My eight‑year‑old self would be quite delighted to know that I now have something called a journal ecosystem — because surely that means I’m living a wildly exciting life. (Eight‑year‑old me also loved writing detailed accounts of most meals she ate. She had some very deep feelings about lasagna.)
My 50‑plus self loves my journal ecosystem for different reasons. I recently learned the term refers to the habit of keeping many notebooks at once, and honestly, it feels like a good description of how I manage my world. My journals give me space to express my thoughts and feelings without judgment, while playing, planning, and processing.
In the photo below, you’ll see my current stack. Let me take you on a little tour — from the bottom up:
Stack of creative journals including an art journal, bullet journal, sketchbook, and notebooks used for mixed‑media play and workshop planning.
Art Journal
Started during my time at the wonderful Haliburton School of Art, this journal is filled with mixed‑media experiments and playful explorations. It’s my reminder that creativity doesn’t need an outcome, just curiosity.
Inner‑Most Thoughts Journal
Not its official name, but definitely its purpose. This is where I pour out the hard stuff — the dark‑night‑of‑the‑soul reflections, the stream‑of‑consciousness rambles, the emotional check‑ins. It’s grounding to look back and see how thoughts shift and soften over time.
Bullet Journal
My planning sanctuary. It’s where I map out tasks, hopes, and goals month by month, and hold myself gently accountable. And yes, it’s a great excuse to use my fun stationery.
Sketchbook
A square-format favourite for impulsive doodles, quick experiments, and trying out ideas I stumble across online. It’s low‑pressure, high‑play.
Side Quest Notebook
This one lives in my purse and comes with me to meetings with collaborators for my creative workshop business. It’s perfect for capturing ideas, scribbling notes, and brainstorming new workshop concepts in my fast and scribbly handwriting.
Not Pictured: My Junk Journals
I also keep a little hand‑stitched junk journal on the go, where I create playful spreads using bits and pieces collected from restaurants, events and the occasional irresistible piece of junk mail.
Maybe you have a journal ecosystem too. I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
And if you’d like to chat about collaborating or joining one of my creative workshops, please reach out. I’ve got just the right journal ready for jotting down our ideas.
Nikki Luscombe | Creative Workshops 