Newsletter Subscriber Sara K. mentioned that she got a new notebook and wasn’t sure what to write in it. With a little brainstorming, here’s what I came up with.
- Quotes from books, songs, movies, or podcasts.
- …..and why you like them
- Books to read
- Movies to watch
- Printed photos from your phone or camera
- Sketches or doodles
- Ideas for trips or vacations
- Gift ideas
- Shoe size/clothes size you wear
- Interesting signs or slogans that you see
- Interesting news headlines
- Practice hand lettering interesting fonts that you see
- Fun facts that you’ve uncovered
- Book reviews
- Mini essays on a topic that you are interested in
- Recipes
- ….and your modifications
- Life advice from people that you trust
- Jokes/witty sayings you want to remember
- Names of new people that you meet
- Memes or cartoons that you like
- Overheard conversations, or parts of conversations
Sharp-eyed readers will notice that I’ve stretched the exact definition of a commonplace book a bit to include not only quotes and information from others, but also some of your own thoughts and ideas.
If you need more information about what a Common place book is, and how to get started, begin here.
If you aren’t sure how you would keep all of this stuff organized in one notebook, you can look here and here for some ideas.
Lots of good ideas on this list. As a newbie to journaling I will try some of them…my journal will be a mishmash!
You mentioned Sue draws in hers every day – even if it is just her coffee cup. I like that idea…something every day even if it is small and a repeat! (Currently I am watching some favorite calla lilies making a comeback in my garden. They will show up as I watch them grow!)
I learn something every day.
Glad you found it useful. Your journal is basically what you make of it. Good luck!