In addition to all of the used and new books we sell here at Anthology, we also sell a variety of greeting cards, stationary, book marks and of course journals. Our journal selection includes ruled and unruled notebooks, pocket sized or larger, with a variety of designs and decorations. Some journals also serve as day planners or address books. We carry the ever popular Moleskine (mol-a-skeen-a) journals and beautifully designed notebooks from Peter Pauper Press. Some feature the ribbon bookmark and some have a magnetic closure to protect the interior pages. Our journals range in price from $12 -$18.

If you have never kept a journal before, let me expound on some of the benefits of doing so. I have kept a journal for a number of years now and I consider it a well made decision to have started. I keep a journal at home and I carry a small pocket sized notebook with me anywhere I go. For me, a journal is a way of recording observations, insights, thoughts, ideas and experiences. Usually if they’re not recorded right away, they are forgotten, or at least the details. Other people may keep a journal for similar reasons, or maybe just to keep up on their appointments and obligations. Keeping a journal can become a wonderfully engaging habit that offers growth at every new entry. Some of the reasons to keep a journal include:

- Recording experiences or insights that might otherwise be forgotten.

- Expanding and developing ideas.

- Writing creatively; such as poetry or stories.

- Keeping track of long or short term goals.

- Recording dreams upon awakening.

- Asking questions to be answered at a later time.

- Remembering inspirational quotes.

- Drawing pictures.

- Remind yourself of successes and accomplishments.

- To remind you of what you’re grateful for.

- To clear our subconscious problems and avoid secrets.

- And, most importantly, to keep track of your personal growth.

As you can see, the benefits can be enormous. There have been many studies about the healing and creative power of keeping a journal, and many of the most influential figures in history kept regular journals. As an artist, my journal is an indispensable tool for creative growth. I look back through my old journals regularly and am often inspired, surprised, and even entertained at what I find. Insights most often come “out of the blue” and if you want to get the most out of them, you need to write them down for future reference and reflection.

Journals make the perfect gift for the old and young alike. Come over to Anthology and check out our selection of journals. There might just be one that will inspire you to try something new. So do yourself a favor and start keeping a journal. It’s never too late, and I guarantee you’ll be surprised and maybe even amazed at what you find.

Thanks for reading!

Matt