We tell stories to our kids at bedtime, over s’mores around the campfire, and about loved ones who’ve passed on so we never forget. Our stories are our way as humans of connecting with one other – they are passed down, with care, from generation to generation in an effort to preserve history, legacy and heritage. We make a case study out of the human experience, and examine, learn from, and make changes based on past communities missteps. Now, the very real, very relevant practice of telling stories via journaling is experiencing a sort of rebirth and resurgence as folks seek vessels for self care.
Journaling allows us to take the time and space to refocus, acknowledge and let go of stressors, and restore balance. And in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, we think thats a good thing. Experts credit the simple act of routine journaling as an exceptional way to sort out thoughts, manage emotions and find balance. The beauty of it is that there is literally no wrong way to do it. It can be a daily, weekly or monthly practice. And in the digital landscape of the 21st century, it can take the form of video, photos, dictation, or captions and can be shared at lightning speed. But as much as we love a good Tik Tok video or Instagram story, the KLW team believes there is something to be said for doing it the good old fashioned way. Pen to paper, and preferably in a notebook from the new Watch Hill shop. Cue Made Market Co. notebooks and more!
One of our goals at KLW is to support American made products and businesses. So when we discovered this family owned company based out of Hays, Kansas, with their cheeky, functional notebooks we were thrilled to start featuring them in the shop! One of our favorites is a pink little number and a nod to Nicholas Spark’s best seller “The Notebook”, which eventually became the 2004 romantic blockbuster starring Rachel McAdams and *swoon*, Ryan Gosling. “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird” am I right! I mean, are you even a millennial if you don’t LOVE that movie?! And, fun fact: In the inside flap, a clever note – “This has been approved by Ryan Gosling. Just kidding he doesn’t even know we exist.”
Our obsession with Ryan Gosling aside, we are all for a little self soothing and de-stressing. So, we put our money where our mouth is and did the work. Once a week, we committed to writing things down, no rules about what, just whatever fleeting thoughts, intentions or goals that happened to be present that day. In doing so, we noticed we gained a few powerful tools along the way…
Letting go
Empowerment
Perspective
Gratitude
Writing out things that you worry about will help you let them go. Actively journaling can help you to notice symptoms and triggers and leave you feeling empowered. The practice of writing allows for perspective, gratitude and peace. So whats stopping you!? Every one has a story to tell, whats yours?
Shopping for a friend? Pair one of our notebooks with a flower arrangement, we can deliver too with a personable card so you don’t have to go anywhere!