Welcome to By Bernice ♡︎

Why I’m Rediscovering Journaling

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been getting back into journaling. Not for productivity (though it is a plus), not for perfection, but to slow down and check in with myself. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to drift away from small rituals that once brought joy. For me, journaling is one of those rituals; a gentle way to reflect, organize and just be present.

I’ve realized that giving myself permission to try again doesn’t need to come with rules, it just needs to be intentional.

My Journals: Planner, Life Journal, and Five-Year Journal

Each of my journals serves a different purpose, but together they help me reconnect with myself.

Planner

• I use it to organize my days, schedule tasks, and map out little routines. It keeps me grounded and reminds me to actually show up for myself.

Life Journal

• Here, I jot down thoughts, reflections, and little wins and frustrations from the day. It’s my space to process ideas without judgment.

Five-Year Journal

• This journal is quite special. It asks me a question everyday, and it has space for me to answer over five years. That means the question I answered on January 1 of last year will be the same one I answer this year, and the next year, and so on. I think it would be really cool to see how my answers evolve over time and to notice patterns, growth or even small shifts in perspective.

@byberniceja

i’ve had SO many planners and journals growing up, but somehow i just end up forgetting about them from time to time. i picked up my “thoughts” journal the other day and realized my last entry was in 2023 and i literally missed a lot of updates! this year i’m making it my goal to *stick* to journaling, so future me can thank present me 🙂‍↕️ part 1 of my year of trying and rediscovering ♡︎ #journaling #stationery #reflection #journaltok #planner

♬ Little Life – Robert Gromotka

Cute Stationery Shops in Seattle

These two cute stationery stores in Seattle reminded me how fun it is to pick out things that make journaling feel special. Even small details like a favorite pen or a sticker sheet can turn a simple session into something I look forward to.

These little joys are exactly why I love journaling – the experience is just as important as what I write.

@byberniceja

these two cute stationery stores are conveniently located right next to each other by pike place!! @mochithingsllc – if you love stationery and want to find some really cute and functional home items! muto – for elevated everyday things, from small cute magnets to everyday makeup brushes that have a 180-year history 🫨 #seattle #seattletiktok #thingstodoinseattle #smallbusiness #shoplocal

♬ ぽつり雨模様 – kimimi

Why It Matters Now

Rediscovering journaling has become an accountability system for me. Instead of jumping to the next hobby, I’m giving myself the space to actually stick to something and reflect.

This is just the beginning of my series: A Year of Trying & Rediscovering. I’m excited to continue exploring hobbies, routines, and small experiences that bring joy, one thing at a time.