and cursive writing…….they would love you. I just wanted to share because I’m a fan….❤️
I love his cool desk!
I love your handwriting in your latest journal. If you are ever thinking of some video ideas, I'd love to see one on your printing and how to be consistent with the prints shape and size etc. It makes the journals all the more beautiful.
thank you for talking about the pandemic. most people are pretending it didn’t happen. i kept journals in my early years. later i shredded them, i didn’t want anyone in the future reading them. centuries??shudder. your watercolor sketches are beautiful.
Your channel is absolutely magical. Your soothing voice, the cinematography, the peaceful vibe, and the way you talk about journals. I’m verklempt😢
Yes, I journal too and tell everyone that it’s the best thing to do for therapy and to know yourself. Another thing I have in common with you. Also love my bike and old things and treasure hunting in thrift stores. Thank you for your lovely videos. I just love how you articulate so perfectly😊
I have journaled since I was a preteen, but I had stopped for a while throughout the years(like many people probably do)But I felt completely to start again during the pandemic & I was a little regretful or to be honest very regretful I didn’t do it at the onslaught, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still capture some of my thoughts I had at the beginning which is what I did & wrote about where we’re at and I just recently started writing again because it’s been very sporadic so thank you. This video came up at a great time and you brought tears to my eyes when you spoke about looking back at your words, it’s true, and I have looked back at journals I wrote in entries I wrote 10-15years ago, many relating to dating because I wouldn’t write often say in college but when somethings significant or emotional occurred, I was drawn to write about it.
Then looking back at it made me realize that I was aware of the mistakes I made and cut those relationships off or it reminded me to not repeat the same mistakes.
I feel like I’m at a transitional time in my life right now, so it’s really important that I journal and I think it’s really important to look back! I am not nearly as organized as you are and don’t have the same amount of journals or write daily, but I know I don’t have to & hope no one else feels compelled to do so cuz just writing it out when needed is Therapeutic!
So this is a great reminder to just try to keep up with it even if it is a small note about how the day went & it allows you to release the day and I’m someone who meditates & does some Reiki, so I know how important it is to let go and also reflect and that’s really what journaling does.
Thanks again for your great content ✨❤️🙏🏼
As if anyone’s going to read my long comment, but I also wanted to say I think that social media has become like our journals. I really love capturing photos and moments or just writing a little blurbs. when Facebook or Instagram sends me the Memories of the day or week it’s amazing to look back at what happened on that day of that year for Several years back because I’m not seeking it out. It usually just pops up in my feed. Since I’ve lost my mother like many may relate to a loss of someone significant to you-It makes you tend to look at things as before & after initially, so just seeing a post where I’m with her that day or I talk about some thing we did or have a photo that takes me back to that day is really wonderful, so I think we should also think about writing out our thoughts or feelings for the day online a bit as well especially if you know you can’t or you don’t want to journal it’s another great way to, make a record of your life and I really do think that people are going to use them as keepsakes in the future for their children’s children and even friends and family as we lose them unfortunately I’ve lost people who are still my age & they were quite young and so when you go back and see their social media pages-it just reminds you of them and has a lovely way to keep a tribute.🕊️
Side comment - the matching pair of gold bracelets you're wearing look very elegant. I rarely wear any type of jewelry - watches, rings, or bracelets - but I might reconsider such a pairing. As to your VLOG, it is very educational and interesting. TY!
You really show us to value things more and care for them better ❤
Hello Rajiv I feel as if I know you, your programs are so comfortable as if you are speaking to a good friend. I'm going to be 80 in 11 days, hardly seems possible but I want to say that I don't have many regrets in my life, very few actually, the biggest one is that I never journaled. I'm listening to what you are saying right now and it's that " I don't know what to write". I would start a journal, many times through the years and when I would look back and read some, it was sooo boring and insignificant. I was a stay at home mom with 3 children. The days were all the same, mostly , so I would stop writing. Now I wish I had continued. Thank you for this episode maybe it will encourage someone else who is like me. Please keep making more programs, many times I just put them on , even tho I've already seen it because I always hear something different and I enjoy hearing your voice. 🙃
Hi There. Lovely to read your message, thank you. Even though you didn't journal back then, you can absolutely start now, and I hope you do. Every single day can be seized as it's own beginning, middle and end. That is enough. Even one entry would be an experience...it doesn't have to be years for it to be an experience for you. Happy Birthday!
I adore your beautiful penmanship. I’ve been studying Spencerian penmanship, and I find it’s a lost art! How lovely to see a man embracing the beauty of an elegant hand
I totally nerd out on pens and notebooks. I have so many of them! I am actually in the process of going back to all my journals to thread pieces together and write something fresh. Thanks, Rajiv 😊
Another inspirational gem. Thank you for always inspiring me.