Instant Happy Journal Makes Journaling a Snap!

I love Karen Salmansohn's whimsical Happy Books so there was no doubt in my mind that her new guided journal, Instant Happy Journal: 365 Days of Inspiration, Gratitude and Joy was a must-have for me.

Instant Happy Journal

I really like guided journals because it helps me to think outside the box of the usual ideas to write about. This one focused nicely on the idea of creating happiness which is something everyone is seeking. The pages are not incredibly long which makes it incredibly un-intimidating and writer friendly, especially for someone who is a beginner journaler.

This is perfect for keeping on your nightstand as a way to think back over your day or to meditate on the day ahead, or it's also a great gift for just about anyone.

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

Ongoingness: The End of a Diary is a Must Read for Anyone Who Has Ever Kept a Diary

We keep diaries for many reasons, but at the core is the central theme of wanting to remember and the wish to leave something behind. I'm fascinated with other people's journals of late, and that is what drew me to Ongoingness: The End of a Diary by Sarah Manguso. It's a small, meditative book of blurbs that resonated with me and I would venture to guess anyone else who has ever kept a journal.

Manguso's book is written snapshots, snippets of her memories about diary-keeping over her life. She states that her goal of diary-keeping was to "end each day with a record of everything that had ever happened". It's a concise little gem of a book that constantly hits home the idea that we are not infinite, and that eventually "in a hundred and fifty years no one alive will have ever known me. Being forgotten like that, entering that great anf ongoing blank, seems more like death than death". Which of course is why the idea of diary-keeping seems so appealing. Being able to chronicle our lives so that we leave a written (or electronic) legacy behind long after we are gone. There is some comfort in believing that something we created will outlive us.

But as we grow, despite not wanting to let go of memories, or more precisely not wanting to miss an opportunity to perfectly capture all the fleeting moments that make up a life, we start to live our lives more fully. To be more ever-present. Instead of recording our memories in our diary, we imprint them into ourselves. And though that means we have to let go, at least a little, of our desire to be immortal through our diaries, it also encourages a bit more living and certainly a lot more to reflect upon.

This book was small but packed a big punch. Pick it up if you've ever kept a diary. It will speak to you.

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

In the Age of Social Media, Do you REALLY Know What You Like?

The concept of liking things has become practically synonymous with social media. Whether you are liking a friend's status on Facebook, retweeting a celebrity's hilarious tweet on Twitter or showing some love for a brand's newly uploaded photo on Instagram, liking is a quick way to support or show approval for someone else. But what about the deep down concept of enjoyment? Do we really have a firm grip on what we as individuals truly like in the age of digital liking bombardment?

Go Ahead and Like it

Go Ahead and Like It by Jacqueline Suskin is a little gem of a book that encourages the reader to delve into what makes them tick. Step away from technology for a little while and just focus on your surroundings. Think about your favorite memories. Recall simple pleasures that leave a 500-watt smile on your face. Tune into your likes. Then start making a list. That's all there is to it!

What I like most about this book is that it's very thought-provoking. It made me realize how infrequently I take a honest look at what moves me and brings me joy. This book would make a great gift for anyone who could benefit from a little quiet reflection. And honestly, that is pretty much all of us these days.

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

Journaling Made Easy

There was a time when I would happily journal, page after page, year after year. That time was between 5th grade and my mid-twenties. Then after that two things happened: 1. My life settled down (which while being quite nice, also left a big void for self-reflecting journal fodder) and 2. The Internet (personal blogs that always seemed to start off well-intentioned but usually fizzle out quite early on).

Each new year, one of my constant resolutions is to get back into journaling. I certainly have enough to write about, though my main road block is my lack of time. If only I could capture snippets of my life in journal form quickly and easily! Then I'd be sure to have some follow through and something to reminisce back on years from now.

Queue the big bold flashing lights and ringing bells!! The solution...THIS BOOK. This cutesy little portable gem is Q&A a Day: 5-Year Journal. I love it because it is easy to follow and use consistently. Each day is a question and you answer it, easy as that. And you do this for 5 years, so you can see how your answers/choices/opinions/preferences evolve through time.

I also like that the publisher has put out a slew of simple "one a day" themed mini journals that range the gamut of One Line a Day (good for capturing a snippet of a memorable conversation) and Q&A for Kids (good for those parents who always mean to capture their kids memorable quotes but never have time).

This is the way to ease yourself into journaling, whether you are a first-timer or someone looking to get back into it after a hiatus. Also great for writers to use as prompts.

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.