How to Choose the Right Journal for You

Many people use journals throughout their lives to reflect, to set intentions, for a permanent record for posterity, or a cathartic release. Others carry pocket journals to keep important notes, quotes, or to record snippets of conversations. Journals can reflect accomplishments, personal victories, and entire life stories. Some keep journals to leave something of a legacy behind for their children telling tales of entire generations; outlining specific accomplishments or capturing moments in time. Others use journals as art mediums, drawings, article clippings – or some other form of creative outlet.

Whatever the reason, most people are also very specific as to which medium or type of journal they choose. There are plenty of options and what may work for one person, will not necessarily work for another. Journal types can also vary project to project.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a journal:

Size:

The size of the journal you choose depends on your needs. You may want a mini or slim journal because it’s more portable (for carrying around in your back-pocket or purse), or you might want larger Ultra- or Grande-size journals for writing large and long pages of text.

Sizes (and their approximate dimensions) include, from smallest to largest:

• Micro: 3” x 4.5”
• Mini: 4″ x 5”
• Midi: 4.5″ x 7.75″
• Ultra: 6” x 9”
• Grande: 8.5″ x 12″

You may have to try journaling on a few different size books before you figure out exactly which size is the best fit for you!

Binding:

Your choice in binding depends on how well-built you want or need the book to be. Do you need a finely-constructed book that can weather any storm or is your book generally always going to be in a safe place (like next to your bed)? If you’re carrying your book everywhere or the thought of pages falling out of your notebook horrifies you, you may want to bypass that cheap generic-brand notebook and spend a little extra on a finely-bound one.

Also important: Do you want the book to lay completely flat when open or are you fine with having to hold it open when you write in it? Finally, think about what kind of spine you would prefer. A hardcover or stitched/sewn style looks nicer (in a personal library) than, say, a coil-bound book. However, coil-bound journals typically lay more flat, are easier to remove pages from, and are usually easier to take with you on the go.

Cover:

Even the cover design of a book may be important. Some people may want a simple and subtle design, while others may draw inspiration from something more colorful or lively, ornate or elegant, with quotes, or plain.

Paper:

You may be fine with any kind of paper or you may specifically like something higher-grade. Higher-grade paper will have a smooth finish, a high opacity (the extent to which printing on one side of the paper will be visible on the reverse side) and minimal to no feathering. Feathering occurs when the ink spreads out on the page. Some like exotic handmade paper from other countries. Do you prefer your pages to be lined or left completely blank?

These are just a few examples of things to consider. No matter your preference, Inner Path is sure to carry the perfect journal for you. We carry a wide variety of styles, shapes, and sizes to meet your every need. Click HERE to shop our selection today.