4 ms·
The regular journalling with a notebook was really interesting, as it's a habit I've been trying to implement. I've been trying to do interstitial journaling [0
by openknot 5y ago
The regular journalling with a notebook was really interesting, as it's a habit I've been trying to implement. I've been trying to do interstitial journaling [0] by writing down the time, noting energy levels, and listing out tasks to complete for the next 90 minutes [1].
It's far less reflective than Highsmith's notebook usage, and with a different intent, though it was inspiring to see the pages of notebooks one can fill out across their life, if one chooses to (from the article: "The 56 journals (18 diaries, 38 notebooks) add up to eight thousand pages in total.").
I wonder why she journaled less regularly later in life. Privacy looks like a reason; from the article: "[...] that would also be the last diary entry for seven years. When her lover Ellen starts sneaking peeks at the diaries, Highsmith switches only to notebook entries, which are less personal (and less interesting)." Similarly, I've censored myself a bit with handwritten entries, as it's possible that I might lose the book, or a person might find and read the journal without permission.
[0] https://nesslabs.com/interstitial-journaling https://nesslabs.com/interstitial-journaling
[1] Inspired by Channing Allen's 'Plan, do, learn' loops posted on HN recently: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29841136 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29841136
- nefitty 5y agoI lost a pocket journal once at a bus stop in the rain. It was thick with thoughts and ramblings and personal information. It was devastating. It was one of my favorite habits but I never took it up again. It's like a pet died or something.
- openknot 5y agoIf you wanted to get back into it, maybe consider a full-sized notebook with high-quality paper (e.g. Seven Seas, Leuchtturm, or equivalent). It's harder to lose due to the size (and you could add a Tile/AirTag if you get a notebook cover for it), and it's also a nicer writing experience due to the paper quality.
- nefitty 5y agoThank you for the encouragement. I think that might actually help me reduce the risk aversion I feel about it now.
- creakingstairs 5y agoI’ve lost mine and got it back but the person who found it had a look at it and his attitude alone made me almost made me quit the habit. Now I only journal any sensitive stuff on password secured app and I really miss the paper. I feel so limited by typing.
- nefitty 5y agoI have no idea why but paper is just different. My wife has been doing art on her iPad. She noticed the same thing. She found these amazing textured matte screen protectors that give a little microscopic bounce like pen to paper. That may be an alternative to check out!
- creakingstairs 5y agoThanks for the suggestion! I've experimented with iPad and had some success with Concepts app. But there is _something_ special about ink and paper for me :(