Journalling - digital vs. paper

Ok, so I've been asking myself this over and over, over the years.

Paper and Pen
I love writing in a real, tangible paper journal with a smooth gliding gel pen. I love going to the shop, looking over all the journals, and finally choosing just the right one. I have all my perfect, perfectly chosen journals lined up on my bookshelf. No, not one has been written in through til the end, but it is our right as writers and artists and expressionists, to change. And to feel more drawn to yet another perfect journal.

And after choosing the perfect journal, each and every time, it is time to start fresh with a new pen. So, off to select the nicest, bestest pen for my journalling journey.


Digital
On the other side of the journalling spectrum, is a digital journal. Gosh, there are soooo many ways, so many really great tools to help you keep a digital journal. Freebie tools include (but are not limited to):

• Microsoft OneNote 
• Google Keep 
• Word or LibreOffice Docs, or Google Docs

Journey app
Additionally, there are specific jounalling apps available like crazy. The one I've been using for a few years and am really, really happy with is Journey, available from iTunes and Google Play, available as a web-based journal, available on desktop or phone...

This has a nice, clean interface, it syncs across devices, allows photo uploads, tags your location, and is really just super organized and easy and fun to use.

I'm using the free version still, but a small fee will allow you to export as html and a few other perks.

The Result
 I will admit that writing on paper feels more therapeutic for me, I feel like I've really self-helped myself ;) But journalling is very personal, so it may be different for you.

And then, in reality, I am actually in front of a computer screen all day. I have my smart phone with all the handy apps on my person all day, every day. I do not have my paper journal (god, what a disaster if I were to lose it!). So, I often end up keeping my digital journal - it's more practical, I can do it while riding the train, or sitting in a cafe.

In the end, the best journal is the one you write! Yes, to write, to express, to create, to pontificate, to expel the demons that plague us, to cultivate gratitude, and finally to be just a little bit better in the end.

Whichever method you choose, my best suggestion is simply to choose the one you will do ;)