Find Journaling Motivation At Your Fingertips

From The Pen's Nib: Edition 10

Topic: Journaling Tools

This morning, when I went to journal, I was disappointed.

I knew why. My chosen fountain pen for the day wasn’t mine—it was my son’s. I was trying it before purchasing one of my own. I also agreed to help him finish the ink in the cartridge.

The tools of a habit play a role besides their actual function.

In addition to serving their purpose, the tools improve the experience and inspire you to show up every day.

For a running habit, it might be shoes. For journaling, it's journals and pens, your online platform, or any other items you use consistently in journaling. (See From the Pen’s Nib: Edition 8, on March 25, 2024.)

I journal daily regardless of my tools, but I get pleasure knowing I will use my favorite journal and pen.

I spend time choosing my journals and pens. That’s why I try my son’s pens. I want my tools to live up to my expectations before I invest in them.

My fountain pens are only for journaling. If I write something, like a list or a reminder on a sticky note, I use something else. That’s possibly a sign I’m a true journaling nerd.

That’s my favorite Pilot Prera on my journal. Photo by S.G.S. Abel

So why was I disappointed?

I’m not enjoying the pen I’m using. I was hoping the nib would write as smoothly as my Pilots. I’m considering buying an extra fine nib, but Pilot Prera doesn’t come with an extra fine nib, and while the Pilot Kakuno comes in extra fine, I already have 3 Kakunos, one medium nib and two fine nibs (does that sound like a lot?). And as much of a nerd as I may be, I’m not motivated enough to spend $100+ on a fountain pen for a extra fine nib until I know I will love it.

Obviously, a special fountain pen or a costly online platform is not necessary to journal, but a little extra motivation can help get the job done.

I may be disappointed with my trial pen, but I am encouraged to write more with it in an effort to empty the cartridge.

If you journal, try this prompt:

What everyday tool am I grateful for? Why?

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(This prompt was inspired by Denise Pyles who writes Daring Perspectives on Micro-Mindfulness Practices.)

I would love to hear from you. What is your favorite journaling tool? Leave a comment, and let’s start a conversation.

Thank you for reading.

Until next time,

✍️ Susan

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Items of interest:

📸I love adding a visual interest to my journal. The same is true for my newsletters. Each week will feature a picture I have taken corresponding with the month the edition is published unless otherwise noted. I’ve taken daily pictures since 2020. I have many to share!

📰From The Pen’s Nib is my second newsletter. My first, Pen to Paper, is about gratitude and the good in life. If you haven’t seen it, check it out. It may be for you.