Quick Takes #256: Is Journalling for Me?

Disclaimer: Despite all the links, this is not a sponsored post and the links are not affiliated. Just what I've tried and liked or not.

1. For all that I'm (according to this study) squarely a member of Generation X and spend much of my time typing on my keyboard as well as on my phone/tablet there is something very special to me about putting pen to paper. Especially when those papers are together in a bound book with the idea writing on this topic over time.  Below are some of the ways journaling has and has not worked for me.
2. Prayer ~ Yes! Starting in college I have on and off kept a prayer journal and while not currently I am planning on starting again after Lent when I've finished the devotional I'm using. I find it a useful way to concretely lift up those people and things I want to bring before God and for recording blessings. A useful idea that I found in the Take Up & Read devotional I'm using this Lent is acknowledging past hurts and leaving them at the foot of the cross.  I may also continue this practice of asking Jesus help in letting go of past hurts.
3. Book ~ Yes! Inspired and encouraged by MMD, and with a TBR (to be read) list growing beyond easy recall I started book journaling a few years ago with this journal and then later started free handing one using this kit.  I really like having a book to keep track of what of I've read, categories in reading challenges I'm doing, and books or authors I want to read.  I also use Goodreads as a tracker and useful way of 'bookmarking' books I hear about online.  
4. Bullet ~ No! Or rather not yet...I love seeing others and am intrigued by the idea but my first attempt was a bust.  The book I ordered was too big for me to use easily; and I think until I have better sense of how I want to lay things out lined paper will work better than dot grids.  I also need to figure out if I prefer spiral books or if it is just what I know and feel more comfortable with.
5. Gratitude ~Yes! Inspired by Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts a couple years ago also tried to record 1000 blessing in a year.  I succeeded and enjoyed the experience so have decided to try again this year and have a journal where every few days I record blessings and moments of grace not to be missed amidst the chaos.  This certainly could be part of a prayer journal and may get folded into mine at some future point.
6. Pens and Markers: I have found along the way that I really like the Staedtier triplus fineliner, and these black pens and these markers.  Separate shout-out but on the topic of pens; this year Elisabeth is only suppose to write in ink for schoolwork other than math and we have these to be a great erasable pen. They write very smoothly and erase cleanly!
7. What about you? What are some of your favorite types of journaling? Pens and other accessories?

Please now head over to Kelly's for more 7QT's!