This is just my two cents. I feel like journaling has become very privileged and high end. There is a HUGE influx of super expensive covers and pens. I can't afford five Chic Sparrow covers or even one. I can't afford the expensive fountain pens and multitude of inks. It makes the whole hobby feel very commercial and exclusive. When I, as a working middle age woman with no children and no husband, looks at a video with ten vintage fountain pens or even high end fountain pens being shown with a perfect set of acrylic nails on a handcrafted TN cover already being added to the ten others they have it makes me feel very ill. It's that non-stop consumerism that just makes me feel so bad and just uneasy. It excludes so many people who just want to write. I really wish it was more about the writing and the "messiness" of living your life. Our lives, our society, our world is so messy and chaotic that I feel like that emotional tension and resolution should be shown in your journal. Please don't stop sharing. I am a long time subscriber and your authenticity is appreciate and loved.
You are definitely not alone in your style of journaling! Super aesthetic stuff and consumerism are really popular online, but I think most "regular people" (non-influencers) who journal just keep it simple and don't post online about it. At least, that's what I do-- I just use a notebook and pen to record my thoughts.
Excuse me but what acylic nails has to do with anything? If you're bothered by those type of people who can afford more expensive stuff, go and watch someone who practices a different, more minimalisctic style of journaling similar to yours. Boom. Problem solved. Nobody is discouraging you, you're discouraging yourself. If you love writing, you do it regardless of watching someone journal with a 1500$ fountain pen or someone journaling with their " target basics" ballpoint pen. Don't make your limitations other people's limits. Practice being content with what you have a that's it. No one is forcing you to buy anything. I don't understand why anyone should feel guilty about the way they journal or express their hobby. The world sure is messy.
I love this Video. Honestly, that's why I stopped watching stationary or Journal Videos, and you are the only one I still watch, because of all this: that new special tape, that sticke, stamp, that this and that. It exhausted me and took a lot away of my joy in journaling - because in the end: it was just a "Material battle" on all the channels - and I am happy with a blank journal and a fountain pen. It is refreshing to see that you not participate in that crazy "every trend must be followed" - in fact: you have your own, very enjoyable style. Much more than just perfect styled decor with some bits of writing. Please, don't drop out in sharing what you love and how you are journaling. I know how that "being a black sheep in my own community" feels, because I feel sometimes in the sewing community, which hold me long time back from posting videos. I enjoy historical garments as much as modern avantgarde fashion, and that's what I like and enjoy to communicate.
I couldn't agree more with everything that you have said and I understand how you're feeling. I was inspired to start journaling proper at the beginning of 2019 from seeing things online. I didn't even begin to post about it on social media until the end of 2019. Now having had a stationery specific instagram for nearly a year I have found that a lot of people journal just so that they can post on instagram. While I have really enjoyed having a stationery instagram I don't understand why so many people seem like they are desperately making spreads and buying things to (as you said) keep up with the joneses. Even if I deleted my instagram today I would keep journaling because it's for me and deeply personal. It's something I hope will live beyond me and be something my family can enjoy when I'm long gone. And while I enjoy all of the pens, markers and stamps at the end of the day I will only ever need a pen and notebook to enjoy this thing I love. Sorry for the essay but I just wanted you to know that you're not alone. I hope that the community can be a place where you enjoy sharing rather than feel the "responsibility" to, if not then I hope that you continue to be creative and journal for just yourself. Life is short so be selfish with that time! Sending lots of love from London 💙
I hope you feel better about the community soon! I think what you're feeling is totally valid. Most people don't understand that the stationery community is a lot more consumerist than it seems. It's a lot like fashion or beauty that way. There are trends, name brands, and cliques. Collecting planners is a lot like collecting bags or shoes, in my opinion. And I'm not excluding myself from that. I admit I love collecting planners and I enjoy making videos about them, but I still feel equally tired of the constant bombardment of products being shoved to me on social media. It's never-ending, where's the endgame? 😓 It's helped me a lot to pull back and just focus on the friends I've made on IG, and also unfollow accounts that don't really align with my style. Nothing personal about them, I just need my feed to be stress-free.
I totally understand! I go back and forth so many times with what to use, what to buy, FOMO, hoarding/decluttering, and trying to keep up. I think it's deeper than just fitting or not fitting into the community. I have learned that it can be very competitive and feel like a popularity contest sometimes. I've tried to step back but I do love planners, notebooks, journals, etc. I really don't have any answers, just wanted to let you know that I resonate with your opinion in this video. I love your channel by the way so I do hope you continue sharing here.
You are so right about journaling not being about stuff... the stuff should be a vehicle and an inspiration rather than a chore and a complicator. My journal has fancy paper and I have fancy pens because they inspire me. But the pages have nothing stuck or glued on the inside because that doesn't inspire me. Do what you enjoy.
Thank you for sharing this! I don't think I share all of your sentiments 100%, but I do sympathise a lot, and I can totally see where you're coming from
I can fill pages relatively quickly because I just write my thoughts in a stream of consciousness w/o trying to sound good or have a nicely composed piece of writing. Also, I don't actually try to FILL pages. I start a new page for each day's entry whether or not the previous page is full. Handwriting size/line spacing also makes a big difference. It takes way more words to fill a page with narrow line spacing than one with wide line spacing. However, overall, I really don't think filling pages fast is any better than filling them slowly. It's just a matter of personal preference. Like, I definitely COULD fill pages faster if I wanted to, but why? There is no point in randomly filling up pages if I don't actually feel like writing more. Filling up journals quickly also has the disadvantage of requiring more storage space for completed journals.
For what it's worth, I enjoy your channel because of your quiet, gentle, thoughtful content. I appreciate watching you use your stash as it encourages me to use what I have. I am fairly new to journaling and planning and became overwhelmed with trying to keep up. I found you and your refreshing attitude and so look forward to your posts. I love your approach to December Daily and using your stash of journals. I don't know if that encourages you at all, but there are channels I follow and channels I faithfully watch. You are one that I faithfully watch... and not as a background to keep me company. I hold off and watch when I am ready to pay attention as I consider your posts a treat for myself. Just be you.
An absolutely wonderful video! Lately I've found myself feeling overwhelmed with all of the journaling STUFF I've gathered through the years, especially since many things were purchased because I loved what someone else did with it in their own journal. I'm learning that just because it works for someone else doesn't mean it'll work with my journaling style! I have gone through my stash multiple times and have given many things to my kids to play with. I also did a no-spend month in August and am doing another for the month of October. I realized that I was enjoying journaling so much MORE during the month of August because there was no pressure to be anyone/anything else but myself. I'm casually wondering how a no-spend year would affect my love for journaling - kind of exciting!!! Thank you for sharing this bit of your heart with us.
I can totally relate to everything you had to say. I have also found exactly the same thing in the penpal world. To me the whole point of writing to penpals is all about the written word. Getting to know another person through the sharing of letters. Social media tends to hype it up and then all of a sudden people are feeling the need to be competitive with one another and people start feeling they won't be good enough to write to a penpal if all they have is plain lined paper and a blank envelope. The expectation is suddenly you must write on fancy writing paper, send your letter in a creatively decorated envelope with an assortment of postage stamps and an added bonus if you add crafty extras with your letter. It is always so refreshing to be able to watch and enjoy your videos where you do your own thing and make a conscious effort to use the supplies that you already have invested money in. At the end of the day the most important thing for everyone is being able to record your life memories. Future generations will love to be able to enjoy seeing handwritten journals recording those everyday life moments in what ever format that might be.
Good for you! Ive journaled since the age of 12 simply to set my thoughts, problems and ideas down. Who knew it would become a big business?? Im blown away by the silliness that is now called journaling. A fountain pen and my own handmade journal and im good to go! Stay your course...youre on the right path!
You are definitely not alone in your style of journaling! Super aesthetic stuff and consumerism are really popular online, but I think most "regular people" (non-influencers) who journal just keep it simple and don't post online about it. At least, that's what I do-- just a notebook and pen to record my thoughts.
Don’t drop out! I find your videos such a refreshing contrast from the same old same old on TH-cam which is so great when you love journaling but can’t afford to keep up with the Joneses!
Don't leave. You have followers that enjoy your content and I am one of them. I had to stop watching some TH-camrs because I was just purchasing and hoarding. Your videos have helped me. I would love it if you showed how you created your trace paper insert. That sounds like fun and I already have trace paper.
I just found your channel and am sooooo grateful for this video!! I have fallen down a dark hole of despair trying to keep up. My journal and planner used to be my happy place and now it stresses me out. I have greatly reduced the number of planner people I follow and am working to get back to that peaceful place with my planner and journal. Social media has had such a negative affect (on me) but then I find people like you and am encouraged.
You’re honest and substantial and supportive. You’re most generous. Some others are putting you down and that’s never right. It’s bullying in an era that’s trying to be better. Don’t take it to heart; don’t make their problems your problems.
I agree 100% with the things you said, thank you for sharing your feelings! You're absolutely not alone in this. The popularity thing is why I completed quit social media: I always, always felt like an outsider and that made me feel bad. I never really fit in in real life, and I had the same feeling online. It made me feel not very likeable and I struggle with that. And overall: I'm just tired of the whole consumerism and the big hauls.
I love your videos! I have been feeling and experiencing many of the same things you have. I had a vlogtober video where I ranted about similar ideas. Keep posting. I always watch. I might not comment every time but I enjoy all that you share.
This is a great video. This is something we need to hear in this community. Makes since why when I see products and elaborate layouts, I get discouraged. I am guilty for buying because I see others buying it. My heart is sad for getting caught up in the “Keeping up with the Jones’s” Community. It’s time for me to break away from these groups and enjoy what I have. Thank you thank you thank you! Also beautiful album. I love how down to earth it is. It’s your style! It shows your expression of who you are. Blessings, Jen
I found you through Stationery Cafe podcast, I was really excited and by the end of the show I was relieved that I’m not alone. I honestly never understand the Hobonichi, Traveler’s Notebook, kawaii journal trends & hauls. I enjoy sticking a little bit washi tapes and illustrating my journal here and there to help me remember how something looks like, but the rest is wall of text. I understood that people expressing things through different ways. But I’m totally with you, a simple journal works with me the best. I’m focusing more to writing about how I really feel instead of decorating.
The honesty is what got me to subscribe and keep watching. I practice minimalism but love to journal and TH-cam and instagram kind of got to me to think I can't journal or enjoy journaling unless I buy all the the things. I have zero scrap paper, zero stickers. I just can't justify the purchases for me personally. I like my notebook and always buy the same one, I love my two fountain pens and my 3 inks. I am content. But sometimes they post and it's the perfect picture. I don't share my journal pages, they are just writing, sometimes a doodle. I am not artistic other than with the words I bought. What will get on my nerves is others making similar videos as this "thoughts of the stationery community" just to talk but continue with their ways. I also don't like the super chirpy videos. So thank you for not talking in a high pitched overly excited voice!
I would like to offer a different perspective and encouragement. I think most you tube viewers expect a channel to promote supplies - because each channel is like a small business - owner operated - either for monetary rewards or free supplies etc. It doesn’t take us long to figure out the kind of channel we want to listen to - for example - I like to listen to your videos. I loved your Jane Austin inspired writer’s box - and if I could have imagined a way that I needed one - I would have purchased one! It is still in the back of my mind as a Christmas gift for a granddaughter. Many of the supplies I now have and use are because I listened to various you tube channels - and I enjoy the items that I was introduced to and had no idea were available. One of the channels I love to listen to is Dede Willingham. She is an artist and she does live chats on Monday and Wednesday. She often promotes other channels and she is just a very positive person. She advises viewers that do not like her channel to be free to stop watching and she is not concerned about their negative comments. Now I don’t have a channel so I don’t know what it is like to put myself out there and be criticized. But I want to encourage you to not let the naysayers stop you - you have over 6.5K subscribers! There are a lot of people who like your channel! Wishing you a blessed day!
I am so grateful I've found your channel. I just got my first Traveler's Company Passport notebook, which led, a month later, to a Traveler's Company regular notebook purchase. I fell down the rabbit hole and have spent way too much money on all the stuff and things. I watched this video, and gratefully, you put the brakes on my financial downward spiral. So, thank you for taking the risk to speak so honestly and post this video.
I’m so glad that you have made a video about stationery minimalism! Just like you, I feel exhausted and sick of all the talk of needing new stuff which you don’t use eventually! Thank you for making my thoughts clear! And keep up the good work, I love your style, very authentic, what I love!
I started watching your videos because minimalism about stationery appeals to me a great deal. I dislike how disposable and plastic-oriented the stationery industry is. There’s so much materialism and a sense of never being satisfied with the things they buy in most of these videos about stationery too. So I agree with your points. And I totally agree about the hatefulness that people spread too. What happened to “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all?” I think that’s why I prefer the portions of the journaling community that are all about the process of journaling, the growth that it generates. As to the genre, I think you are busy creating your own. I like it, so I hope you’ll continue posting videos!
Hi Anna! Your video couldn't have come at a better time. A lot of similar thoughts have been weighing on me, so to hear you speak out loud about it gives me a lot of hope moving forward. ❤️ I just want to say thank you for calling us to an important conversation about where the community is headed and how we can simply do better. Let's get back to love for pen and paper. ☺️
I got into Midori traveler’s notebooks because the simplicity of it,now it’s this leather cover that leather cover this notebook etc.all the decorations . Yes I did fall in rabbit hole and felt like I was starting to just give what little money I have just sit in a box.
Oh please don’t stop! The reason I love your videos is that you aren’t annoying and you are so different from others. You inspire me so much! You keep being you!
Girl, I FEEL YOU, even 3 years removed, I don't even care what you're uploading currently, I can't wait to binge your videos and get to know you! (This is the first time I've ever seen your channel)
I could not agree more. For years, I wanted to create a simple journaling TH-cam channel because I felt that everything was geared toward the fancy journals/planners. Some of those journals/planners are neat to watch, but it is to much for me. I use the same notebook for a while, because they work for me and I am a pen and paper snob. Thank you for your honestly. The channels that are honest and true to themselves are the ones I love watching and following.
Please continue posting videos. I am also on a stationery/digital minimalism journey and I find your content very inspiring. It is very refreshing to hear people share honestly their views and opinions.
I am so glad I found this video, because it basically put into words *everything* I have been feeling about the journaling community. I am also a huge fountain pen user, and a very similar thing is happening in the fountain pen world, with people sharing perfect (and multiple) collections of colour co-ordinated Sailor limited editions. And it just makes me feel excluded, and like I need to get more stuff to fit in with either community. And then I will flip over to TH-cam and watch someone switch out of a NEW Hobonichi that is then left unused for the rest of the year and it honestly makes me feel a little sick. Thank you for sharing and for your honesty, it made me feel heard and understood.
Thank you for being so honest! I hope you stick around anyway as you are one of my favorite you tubers and I find your take on journaling so inspirational!
The thing that opened my eyes was when people started travelling to Japan to buy ink and stuff and I was like "I can barely afford to move around my own city wth"
Wonderful video! I reached out to you months ago after discovering your wonderful channel. You may remember I asked about meetups here in Wisconsin. I have been journaling for just over a year and after watching so many videos, I know what you are saying. I love your content and all of the things you have shared. Journaling and watching journaling videos is my only outlet at the moment. My other *hobby* is performing in community theatre, and, due to the pandemic, there is NO theatre happening now. Journaling is a creative outlet and thank goodness I have it. But your channel is special. When you share a spread or a few items you’ve purchased and love, it’s more meaningful than the collecting for the sake of collecting videos. I think there are many who feel as you do😊
Dearest Anna, you are the very first channel on youtube that I subscribed to a couple of years ago now, how can I express to you how much I value the fact that you are different to other journalling channels, I have a photograph on a postcard of a field full of yellow tulips but in the middle of them is a bright red tulip, being the red tulip in a field of yellow i guess can have two sides to it, but I believe it makes you special and i hope that you receive that as the compliment I mean it to be, best wishes to you always x
I just started watching your videos in the last few months and really enjoy them. I have downsized from large home to smaller home and now we will downsizing to a 50 ft boat. I have been that person that felt like I must get certain products or I would not doing it right. Then realized a few years back I love how I do journals in my own unique way. I love watching videos such as yours for technique ideas placement ideas etc. I can watch haul videos but it does mess with my contentment.. I thing that is at the core of a lot of this is leaning and practicing contentment. It is something we must work on continually!! At least I do!! Years ago one of the first TH-cam channels I watched was a woman on a very fixed income who journaled in a spiral notebook with mostly magazines she received free and thing from the mail. I wish I could remember her name but it was amazing to see how content and grateful she was... Sorry this is long but I also just want to say that much of the little snips and snarky things said these day are because of a lack of civility. Civility is a practice that has fallen out of use in our modern day. There is a fantastic book call ‘Choosing Civility’ by Dr John Forni who was a professor at John Hopkins. He argued for the use of civility and founded the John Hopkins Civility Project. He would say that acts of violence always start with acts of rudeness. His books are wonderful and teach how to talk and share with civility!! As my gran always told me “keep a civil tongue in your head Missy sue”!!
I feel you're very brave Anna. I don't usually comment on videos but I thought that you should atleast know this : you are very brave to accept the things that you did and creative (even though you don't spend money just to make your journal like others). I watch all your videos within the half an hour they are posted, I started journalling after so long just because of you and I know social media sometimes is too negative to handle but know that there are so many people, apart from the ones that post hateful comments, that genuinely care what you have to say and your opinion on certain matters. And you never owe any explanation to anyone about quitting social media or simply taking a break from it. You do you! 😊
just came across this video and it's even more relevant today (feb 6,2021) than it was four months ago when you did this. I started following the planner community back in 2016 when there were only a few people doing it in depth, and all the things were nowhere near as overwhelming as they are today. I can not stand the 'haul videos'. it just seems insane to me that some youtubers do these massive hauls every week. when are they even using the things they already have??? I don't fit in either, and I refer to everyone as Dude. everyone. my husband is Dude, my kids are Dude, my dog occasionally is Dude. Say what you want, I'm good with "you guys". Keep being honest and if people don't like it then they can move along. I have no patience for people anymore to be honest, the new world we are living in seems to have turned people into self-centered individuals ( because the words that I really would have used probably would get red flagged). don't let them bother you if you can help it, and if they really do bother you then block them. don't quit youtube. and you don't have to give anyone a reason why you're not online, it's no ones business but your own. It's been refreshing to hear someone else sharing my viewpoints. Have a great 2021.
yay~ I'm so glad the pencils made you happy :) Also, this is a really important subject and I'm glad you did post this video! I never understood the "finding your style" either. I just use lots of different fountain pens, stickers, and washi tape because they make me really happy. I think that's what journaling should be about is just doing what makes you feel good.
Keep up the great work! There are plenty of us who support minimalism, it is about our thoughts and memories not all the "stuff" to pretty up the pages. I have reformed my style as well. I am sick of the hate message that is spreading around the world, so thank you for your honesty.
Hi Anna, just wanted to say that I really enjoy your youtube and IG content. You're one of my favorite, if not my favorite stationery person to follow! I love that you are showing how you really journal and that you don't always have the latest, trending supplies, but you often go through your stash of stuff and I see things that I have too- maybe from years ago- which is awesome! I love that you make beautiful spreads with a whole span of items that you own and maybe a few new things you picked up. I love that you aren't constantly hauling. I love that you show us what you're really interested in and how you put stuff together vs buying something for show. It really shows through in your finished spreads and creations. It's more realistic to how I journal anyway and I like it. I love how you are doing stationery minimalism videos. I have been doing the same kind of thing with my own stash probably not long before you posted about it so I was all on board. Sometimes, it's nice to shop your own stash and use it or realize you don't love it as much as other stuff you have and knowing you can't get to it all, you can pass it along. No one is perfect in their purchases. I know I have bought stuff that I ended up not using because it wasn't quite my style. I know I've made purchases at the dollar spot or dollar store and later thought, I don't love this and it's probably not being made sustainably or ethically, so I try to avoid those purchases. If I see something and love it and know I'm going to use it, I might buy it though - not perfect. So, I know what you mean. As far as comparing yourself to others on social media - I can only imagine what that is like. I don't post much on IG because I don't create as often as others and I don't think I could make beautifully composed pictures either. But I always think it'd be fun to connect with others more. But, I hope the numbers and dislikes don't discourage you from sharing. I guess there will always be negative comments when you put yourself out there. Why on a stationery channel, idk?? But, I hope you know there is more of us who love your content more than not! Even if we don't always interact or "like" a video or post. I'm guilty of that, but maybe it'd be nice to comment and like more often. I know it must be a lot of work to share, so I''ll try to share more with comments and likes!
I just discovered your channel and it's helping me detox from those haul videos. As an environmentalist those videos make me a little queasy. It's collecting for the sake of collecting, not for living life. Now I'm looking for "capsule stationery" videos. How to get the most beauty with the least supplies. Thanks for keeping it real!
Hi Anna, I think this is the first video I watched from you. Thank you for speaking from the heart. I feel like this year more than any with COVID going on, I struggled with the weight of all the stuff I had and the push to always purchase more. It seems that many of the people in the community eventually try to sell you something. It's all too much!
I loved your openness and honesty. I’m in a few other craft communities (knitting & cross stitch), and the same consumeristic tendencies are there, too. It’s such a distraction away from the purpose of the craft - to unwind, destress, etc. - and turns it into needing more more more. Thank you for sharing your experience and making great videos. I’ve been a longtime follower on both YT and IG, and though I would be sad to stop seeing your content, I’d completely understand if you leave social media.
I'm so glad you posted this. Thanks for talking about freedom. I don't have an endless money and I try to use what I have. In the beginning I bought lots of things, low cost bit once I found my style, I just use those things. The rest went to my creative young niece. Slowly over time I've bought a couple of nice pens etc. I agree though with your thoughts on excessiveness and the joy being more on accumulation and not actually journaling. Some people love decorating and creating flat lays and that brings them joy. Some like both writing and being artistic. And some just want to write. Just do you. And others will do themselves. For this year's inspiration, I looked up old journals with just writing and really loved seeing those so that helped me focus what I wanted from my journal. Which is me genuinely expressing myself in writing. That's my primary goal. I have art journals for my art ideas and explorations. But I choose to slowly build up my art supplies rather than buy all the things all at once. I enjoy your honesty. Keep it coming. I have a feeling this will resonate with others for sure.
Hello, I really enjoy your videos and the minimalism. I love journaling and have done so for many years. I have journals that are just writing and one that I like to decorate. The decorating is nice and quiet and allows me to be creative. I think you are authentic and real. I hope you feel supported and safe to express your feelings. I had a large caddie full of “stuff” and I am using them all now. People can just be mean, but social media needs people like you to give others the opportunity to encounter something different.
Please know that there are many of us that thoroughly enjoy your content, and you would be very missed if you decide to stop. You are one of the only channels I watch consistently, because it's such an inspiring, creative, and calm place! I am personally not a minimalist journaler, but watching you inspires me to try and be one, and you are such a great example that it is possible to be minimalist and still have fun and be creative with amazing results. And while I'm not minimalist, I also don't spend a lot on my journaling. I make my own inserts, reuse materials, etc, and I feel like that's so much better for the creative process. When you are constrained is when your artistic genius can really shine :) I am also in the category of not knowing where I fall in the journaling world. I'm not a bullet journaler, nor an art journaler, not quite a junk journaler... and I honestly don't know how I would define my journaling style, and that's fine. I just do what works for me. So, I just take it as, I'm unique, which is better than being able to fit in a category that's out there with tons of other people. I am guessing that's why your viewers watch you - they can't get your kind of content anywhere else!
I’m always called a planner babe, planner girl, one of the girls. So I find it funny that someone was upset that they were called you guys. I think that’s why I try to use you all. It’s funny what people get upset over. One of my friends here on TH-cam starts all her videos hi planner babes. I guess I’m a babe now. 😂
When I watch your videos, John, that’s my first thought. 😁 Just kidding. Your videos are great too and your enthusiasm for what you enjoy is a lot of fun.
Okay, I completely agree with you, and I’m going to go one step further. I’ve made a list of videos to film and then have filmed them, and then I see tubers like you or Advevture Denali upload similar if not the same videos before me and then I feel like I can’t upload mine, because I do t want to be seen as just riding on the backs of better TH-camrs. My majority of subscribers came from completely different videos I used to do, and since I’ve moved in this direction, I get pretty much NO views. 🤦♀️ I also don’t have unlimited funds to run out and buy the newest things in the community to make videos on so as to jump on a bandwagon. I like what I have and I use it all, I don’t do “hauls” because I’m paying off student loans, so I don’t buy a lot for me anymore. 😂 And I’m one of the stationery community who also feel like there’s no place for me because I don’t have all the newest things and sponsors and companies sending me products for review. I’m just Clare, at my tiny desk, journaling to improve my mental health. My journals aren’t even creative ☺️ and there’s no youtube following for just plain writing without pretty stuff. Gah... what I mean to say is that I get you. I’ve even tried to make friends in the community for doing collab videos and just in general too, and also feel like a black sheep. Anyway, when your videos pop up on my notifications, I always watch and always like. 😊 Then I get pissed off at myself for not filming faster and uploading videos that are similar content because I feel like I’ll be judged. We all have something. But you have a great following and really make videos we enjoy. You are honest and fun to watch. Enjoy your stationery and Christmas stuff as early as you please. And keep posting videos. 👍🏻
Hi! This is totally a random drive-by comment, but I just wanted to say that your painting Gillio videos inspired me to paint my own planners that I wasn't happy with. They were so helpful. I think the comments were off which is why I never left one, but they gave new life to the things I already had and it made me so happy. I'm sorry you haven't been feeling great about your place in the community, but at the very least, you made a big impact on my stationery life. 💕
@@spellboundnotes You have no idea how good it feels to hear this. 😁 I’m so glad it gave you the courage to try and make it completely yours. Thank you. 😁😁
Thanks for this video. I appreciate how authentic you are in sharing your truth. That’s why I enjoy your videos. I feel like you share your love of journaling in such a refreshing manner. All you need is a notebook and pen - so true! That’s how I used to journal and then I fell down the rabbit hole of what constitutes journaling nowadays 😱I bought into it and I got so overwhelmed with it. Your videos have reminded me of the simplicity of journaling. I’m rewatching some of your videos for ideas on creating my own journals. I just wanted to say thanks. If you need a break, I get it. Just do you.
I’m with you. I’d rather buy quality paints and two journals than spend hundreds on some of these covers and stuff. You’re not alone. But it’s their jam, just like some like rings and others like junk journals. I always tell myself, ‘if the community/social media is starting to annoy you, then you’re spending too much time on it.’ Then I go draw something.
I really hope you don't leave social media. I absolutely agree with everything you said. Over the years I've bought so much stuff that I actually get depressed because unlike others I haven't got a "fabulous craft room" . I'm weighed down with it so much I just want to chuck the whole lot away to save my sanity. Please don't leave. You don't constantly sit in front of the camera stroking your hair thinking how wonderful you are and you don't wear awful false nails. You're about the most real journaler there is on here.
Thank you so much for putting this video up and putting yourself out there. I absolutely agree with everything that you are saying. And I can see how you get caught up with defending yourself. I think that all of us get caught up in the buying frenzy at times. For Americans I really do feel like it's retail therapy. Whatever makes me feel better in the moment. But please just keep being you. You are honest and real. That's why I love your videos. I'm really hoping that the negativity turns around.
I’m sorry you’re feeling so disheartened. I hope that those of us who genuinely enjoy your content will outweigh the rude, mean people/comments. It must be really hard to try and disregard them. Right now in the U.S. we have SO much garbage going on, and social media is magnifying it all. I would very much miss your content, but I couldn’t blame you if you need to take a break. Hugs!
Hi, Anna. I get your point. I think it's all about knowing why we're journaling in the first place, and I guess the question would be: if I can't show my journal to anyone (or post it on social media), wouls I still be journaling this way? I find this question helpful to ground myself. I enjoy having a decorated journal/illustrated travel journal as my creative outlet, but I also have a private journal (messy handwriting) for intuitive writing and self-discovery. And knowing that I journal for myself first--keeps me steady in my practice :) I do love watching people's beautiful journaling supplies and their hauls, though. It gives me a chance to have a peek at what's out there and how people are using them without having to purchase them :) I guess, for me, to feel OK on social media, I just need to try letting go of any expectations and just share things that make me happy, whenever I have the time to do so. I hope you'll still be posting content here and there, because I've been enjoying them, but I totally understand if you'd like to take a break. *hugs* Happy journaling, Anna!
❤️ journaling minimalism. Some of my best journals are literally spiral notebooks and I probably just used a pen I found in a junk drawer. I was much more honest and free in my writing when I didn’t worry about keeping it “pretty”. Don’t get me wrong, I love my pretty journals, but they are not why I do what I do and I hope I never need them to write and capture memories. I love my TN but I would still journal without it. Sometimes we just need to remember the beauty in the words and memories - not the packaging ☺️
I totally agree with you. I love all your videos and the book ones have been a fun new addition! I have experienced being “left out” because I wouldn’t buy all the things that everyone else was buying. It felt like my journaling suddenly wasn’t good enough anymore. For instance I was a part of journal swaps and groups until I stopped buying so much stuff. Then I wasn’t asked to participate anymore. There was an obvious correlation between how much stuff you had and how often you got to participate. It was sad. But I am happy with where my journals are. I don’t care about all the hyped “stuff”. I like your hauls because we have similar taste and I like that you’re not trying to show off. It’s refreshing! I hope you keep making videos. I’ve been following for years and I love them all!
i just noticed the whole retail aspect of it. i know for a lot of people this is a hobby they're eager to share with. but i can't help but notice how people talk about products inevitably, like they're selling it. most of the time people don't really mean to sell it, it's likely that people keep asking what is it they're using because they're curious. but what ends up happening is i'm watching someone's journaling experience filtered through the consumerist aspect of it. it becomes a free review for the company.
I'm kind of glad that you posted this video. Even though I don't have a channel yet, I share some of your views and feelings. You go girl! Love just listening to your videos in the background as I work on my own spreads.
TH-cam has been putting your videos under my nose for the last few days and I appreciate what you're saying in this video, more so than I feel like I can articulate in a single comment. I also want to ask if you've ever watched Cindy Guentert-Baldo's channel? She has a whole video series on materialism and consumerism in the planner community that you might enjoy.
I really relate to everything you said. I feel this way sometimes & I think deep down it's because I get disappointed in myself!!! Social media can get overwhelming & I can get influenced to over purchase & collect & I'm guilty of influencing as well. I want to find the middle ground where I'm enjoying the pens & journals & inks AND sharing for fun but not competing or trying to keep up with all the latest things. It can be very hard for me to be reasonable about stationery & pens & inky things but I do not want it to be all or nothing. I want to learn good balance. In my opinion - you model good, reasonable stationery hobbying... is that a word? LOL I love your philosophy of stationery minimalism & I'm far from where I want to be but thanks to your sharing I'm moving toward where I want to be versus a huge hoard of stuff. I have a long way to go. Thank you for your honesty. We all need to vent at times and seriously think about our choices & why were doing things! 💜✒
So agree with everything you have said in this video. Please do not hesitate to say what you think. Many of us are agreeing with you. Please do not stop making your videos or expressing how you feel. Best wishes and big hugs 🤗
This *needs* more views. I recently got back into journaling, and adapting the bullet journal mentality to my own style. I've felt so bad for so long for not having the money to buy cute stuff like people from the US seem to have (I'm from Brazil, and US$ 1 is BR$ 5 right now, so everything has gotten more expensive here, specially with COVID). I've spend *hours* just "window-shopping" online for things I can't afford. I've decided to print stuff on sticker paper as stickers, which I think is a smart decision, but I didnt get the same kick as buying something new? And then I realized: this is not me, this is consumerism speaking. This is capitalism making me feel bad. And like someone said somewhere, every hobby has some buying and selling involved, but communities like Nintendo fans who have 5+ 3DSs just because they can, studygrammers silently flexing their 3 separate computers + an iPad, all of that just made me feel so much jealously, sadness, and then outright rage that I was feeling like that over such small things. I'm really glad you've started this conversation, because *it needs to happen*. We need to talk about how capitalism, sadly, permeates every decision we make, even when we're just buying effing highlighters. We need to find worth in the things that we do and not the things we buy. It has been a journey for me detaching from this victim mindset to find more creative ways to spend my money more wisely, like binding my own sketchbooks and printing my own stickers. But it is difficult, and doing it alone is kind of isolating in the world of hauls. So yes, thank you for your vid
Hello! I found your channel recently and I am really enjoying your content. I love the concept of journaling minimalism! Thank you for keeping it real and honest. 📖💙😊
I am a writer more than a planner and I'm definitely NOT a minimalist, I like buying and having things, I like hauls and beautiful spreads (which I will NEVER be able to replicate) but I also like your videos because they give me a different type of inspiration. For example, I like how you always show how you're trying to use all your notebooks. I also like your text-heavy journals because mine are similar, and sometimes I need a break from the kawaii stuff and I like your more "mature" style. So I hope you continue making videos. At the same time I have to admin that I won't even pretend to understand the whole "community" aspect you mentioned - maybe because I am part of some real-life fandoms that can be *extremely* toxic, so I don't really feel or look for a sense of community. I have a blog and Instagram which are completely unpopular, but I keep them cos I enjoy them. However, as someone who was was not wealthy for most of her life I definitely understand the pressure to get new things, and I'm sure many people enjoy your videos because of the lack of it.
I am late in watching this but I agree with everything you are saying! I have journaled and planned my whole life and this year being home more I got caught up in all the stuff. I spent a lot of money in 2020 and I am ashamed. Trying to get back to my roots in 2021. Minimalism has always been important to me.
Came here from Devin's channel....Really, journaling, pens, stationary should just be joyful. Sadly, Anna, some people could find something negative to say about a rainbow. 🌈 Being older than many of the people that post on social media, I don't understand the sarcastic, snarky meanness that others project. I will check out your vids. Have a great day! Love & Light to you. 🌠🌞....Stacy
I, too, came over from devnluu's channel, and I'm glad I did. I'm hearing a lot of sense in this video. Sustainability and consumerism are issues which concern me in pretty much every hobby I have dabbled in. Nobody's worth should be measured by the amount of things they have. Let's just use these unusual times to come back to our selves.
I get what you're saying, and I love your minimalist style. And I agree that journaling is a very personal endeavor, so one person's journal isn't going to look like another's. I have a craft room full of stuff I'm purging just because it takes up so much space. A lot of it I collected while I was discovering things and learning what I enjoy using. I do keep multiple journals, though. It's a lot of fun for me. I keep one that's more minimal than the others -- mostly writing -- but I still like to glue in images from magazines and comic books that I like and have collected. That's where I do all of my private, thoughtful journaling. But I also really like documenting my boring days. And I love using washi tape and pretty stickers and creepy stamps. It's such a relaxing process for me and an enjoyable way to wind down at the end of the day. I also just really love paper and notebooks. I'll find any reason to have multiple going at any given time. XD
I know at this point this video is old and I'm late to the party here but I'm glad you posted this video. I'm somewhat new to your channel ( I was a sub a while back but then was off social media for a time) and I agree with everything you are saying and that it's refreshing to hear that you too have similar frustrations as me. I stopped sharing on social media because I just can't deal gracefully with the snark. I appreciate you including your audience in you processing your frustrations and I'm sure by now you are feeling a bit less stressed with this community (since the election has happened and the majority has chilled out a bit). At least I hope so. Also, I'm so glad you brought up how unsustainable this hobby of ours can be - no one seems to talk about it. I LOVE stationery; I have loved it all my life. I remember even as a very small child collecting paper (my mom thought I was nuts), requesting paper as gifts, and drawing and writing on any paper I could get my hands on. Don't get me started on my childhood pen collection...HAHAHAHA. But now, I love trees more. So there's the rub for me. I use as much old stuff as possible to scratch my journaling itch. 18:25 hahaha...I'm 49 yo and from the northeast part of the US and we've been saying "you guys" as a form of greeting for as long as I can remember. So that's like 40 years! LOL But if I'm being honest, we in the Philly area really say "youse guys" which is probably more offensive to that commenter since it's not even proper english. And I know it has NEVER meant anything gender specific to anyone in my group. I've seen comments like that before and always thought they were so funny. Happy New Year to you and your family. I support whatever you decide to do with your channel. :-)
I know this video is older and you’re likely in a different place now but I’d like to say developing a resistance to comparing yourself will be so helpful . I’m likely much older than you and that is one of the biggest gifts you can give to yourself but it takes work. This doesn’t invalidate your observations on stationery and planning online communities at all, which were astute and honest, but you can never control others, we can only control our own perceptions (must acknowledge our reactions but dig deeper into why do I feel that way looking inwards instead of outward). I heard a lot of I don’t get as much engagement or likes, etc. Just an observation on your part but I also sensed it bothered you too? I could be wrong on that but wanted to say I do enjoy your content and there are others too. Your numbers don’t need to be large to make an impact.
Yessss, I totally understand this. Thank you for sharing. I moved away from IG this year and it was honestly the best - only occasional TH-cam videos when I feel inspired focusing more on my website/blog. Do what makes you feel the best. There's many ways to connect with people, community and life! Xo
The videos I like the most is where I feel like I'm learning something about organizing about planning etc. Something I can take from the video that I can apply to my life. The decorating is cute I guess but that is not what attracts me to a video
I nodded my head through the whole video. I am not on a minimalist journey but I am on an intentional living journey. I journal in a variety of ways, am a smallish TH-cam channel who is no where near sponsored. I just talked about some of this or similar to this in 2 different videos... I don’t understand the need to ridicule others just because they do things differently or you don’t follow all the trends or etc... I don’t curate. I post to IG maybe a couple times a month -don’t curate there either. I have been journaling for over 45 years and I will continue to journal regardless of whether I am on TH-cam or not. I really enjoyed your video.
I agree that there is a lot of judgement and ridicule from all social media areas. Please don't give this up because of people like that. If you enjoy it, go for it! I'm a new subscriber and I love your stuff!👍
A wonderful video on sooooo many levels. I am going to listen again when I have time to comment more but just wanted to say that this was one of the best stationery videos I've listened to in a long time. Much to think about and much that 100000% resonated with me xxxx
It’s so bizarre to me that people spend time online making negative or judgmental comments. Anyways I have been enjoying your videos they are very peaceful and calming
I am so proud of myself for how LITTLE I spend on my planner/journal supplies lol. I use three planners and two journals right now. One is a Vera Bradley's agenda...original price $35 from 2018/2019. I got it at 75% off($8.75) and purchase stickers, washi tape and other supplies from the DT, Walmart and Office Depot(on sale). My fave pens are Pentel fine tips(2/.89). The one thing I splurge on is Papermate Flairs.
If you are a loon obviously from the comments you have a like minded people in your community. I have been feeling this over consumerism for some time and I applaud your courage to express your thoughts. I have just subscribed to you channel. I am looking forward to seeing more of your journals.
I know this is an old video but I agree with you. I pandemic shopped all last year...spent enough money to take two vacations! I just came to my senses this month🤣
Yes I totally agree with you!!!!! Stock up on all this "stuff" because someone else has it or does it then I get it and don't use it!!!!!!! You helped me refocus! thank you!
Honesty. A nice change for social media. Thank you. By the way, I say "you guys" instead of "ya'll". I am a Texan, but "you guys" sounds better than the later. People need to chill. Watch a video and like it, or just move on with your mouth shut and your comments in your head. No need to be negative. You choose to watch something or not. Emoitionally, underdeveloped children.
Wow, I just realized I subscribed to your channel some time ago when I didn't understand I also needed to click on the "alert" bell! That's fixed now and I have a lot of catching up to do. Courage! And you are most definitely NOT a "loon."
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Thank you for sharing this. I have mixed feelings about the things you stated and I appreciate those feeling coming up because they tell me I need to do some work on myself /in myself. I have some thinking to do. Some introspection. Thank you for that incentive! 🙏🏻💛
Just wanted to express my admiration, it takes a great deal of time and energy to participate on social media especially producing you tube content so while I will miss your presence I can empathize with your decision should you choose to take a hiatus or leave. I could write a novel on this topic but I'll do my best to be concise. I share your instinct to ditch social media in response of the gradual, steady shift towards commodifying everything even hobbies or creative outlets. I've stopped watching a lot of journaling/planner related channels because I was tired of feeling seen as a potential consumer & feeling pressure to acquire more supplies. My original style and interest with Midori/TNS was establishing a mix between planning and memory keeping using ephemera from daily life as the central decorative element.... unfortunately I've lost sight of that and need to complete a stationery konmari fest and allow myself to cull the excess. Wishing you the best
I feel it was icky that this perfect modern vintage journal community tagging support artist support where it just 5 list of account that over perfect and super aesthetic. If you post journal not align to their aesthetic you don’t get much attention because you don’t have the same stuff as them. Before I like to make use what I have already and upcycle to make journal. The stationery consumerism is not healthy and just draining your money. I feel like I drift off because something not feels right when every journal is about picture perfect and self gratification.
I love this! Totally understand. Please know your videos about using what we have are always inspiring for me. And I’ve got my December Daily out as well so I can start prepping the pages 🤓
I related a lot to what you articulated here. I'm very into journaling, but not in the way that is trendy right now. I cut up a lot of old magazines, make doodles, paste in tea bag wrappers, whatever. My journals are not always aesthetic- sometimes there is a to do list on one page and a drawing on the other- definitely not a "spread." Some days I just want to write, no images. I've also never gotten into the notebooks that everyone else has. I cannot in good conscious spend $35ish dollars on an Archer and Olive, no matter how nice the paper quality is! I'm happy in my current journal I got from TJMaxx and my sketchbook that came from Ross. I do have lots of stickers and stamps and such because I find them fun, but if I didn't have them I would still be creative. Lately I have felt like the people in the stationery community are not very creative at all- creativity is not having the same notebook you saw someone else have and using it in exactly the same way to copy them. I also have a sort of question. How do people feel about youtube channels that don't follow just one "pattern" or "category?" I have wanted to start a youtube channel for awhile, but I love journals and art and writing and reading and I don't want to have a channel that only covers one of those things! I want to post about whatever I'm interested in, and I assume that if people see the title of the video and it's not for them, then they can just skip it. Do people think a channel like that would work, or do I have to "specialize?" For what it's worth, I like your content and your take on the stationery niche, so I hope you don't get turned off and quit posting. You were one of the first people I watched on youtube. Okay, essay done ;)
Your feelings are valid, and thank you for your honesty! I absolutely love your videos, they inspire me to journal, to curate my stuff, you are a breathe of fresh air! Sending love from Budapest, Hungary!
In Wisconsin, Minisota and Michigan my friends and family say yous guys. I live in Kansas. Midwest. We say you guys. Not ya'll. Not you all. People are being very sensitive & judgemental these days. It is getting worse. I love your minimal approach to journaling. My family journal In my hobonichiA5 is a junk journal. You are one of the channels that helped me figure out how to do this that makes me happy. Using what you have and not buying too much. I have spent the last year really honing in on what makes me happy with my journaling and art. I do paint and draw as well. So I decided that there will be less stuff and more of me. I have a Pen addiction. I love different ink colors. It isn't going to go away. With that said, I also have a washi and sticker addiction. I mostly use them in my planner. And I do use them. I don't hoard any of it. I love the recycle aspect of your channel. I use magazines, old books, Example: I keep my wrapping paper from birthdays & Christmas to use in my sons journal I am making him for a memory book to give him when he graduates.
I love you and your videos, use whatever language you want. You are real and there is too much hype and BS out there. I am not on you tube, but I think your followers are here because of your style and thoughts. Try and let any negativity go, some people just have to hate, cause that is all that makes them feel superior to others, and they are emboldened by anonymity. Tell those people to just stop watching, and please don't stop posting, I would miss your posts and you. Be well, have a really good 2021, and remember, get vaccinated.
This is just my two cents. I feel like journaling has become very privileged and high end. There is a HUGE influx of super expensive covers and pens. I can't afford five Chic Sparrow covers or even one. I can't afford the expensive fountain pens and multitude of inks. It makes the whole hobby feel very commercial and exclusive. When I, as a working middle age woman with no children and no husband, looks at a video with ten vintage fountain pens or even high end fountain pens being shown with a perfect set of acrylic nails on a handcrafted TN cover already being added to the ten others they have it makes me feel very ill. It's that non-stop consumerism that just makes me feel so bad and just uneasy. It excludes so many people who just want to write. I really wish it was more about the writing and the "messiness" of living your life. Our lives, our society, our world is so messy and chaotic that I feel like that emotional tension and resolution should be shown in your journal. Please don't stop sharing. I am a long time subscriber and your authenticity is appreciate and loved.
You are definitely not alone in your style of journaling! Super aesthetic stuff and consumerism are really popular online, but I think most "regular people" (non-influencers) who journal just keep it simple and don't post online about it. At least, that's what I do-- I just use a notebook and pen to record my thoughts.
Instablaster.
I’m totally agree with you! words!
Excuse me but what acylic nails has to do with anything? If you're bothered by those type of people who can afford more expensive stuff, go and watch someone who practices a different, more minimalisctic style of journaling similar to yours. Boom. Problem solved. Nobody is discouraging you, you're discouraging yourself. If you love writing, you do it regardless of watching someone journal with a 1500$ fountain pen or someone journaling with their " target basics" ballpoint pen. Don't make your limitations other people's limits. Practice being content with what you have a that's it. No one is forcing you to buy anything. I don't understand why anyone should feel guilty about the way they journal or express their hobby. The world sure is messy.
I love this Video. Honestly, that's why I stopped watching stationary or Journal Videos, and you are the only one I still watch, because of all this: that new special tape, that sticke, stamp, that this and that. It exhausted me and took a lot away of my joy in journaling - because in the end: it was just a "Material battle" on all the channels - and I am happy with a blank journal and a fountain pen. It is refreshing to see that you not participate in that crazy "every trend must be followed" - in fact: you have your own, very enjoyable style. Much more than just perfect styled decor with some bits of writing.
Please, don't drop out in sharing what you love and how you are journaling. I know how that "being a black sheep in my own community" feels, because I feel sometimes in the sewing community, which hold me long time back from posting videos. I enjoy historical garments as much as modern avantgarde fashion, and that's what I like and enjoy to communicate.
I couldn't agree more with everything that you have said and I understand how you're feeling. I was inspired to start journaling proper at the beginning of 2019 from seeing things online. I didn't even begin to post about it on social media until the end of 2019. Now having had a stationery specific instagram for nearly a year I have found that a lot of people journal just so that they can post on instagram. While I have really enjoyed having a stationery instagram I don't understand why so many people seem like they are desperately making spreads and buying things to (as you said) keep up with the joneses. Even if I deleted my instagram today I would keep journaling because it's for me and deeply personal. It's something I hope will live beyond me and be something my family can enjoy when I'm long gone. And while I enjoy all of the pens, markers and stamps at the end of the day I will only ever need a pen and notebook to enjoy this thing I love. Sorry for the essay but I just wanted you to know that you're not alone. I hope that the community can be a place where you enjoy sharing rather than feel the "responsibility" to, if not then I hope that you continue to be creative and journal for just yourself. Life is short so be selfish with that time! Sending lots of love from London 💙
I hope you feel better about the community soon! I think what you're feeling is totally valid. Most people don't understand that the stationery community is a lot more consumerist than it seems. It's a lot like fashion or beauty that way. There are trends, name brands, and cliques. Collecting planners is a lot like collecting bags or shoes, in my opinion. And I'm not excluding myself from that. I admit I love collecting planners and I enjoy making videos about them, but I still feel equally tired of the constant bombardment of products being shoved to me on social media. It's never-ending, where's the endgame? 😓
It's helped me a lot to pull back and just focus on the friends I've made on IG, and also unfollow accounts that don't really align with my style. Nothing personal about them, I just need my feed to be stress-free.
I totally understand! I go back and forth so many times with what to use, what to buy, FOMO, hoarding/decluttering, and trying to keep up. I think it's deeper than just fitting or not fitting into the community. I have learned that it can be very competitive and feel like a popularity contest sometimes. I've tried to step back but I do love planners, notebooks, journals, etc. I really don't have any answers, just wanted to let you know that I resonate with your opinion in this video. I love your channel by the way so I do hope you continue sharing here.
You are so right about journaling not being about stuff... the stuff should be a vehicle and an inspiration rather than a chore and a complicator.
My journal has fancy paper and I have fancy pens because they inspire me. But the pages have nothing stuck or glued on the inside because that doesn't inspire me. Do what you enjoy.
Thank you for sharing this! I don't think I share all of your sentiments 100%, but I do sympathise a lot, and I can totally see where you're coming from
I can fill pages relatively quickly because I just write my thoughts in a stream of consciousness w/o trying to sound good or have a nicely composed piece of writing. Also, I don't actually try to FILL pages. I start a new page for each day's entry whether or not the previous page is full. Handwriting size/line spacing also makes a big difference. It takes way more words to fill a page with narrow line spacing than one with wide line spacing.
However, overall, I really don't think filling pages fast is any better than filling them slowly. It's just a matter of personal preference. Like, I definitely COULD fill pages faster if I wanted to, but why? There is no point in randomly filling up pages if I don't actually feel like writing more. Filling up journals quickly also has the disadvantage of requiring more storage space for completed journals.
For what it's worth, I enjoy your channel because of your quiet, gentle, thoughtful content. I appreciate watching you use your stash as it encourages me to use what I have. I am fairly new to journaling and planning and became overwhelmed with trying to keep up. I found you and your refreshing attitude and so look forward to your posts. I love your approach to December Daily and using your stash of journals. I don't know if that encourages you at all, but there are channels I follow and channels I faithfully watch. You are one that I faithfully watch... and not as a background to keep me company. I hold off and watch when I am ready to pay attention as I consider your posts a treat for myself. Just be you.
An absolutely wonderful video! Lately I've found myself feeling overwhelmed with all of the journaling STUFF I've gathered through the years, especially since many things were purchased because I loved what someone else did with it in their own journal. I'm learning that just because it works for someone else doesn't mean it'll work with my journaling style! I have gone through my stash multiple times and have given many things to my kids to play with. I also did a no-spend month in August and am doing another for the month of October. I realized that I was enjoying journaling so much MORE during the month of August because there was no pressure to be anyone/anything else but myself. I'm casually wondering how a no-spend year would affect my love for journaling - kind of exciting!!! Thank you for sharing this bit of your heart with us.
I can totally relate to everything you had to say. I have also found exactly the same thing in the penpal world. To me the whole point of writing to penpals is all about the written word. Getting to know another person through the sharing of letters. Social media tends to hype it up and then all of a sudden people are feeling the need to be competitive with one another and people start feeling they won't be good enough to write to a penpal if all they have is plain lined paper and a blank envelope. The expectation is suddenly you must write on fancy writing paper, send your letter in a creatively decorated envelope with an assortment of postage stamps and an added bonus if you add crafty extras with your letter. It is always so refreshing to be able to watch and enjoy your videos where you do your own thing and make a conscious effort to use the supplies that you already have invested money in. At the end of the day the most important thing for everyone is being able to record your life memories. Future generations will love to be able to enjoy seeing handwritten journals recording those everyday life moments in what ever format that might be.
Good for you! Ive journaled since the age of 12 simply to set my thoughts, problems and ideas down. Who knew it would become a big business?? Im blown away by the silliness that is now called journaling. A fountain pen and my own handmade journal and im good to go! Stay your course...youre on the right path!
You are definitely not alone in your style of journaling! Super aesthetic stuff and consumerism are really popular online, but I think most "regular people" (non-influencers) who journal just keep it simple and don't post online about it. At least, that's what I do-- just a notebook and pen to record my thoughts.
Don’t drop out! I find your videos such a refreshing contrast from the same old same old on TH-cam which is so great when you love journaling but can’t afford to keep up with the Joneses!
Thank you for your honesty and cruel truth. Somebody needed to say something about it. Journaling is about the process and not what you use.
Don't leave. You have followers that enjoy your content and I am one of them. I had to stop watching some TH-camrs because I was just purchasing and hoarding. Your videos have helped me. I would love it if you showed how you created your trace paper insert. That sounds like fun and I already have trace paper.
I just found your channel and am sooooo grateful for this video!! I have fallen down a dark hole of despair trying to keep up. My journal and planner used to be my happy place and now it stresses me out. I have greatly reduced the number of planner people I follow and am working to get back to that peaceful place with my planner and journal. Social media has had such a negative affect (on me) but then I find people like you and am encouraged.
You’re honest and substantial and supportive. You’re most generous. Some others are putting you down and that’s never right. It’s bullying in an era that’s trying to be better. Don’t take it to heart; don’t make their problems your problems.
I agree 100% with the things you said, thank you for sharing your feelings! You're absolutely not alone in this. The popularity thing is why I completed quit social media: I always, always felt like an outsider and that made me feel bad. I never really fit in in real life, and I had the same feeling online. It made me feel not very likeable and I struggle with that. And overall: I'm just tired of the whole consumerism and the big hauls.
I love your videos! I have been feeling and experiencing many of the same things you have. I had a vlogtober video where I ranted about similar ideas. Keep posting. I always watch. I might not comment every time but I enjoy all that you share.
I agree also too. Why do t need 15 planners. Like u said u only have one life.
Thats what makes america what it is. But dont stop posting & dont let it intimidate u. Everybodys different & wd love u 4 who U r. Thank u!
This is a great video. This is something we need to hear in this community. Makes since why when I see products and elaborate layouts, I get discouraged. I am guilty for buying because I see others buying it. My heart is sad for getting caught up in the “Keeping up with the Jones’s” Community. It’s time for me to break away from these groups and enjoy what I have. Thank you thank you thank you! Also beautiful album. I love how down to earth it is. It’s your style! It shows your expression of who you are. Blessings, Jen
I found you through Stationery Cafe podcast, I was really excited and by the end of the show I was relieved that I’m not alone. I honestly never understand the Hobonichi, Traveler’s Notebook, kawaii journal trends & hauls. I enjoy sticking a little bit washi tapes and illustrating my journal here and there to help me remember how something looks like, but the rest is wall of text. I understood that people expressing things through different ways. But I’m totally with you, a simple journal works with me the best. I’m focusing more to writing about how I really feel instead of decorating.
The honesty is what got me to subscribe and keep watching. I practice minimalism but love to journal and TH-cam and instagram kind of got to me to think I can't journal or enjoy journaling unless I buy all the the things. I have zero scrap paper, zero stickers. I just can't justify the purchases for me personally. I like my notebook and always buy the same one, I love my two fountain pens and my 3 inks. I am content. But sometimes they post and it's the perfect picture. I don't share my journal pages, they are just writing, sometimes a doodle. I am not artistic other than with the words I bought.
What will get on my nerves is others making similar videos as this "thoughts of the stationery community" just to talk but continue with their ways. I also don't like the super chirpy videos. So thank you for not talking in a high pitched overly excited voice!
I would like to offer a different perspective and encouragement. I think most you tube viewers expect a channel to promote supplies - because each channel is like a small business - owner operated - either for monetary rewards or free supplies etc. It doesn’t take us long to figure out the kind of channel we want to listen to - for example - I like to listen to your videos. I loved your Jane Austin inspired writer’s box - and if I could have imagined a way that I needed one - I would have purchased one! It is still in the back of my mind as a Christmas gift for a granddaughter. Many of the supplies I now have and use are because I listened to various you tube channels - and I enjoy the items that I was introduced to and had no idea were available. One of the channels I love to listen to is Dede Willingham. She is an artist and she does live chats on Monday and Wednesday. She often promotes other channels and she is just a very positive person. She advises viewers that do not like her channel to be free to stop watching and she is not concerned about their negative comments. Now I don’t have a channel so I don’t know what it is like to put myself out there and be criticized. But I want to encourage you to not let the naysayers stop you - you have over 6.5K subscribers! There are a lot of people who like your channel!
Wishing you a blessed day!
I am so grateful I've found your channel. I just got my first Traveler's Company Passport notebook, which led, a month later, to a Traveler's Company regular notebook purchase. I fell down the rabbit hole and have spent way too much money on all the stuff and things. I watched this video, and gratefully, you put the brakes on my financial downward spiral. So, thank you for taking the risk to speak so honestly and post this video.
I’m so glad that you have made a video about stationery minimalism! Just like you, I feel exhausted and sick of all the talk of needing new stuff which you don’t use eventually! Thank you for making my thoughts clear! And keep up the good work, I love your style, very authentic, what I love!
Seeing your stacks of filled journals is one of the most satisfying things for me. I, too, have a hoard I’m currently working through.
I started watching your videos because minimalism about stationery appeals to me a great deal. I dislike how disposable and plastic-oriented the stationery industry is. There’s so much materialism and a sense of never being satisfied with the things they buy in most of these videos about stationery too. So I agree with your points. And I totally agree about the hatefulness that people spread too. What happened to “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all?” I think that’s why I prefer the portions of the journaling community that are all about the process of journaling, the growth that it generates. As to the genre, I think you are busy creating your own. I like it, so I hope you’ll continue posting videos!
Hi Anna! Your video couldn't have come at a better time. A lot of similar thoughts have been weighing on me, so to hear you speak out loud about it gives me a lot of hope moving forward. ❤️ I just want to say thank you for calling us to an important conversation about where the community is headed and how we can simply do better. Let's get back to love for pen and paper. ☺️
I got into Midori traveler’s notebooks because the simplicity of it,now it’s this leather cover that leather cover this notebook etc.all the decorations . Yes I did fall in rabbit hole and felt like I was starting to just give what little money I have just sit in a box.
Oh please don’t stop! The reason I love your videos is that you aren’t annoying and you are so different from others. You inspire me so much! You keep being you!
Girl, I FEEL YOU, even 3 years removed, I don't even care what you're uploading currently, I can't wait to binge your videos and get to know you! (This is the first time I've ever seen your channel)
I could not agree more. For years, I wanted to create a simple journaling TH-cam channel because I felt that everything was geared toward the fancy journals/planners. Some of those journals/planners are neat to watch, but it is to much for me. I use the same notebook for a while, because they work for me and I am a pen and paper snob. Thank you for your honestly. The channels that are honest and true to themselves are the ones I love watching and following.
Please continue posting videos. I am also on a stationery/digital minimalism journey and I find your content very inspiring. It is very refreshing to hear people share honestly their views and opinions.
I am so glad I found this video, because it basically put into words *everything* I have been feeling about the journaling community. I am also a huge fountain pen user, and a very similar thing is happening in the fountain pen world, with people sharing perfect (and multiple) collections of colour co-ordinated Sailor limited editions. And it just makes me feel excluded, and like I need to get more stuff to fit in with either community. And then I will flip over to TH-cam and watch someone switch out of a NEW Hobonichi that is then left unused for the rest of the year and it honestly makes me feel a little sick. Thank you for sharing and for your honesty, it made me feel heard and understood.
Thank you for being so honest! I hope you stick around anyway as you are one of my favorite you tubers and I find your take on journaling so inspirational!
The thing that opened my eyes was when people started travelling to Japan to buy ink and stuff and I was like "I can barely afford to move around my own city wth"
Wonderful video! I reached out to you months ago after discovering your wonderful channel. You may remember I asked about meetups here in Wisconsin. I have been journaling for just over a year and after watching so many videos, I know what you are saying. I love your content and all of the things you have shared. Journaling and watching journaling videos is my only outlet at the moment. My other *hobby* is performing in community theatre, and, due to the pandemic, there is NO theatre happening now. Journaling is a creative outlet and thank goodness I have it. But your channel is special. When you share a spread or a few items you’ve purchased and love, it’s more meaningful than the collecting for the sake of collecting videos. I think there are many who feel as you do😊
Dearest Anna, you are the very first channel on youtube that I subscribed to a couple of years ago now, how can I express to you how much I value the fact that you are different to other journalling channels, I have a photograph on a postcard of a field full of yellow tulips but in the middle of them is a bright red tulip, being the red tulip in a field of yellow i guess can have two sides to it, but I believe it makes you special and i hope that you receive that as the compliment I mean it to be, best wishes to you always x
I just started watching your videos in the last few months and really enjoy them. I have downsized from large home to smaller home and now we will downsizing to a 50 ft boat. I have been that person that felt like I must get certain products or I would not doing it right. Then realized a few years back I love how I do journals in my own unique way. I love watching videos such as yours for technique ideas placement ideas etc. I can watch haul videos but it does mess with my contentment.. I thing that is at the core of a lot of this is leaning and practicing contentment. It is something we must work on continually!! At least I do!!
Years ago one of the first TH-cam channels I watched was a woman on a very fixed income who journaled in a spiral notebook with mostly magazines she received free and thing from the mail. I wish I could remember her name but it was amazing to see how content and grateful she was...
Sorry this is long but I also just want to say that much of the little snips and snarky things said these day are because of a lack of civility. Civility is a practice that has fallen out of use in our modern day. There is a fantastic book call ‘Choosing Civility’ by Dr John Forni who was a professor at John Hopkins. He argued for the use of civility and founded the John Hopkins Civility Project. He would say that acts of violence always start with acts of rudeness. His books are wonderful and teach how to talk and share with civility!! As my gran always told me “keep a civil tongue in your head Missy sue”!!
I feel you're very brave Anna. I don't usually comment on videos but I thought that you should atleast know this : you are very brave to accept the things that you did and creative (even though you don't spend money just to make your journal like others). I watch all your videos within the half an hour they are posted, I started journalling after so long just because of you and I know social media sometimes is too negative to handle but know that there are so many people, apart from the ones that post hateful comments, that genuinely care what you have to say and your opinion on certain matters.
And you never owe any explanation to anyone about quitting social media or simply taking a break from it. You do you! 😊
just came across this video and it's even more relevant today (feb 6,2021) than it was four months ago when you did this. I started following the planner community back in 2016 when there were only a few people doing it in depth, and all the things were nowhere near as overwhelming as they are today. I can not stand the 'haul videos'. it just seems insane to me that some youtubers do these massive hauls every week. when are they even using the things they already have??? I don't fit in either, and I refer to everyone as Dude. everyone. my husband is Dude, my kids are Dude, my dog occasionally is Dude. Say what you want, I'm good with "you guys". Keep being honest and if people don't like it then they can move along. I have no patience for people anymore to be honest, the new world we are living in seems to have turned people into self-centered individuals ( because the words that I really would have used probably would get red flagged). don't let them bother you if you can help it, and if they really do bother you then block them. don't quit youtube. and you don't have to give anyone a reason why you're not online, it's no ones business but your own. It's been refreshing to hear someone else sharing my viewpoints. Have a great 2021.
yay~ I'm so glad the pencils made you happy :)
Also, this is a really important subject and I'm glad you did post this video! I never understood the "finding your style" either. I just use lots of different fountain pens, stickers, and washi tape because they make me really happy. I think that's what journaling should be about is just doing what makes you feel good.
Keep up the great work! There are plenty of us who support minimalism, it is about our thoughts and memories not all the "stuff" to pretty up the pages. I have reformed my style as well. I am sick of the hate message that is spreading around the world, so thank you for your honesty.
Hi Anna, just wanted to say that I really enjoy your youtube and IG content. You're one of my favorite, if not my favorite stationery person to follow! I love that you are showing how you really journal and that you don't always have the latest, trending supplies, but you often go through your stash of stuff and I see things that I have too- maybe from years ago- which is awesome! I love that you make beautiful spreads with a whole span of items that you own and maybe a few new things you picked up. I love that you aren't constantly hauling. I love that you show us what you're really interested in and how you put stuff together vs buying something for show. It really shows through in your finished spreads and creations. It's more realistic to how I journal anyway and I like it. I love how you are doing stationery minimalism videos. I have been doing the same kind of thing with my own stash probably not long before you posted about it so I was all on board. Sometimes, it's nice to shop your own stash and use it or realize you don't love it as much as other stuff you have and knowing you can't get to it all, you can pass it along. No one is perfect in their purchases. I know I have bought stuff that I ended up not using because it wasn't quite my style. I know I've made purchases at the dollar spot or dollar store and later thought, I don't love this and it's probably not being made sustainably or ethically, so I try to avoid those purchases. If I see something and love it and know I'm going to use it, I might buy it though - not perfect. So, I know what you mean. As far as comparing yourself to others on social media - I can only imagine what that is like. I don't post much on IG because I don't create as often as others and I don't think I could make beautifully composed pictures either. But I always think it'd be fun to connect with others more. But, I hope the numbers and dislikes don't discourage you from sharing. I guess there will always be negative comments when you put yourself out there. Why on a stationery channel, idk?? But, I hope you know there is more of us who love your content more than not! Even if we don't always interact or "like" a video or post. I'm guilty of that, but maybe it'd be nice to comment and like more often. I know it must be a lot of work to share, so I''ll try to share more with comments and likes!
I just discovered your channel and it's helping me detox from those haul videos. As an environmentalist those videos make me a little queasy. It's collecting for the sake of collecting, not for living life. Now I'm looking for "capsule stationery" videos. How to get the most beauty with the least supplies. Thanks for keeping it real!
Hi Anna, I think this is the first video I watched from you. Thank you for speaking from the heart. I feel like this year more than any with COVID going on, I struggled with the weight of all the stuff I had and the push to always purchase more. It seems that many of the people in the community eventually try to sell you something. It's all too much!
I loved your openness and honesty. I’m in a few other craft communities (knitting & cross stitch), and the same consumeristic tendencies are there, too. It’s such a distraction away from the purpose of the craft - to unwind, destress, etc. - and turns it into needing more more more. Thank you for sharing your experience and making great videos. I’ve been a longtime follower on both YT and IG, and though I would be sad to stop seeing your content, I’d completely understand if you leave social media.
I absolutely agree with your opening statements! People want to be negative when the solution is as simple as just not watching. Right on!
I'm so glad you posted this. Thanks for talking about freedom. I don't have an endless money and I try to use what I have. In the beginning I bought lots of things, low cost bit once I found my style, I just use those things. The rest went to my creative young niece. Slowly over time I've bought a couple of nice pens etc. I agree though with your thoughts on excessiveness and the joy being more on accumulation and not actually journaling. Some people love decorating and creating flat lays and that brings them joy. Some like both writing and being artistic. And some just want to write. Just do you. And others will do themselves. For this year's inspiration, I looked up old journals with just writing and really loved seeing those so that helped me focus what I wanted from my journal. Which is me genuinely expressing myself in writing. That's my primary goal. I have art journals for my art ideas and explorations. But I choose to slowly build up my art supplies rather than buy all the things all at once. I enjoy your honesty. Keep it coming. I have a feeling this will resonate with others for sure.
Hello, I really enjoy your videos and the minimalism. I love journaling and have done so for many years. I have journals that are just writing and one that I like to decorate. The decorating is nice and quiet and allows me to be creative. I think you are authentic and real. I hope you feel supported and safe to express your feelings. I had a large caddie full of “stuff” and I am using them all now. People can just be mean, but social media needs people like you to give others the opportunity to encounter something different.
Please know that there are many of us that thoroughly enjoy your content, and you would be very missed if you decide to stop. You are one of the only channels I watch consistently, because it's such an inspiring, creative, and calm place! I am personally not a minimalist journaler, but watching you inspires me to try and be one, and you are such a great example that it is possible to be minimalist and still have fun and be creative with amazing results. And while I'm not minimalist, I also don't spend a lot on my journaling. I make my own inserts, reuse materials, etc, and I feel like that's so much better for the creative process. When you are constrained is when your artistic genius can really shine :) I am also in the category of not knowing where I fall in the journaling world. I'm not a bullet journaler, nor an art journaler, not quite a junk journaler... and I honestly don't know how I would define my journaling style, and that's fine. I just do what works for me. So, I just take it as, I'm unique, which is better than being able to fit in a category that's out there with tons of other people. I am guessing that's why your viewers watch you - they can't get your kind of content anywhere else!
I’m always called a planner babe, planner girl, one of the girls. So I find it funny that someone was upset that they were called you guys. I think that’s why I try to use you all. It’s funny what people get upset over. One of my friends here on TH-cam starts all her videos hi planner babes. I guess I’m a babe now. 😂
Planning With John you’re a total babe John ! Not just a planner babe. Lol.
Tracyann Whited 😂
When I watch your videos, John, that’s my first thought. 😁 Just kidding. Your videos are great too and your enthusiasm for what you enjoy is a lot of fun.
It’s almost like people look for things to be offended by. Life is much sweeter when you don’t think there’s always someone out to get you.
Okay, I completely agree with you, and I’m going to go one step further. I’ve made a list of videos to film and then have filmed them, and then I see tubers like you or Advevture Denali upload similar if not the same videos before me and then I feel like I can’t upload mine, because I do t want to be seen as just riding on the backs of better TH-camrs. My majority of subscribers came from completely different videos I used to do, and since I’ve moved in this direction, I get pretty much NO views. 🤦♀️ I also don’t have unlimited funds to run out and buy the newest things in the community to make videos on so as to jump on a bandwagon. I like what I have and I use it all, I don’t do “hauls” because I’m paying off student loans, so I don’t buy a lot for me anymore. 😂 And I’m one of the stationery community who also feel like there’s no place for me because I don’t have all the newest things and sponsors and companies sending me products for review. I’m just Clare, at my tiny desk, journaling to improve my mental health. My journals aren’t even creative ☺️ and there’s no youtube following for just plain writing without pretty stuff. Gah... what I mean to say is that I get you. I’ve even tried to make friends in the community for doing collab videos and just in general too, and also feel like a black sheep. Anyway, when your videos pop up on my notifications, I always watch and always like. 😊 Then I get pissed off at myself for not filming faster and uploading videos that are similar content because I feel like I’ll be judged. We all have something. But you have a great following and really make videos we enjoy. You are honest and fun to watch. Enjoy your stationery and Christmas stuff as early as you please. And keep posting videos. 👍🏻
Hi! This is totally a random drive-by comment, but I just wanted to say that your painting Gillio videos inspired me to paint my own planners that I wasn't happy with. They were so helpful. I think the comments were off which is why I never left one, but they gave new life to the things I already had and it made me so happy. I'm sorry you haven't been feeling great about your place in the community, but at the very least, you made a big impact on my stationery life. 💕
@@spellboundnotes You have no idea how good it feels to hear this. 😁 I’m so glad it gave you the courage to try and make it completely yours. Thank you. 😁😁
Thanks for this video. I appreciate how authentic you are in sharing your truth. That’s why I enjoy your videos. I feel like you share your love of journaling in such a refreshing manner. All you need is a notebook and pen - so true! That’s how I used to journal and then I fell down the rabbit hole of what constitutes journaling nowadays 😱I bought into it and I got so overwhelmed with it. Your videos have reminded me of the simplicity of journaling. I’m rewatching some of your videos for ideas on creating my own journals. I just wanted to say thanks. If you need a break, I get it. Just do you.
I’m with you. I’d rather buy quality paints and two journals than spend hundreds on some of these covers and stuff. You’re not alone. But it’s their jam, just like some like rings and others like junk journals. I always tell myself, ‘if the community/social media is starting to annoy you, then you’re spending too much time on it.’ Then I go draw something.
I really hope you don't leave social media. I absolutely agree with everything you said. Over the years I've bought so much stuff that I actually get depressed because unlike others I haven't got a "fabulous craft room" . I'm weighed down with it so much I just want to chuck the whole lot away to save my sanity. Please don't leave. You don't constantly sit in front of the camera stroking your hair thinking how wonderful you are and you don't wear awful false nails. You're about the most real journaler there is on here.
Thank you so much for putting this video up and putting yourself out there. I absolutely agree with everything that you are saying. And I can see how you get caught up with defending yourself. I think that all of us get caught up in the buying frenzy at times. For Americans I really do feel like it's retail therapy. Whatever makes me feel better in the moment. But please just keep being you. You are honest and real. That's why I love your videos. I'm really hoping that the negativity turns around.
I’m sorry you’re feeling so disheartened. I hope that those of us who genuinely enjoy your content will outweigh the rude, mean people/comments. It must be really hard to try and disregard them. Right now in the U.S. we have SO much garbage going on, and social media is magnifying it all. I would very much miss your content, but I couldn’t blame you if you need to take a break. Hugs!
Hi, Anna. I get your point. I think it's all about knowing why we're journaling in the first place, and I guess the question would be: if I can't show my journal to anyone (or post it on social media), wouls I still be journaling this way? I find this question helpful to ground myself. I enjoy having a decorated journal/illustrated travel journal as my creative outlet, but I also have a private journal (messy handwriting) for intuitive writing and self-discovery. And knowing that I journal for myself first--keeps me steady in my practice :) I do love watching people's beautiful journaling supplies and their hauls, though. It gives me a chance to have a peek at what's out there and how people are using them without having to purchase them :) I guess, for me, to feel OK on social media, I just need to try letting go of any expectations and just share things that make me happy, whenever I have the time to do so. I hope you'll still be posting content here and there, because I've been enjoying them, but I totally understand if you'd like to take a break. *hugs* Happy journaling, Anna!
Please dont leave us alone, we need some contrasting content like yours sooo much!!! 💐💐💐
❤️ journaling minimalism. Some of my best journals are literally spiral notebooks and I probably just used a pen I found in a junk drawer. I was much more honest and free in my writing when I didn’t worry about keeping it “pretty”. Don’t get me wrong, I love my pretty journals, but they are not why I do what I do and I hope I never need them to write and capture memories. I love my TN but I would still journal without it. Sometimes we just need to remember the beauty in the words and memories - not the packaging ☺️
I totally agree with you. I love all your videos and the book ones have been a fun new addition! I have experienced being “left out” because I wouldn’t buy all the things that everyone else was buying. It felt like my journaling suddenly wasn’t good enough anymore. For instance I was a part of journal swaps and groups until I stopped buying so much stuff. Then I wasn’t asked to participate anymore. There was an obvious correlation between how much stuff you had and how often you got to participate. It was sad. But I am happy with where my journals are. I don’t care about all the hyped “stuff”. I like your hauls because we have similar taste and I like that you’re not trying to show off. It’s refreshing! I hope you keep making videos. I’ve been following for years and I love them all!
i just noticed the whole retail aspect of it. i know for a lot of people this is a hobby they're eager to share with. but i can't help but notice how people talk about products inevitably, like they're selling it. most of the time people don't really mean to sell it, it's likely that people keep asking what is it they're using because they're curious. but what ends up happening is i'm watching someone's journaling experience filtered through the consumerist aspect of it. it becomes a free review for the company.
I'm kind of glad that you posted this video. Even though I don't have a channel yet, I share some of your views and feelings. You go girl! Love just listening to your videos in the background as I work on my own spreads.
TH-cam has been putting your videos under my nose for the last few days and I appreciate what you're saying in this video, more so than I feel like I can articulate in a single comment.
I also want to ask if you've ever watched Cindy Guentert-Baldo's channel? She has a whole video series on materialism and consumerism in the planner community that you might enjoy.
I really relate to everything you said. I feel this way sometimes & I think deep down it's because I get disappointed in myself!!! Social media can get overwhelming & I can get influenced to over purchase & collect & I'm guilty of influencing as well. I want to find the middle ground where I'm enjoying the pens & journals & inks AND sharing for fun but not competing or trying to keep up with all the latest things. It can be very hard for me to be reasonable about stationery & pens & inky things but I do not want it to be all or nothing. I want to learn good balance. In my opinion - you model good, reasonable stationery hobbying... is that a word? LOL I love your philosophy of stationery minimalism & I'm far from where I want to be but thanks to your sharing I'm moving toward where I want to be versus a huge hoard of stuff. I have a long way to go. Thank you for your honesty. We all need to vent at times and seriously think about our choices & why were doing things! 💜✒
So agree with everything you have said in this video. Please do not hesitate to say what you think. Many of us are agreeing with you. Please do not stop making your videos or expressing how you feel. Best wishes and big hugs 🤗
This *needs* more views. I recently got back into journaling, and adapting the bullet journal mentality to my own style. I've felt so bad for so long for not having the money to buy cute stuff like people from the US seem to have (I'm from Brazil, and US$ 1 is BR$ 5 right now, so everything has gotten more expensive here, specially with COVID). I've spend *hours* just "window-shopping" online for things I can't afford. I've decided to print stuff on sticker paper as stickers, which I think is a smart decision, but I didnt get the same kick as buying something new? And then I realized: this is not me, this is consumerism speaking. This is capitalism making me feel bad. And like someone said somewhere, every hobby has some buying and selling involved, but communities like Nintendo fans who have 5+ 3DSs just because they can, studygrammers silently flexing their 3 separate computers + an iPad, all of that just made me feel so much jealously, sadness, and then outright rage that I was feeling like that over such small things. I'm really glad you've started this conversation, because *it needs to happen*. We need to talk about how capitalism, sadly, permeates every decision we make, even when we're just buying effing highlighters. We need to find worth in the things that we do and not the things we buy. It has been a journey for me detaching from this victim mindset to find more creative ways to spend my money more wisely, like binding my own sketchbooks and printing my own stickers. But it is difficult, and doing it alone is kind of isolating in the world of hauls. So yes, thank you for your vid
Hello! I found your channel recently and I am really enjoying your content. I love the concept of journaling minimalism! Thank you for keeping it real and honest. 📖💙😊
I am a writer more than a planner and I'm definitely NOT a minimalist, I like buying and having things, I like hauls and beautiful spreads (which I will NEVER be able to replicate) but I also like your videos because they give me a different type of inspiration. For example, I like how you always show how you're trying to use all your notebooks. I also like your text-heavy journals because mine are similar, and sometimes I need a break from the kawaii stuff and I like your more "mature" style. So I hope you continue making videos.
At the same time I have to admin that I won't even pretend to understand the whole "community" aspect you mentioned - maybe because I am part of some real-life fandoms that can be *extremely* toxic, so I don't really feel or look for a sense of community. I have a blog and Instagram which are completely unpopular, but I keep them cos I enjoy them. However, as someone who was was not wealthy for most of her life I definitely understand the pressure to get new things, and I'm sure many people enjoy your videos because of the lack of it.
I am late in watching this but I agree with everything you are saying! I have journaled and planned my whole life and this year being home more I got caught up in all the stuff. I spent a lot of money in 2020 and I am ashamed. Trying to get back to my roots in 2021. Minimalism has always been important to me.
Came here from Devin's channel....Really, journaling, pens, stationary should just be joyful. Sadly, Anna, some people could find something negative to say about a rainbow. 🌈 Being older than many of the people that post on social media, I don't understand the sarcastic, snarky meanness that others project. I will check out your vids. Have a great day! Love & Light to you. 🌠🌞....Stacy
I suppose, it's like the old saying goes....If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all. Take care.
I, too, came over from devnluu's channel, and I'm glad I did. I'm hearing a lot of sense in this video. Sustainability and consumerism are issues which concern me in pretty much every hobby I have dabbled in.
Nobody's worth should be measured by the amount of things they have. Let's just use these unusual times to come back to our selves.
I get what you're saying, and I love your minimalist style. And I agree that journaling is a very personal endeavor, so one person's journal isn't going to look like another's. I have a craft room full of stuff I'm purging just because it takes up so much space. A lot of it I collected while I was discovering things and learning what I enjoy using. I do keep multiple journals, though. It's a lot of fun for me. I keep one that's more minimal than the others -- mostly writing -- but I still like to glue in images from magazines and comic books that I like and have collected. That's where I do all of my private, thoughtful journaling. But I also really like documenting my boring days. And I love using washi tape and pretty stickers and creepy stamps. It's such a relaxing process for me and an enjoyable way to wind down at the end of the day. I also just really love paper and notebooks. I'll find any reason to have multiple going at any given time. XD
I would hate for you to quit social media because you inspire me but its about you!!!!!!!!! Follow your heart girl......
The minimalism thing....terrific! Stay with it and don't get discouraged. Keep going!👍❤️😎
I know at this point this video is old and I'm late to the party here but I'm glad you posted this video. I'm somewhat new to your channel ( I was a sub a while back but then was off social media for a time) and I agree with everything you are saying and that it's refreshing to hear that you too have similar frustrations as me. I stopped sharing on social media because I just can't deal gracefully with the snark. I appreciate you including your audience in you processing your frustrations and I'm sure by now you are feeling a bit less stressed with this community (since the election has happened and the majority has chilled out a bit). At least I hope so. Also, I'm so glad you brought up how unsustainable this hobby of ours can be - no one seems to talk about it. I LOVE stationery; I have loved it all my life. I remember even as a very small child collecting paper (my mom thought I was nuts), requesting paper as gifts, and drawing and writing on any paper I could get my hands on. Don't get me started on my childhood pen collection...HAHAHAHA. But now, I love trees more. So there's the rub for me. I use as much old stuff as possible to scratch my journaling itch.
18:25 hahaha...I'm 49 yo and from the northeast part of the US and we've been saying "you guys" as a form of greeting for as long as I can remember. So that's like 40 years! LOL But if I'm being honest, we in the Philly area really say "youse guys" which is probably more offensive to that commenter since it's not even proper english. And I know it has NEVER meant anything gender specific to anyone in my group. I've seen comments like that before and always thought they were so funny.
Happy New Year to you and your family. I support whatever you decide to do with your channel. :-)
I know this video is older and you’re likely in a different place now but I’d like to say developing a resistance to comparing yourself will be so helpful . I’m likely much older than you and that is one of the biggest gifts you can give to yourself but it takes work. This doesn’t invalidate your observations on stationery and planning online communities at all, which were astute and honest, but you can never control others, we can only control our own perceptions (must acknowledge our reactions but dig deeper into why do I feel that way looking inwards instead of outward). I heard a lot of I don’t get as much engagement or likes, etc. Just an observation on your part but I also sensed it bothered you too? I could be wrong on that but wanted to say I do enjoy your content and there are others too. Your numbers don’t need to be large to make an impact.
Yessss, I totally understand this. Thank you for sharing. I moved away from IG this year and it was honestly the best - only occasional TH-cam videos when I feel inspired focusing more on my website/blog. Do what makes you feel the best. There's many ways to connect with people, community and life! Xo
The videos I like the most is where I feel like I'm learning something about organizing about planning etc. Something I can take from the video that I can apply to my life. The decorating is cute I guess but that is not what attracts me to a video
Don’t listen to the negative people you’re a great TH-camr you got this and sending positive vibes your way
I nodded my head through the whole video. I am not on a minimalist journey but I am on an intentional living journey. I journal in a variety of ways, am a smallish TH-cam channel who is no where near sponsored. I just talked about some of this or similar to this in 2 different videos...
I don’t understand the need to ridicule others just because they do things differently or you don’t follow all the trends or etc... I don’t curate. I post to IG maybe a couple times a month -don’t curate there either.
I have been journaling for over 45 years and I will continue to journal regardless of whether I am on TH-cam or not.
I really enjoyed your video.
I agree that there is a lot of judgement and ridicule from all social media areas. Please don't give this up because of people like that. If you enjoy it, go for it! I'm a new subscriber and I love your stuff!👍
A wonderful video on sooooo many levels. I am going to listen again when I have time to comment more but just wanted to say that this was one of the best stationery videos I've listened to in a long time. Much to think about and much that 100000% resonated with me xxxx
It’s so bizarre to me that people spend time online making negative or judgmental comments. Anyways I have been enjoying your videos they are very peaceful and calming
I am so proud of myself for how LITTLE I spend on my planner/journal supplies lol. I use three planners and two journals right now. One is a Vera Bradley's agenda...original price $35 from 2018/2019. I got it at 75% off($8.75) and purchase stickers, washi tape and other supplies from the DT, Walmart and Office Depot(on sale). My fave pens are Pentel fine tips(2/.89). The one thing I splurge on is Papermate Flairs.
If you are a loon obviously from the comments you have a like minded people in your community. I have been feeling this over consumerism for some time and I applaud your courage to express your thoughts. I have just subscribed to you channel. I am looking forward to seeing more of your journals.
I know this is an old video but I agree with you. I pandemic shopped all last year...spent enough money to take two vacations! I just came to my senses this month🤣
Yes I totally agree with you!!!!! Stock up on all this "stuff" because someone else has it or does it then I get it and don't use it!!!!!!! You helped me refocus! thank you!
Honesty. A nice change for social media. Thank you. By the way, I say "you guys" instead of "ya'll". I am a Texan, but "you guys" sounds better than the later. People need to chill. Watch a video and like it, or just move on with your mouth shut and your comments in your head. No need to be negative. You choose to watch something or not. Emoitionally, underdeveloped children.
I appreciate your honesty and your willingness to speak your truth. Thank you
I agree with you... I’ve been down that rabbit hole... I have so much crap I don’t use! I need to get rid of it so much of it!
Wow, I just realized I subscribed to your channel some time ago when I didn't understand I also needed to click on the "alert" bell! That's fixed now and I have a lot of catching up to do. Courage! And you are most definitely NOT a "loon."
Thank you for sharing this. I have mixed feelings about the things you stated and I appreciate those feeling coming up because they tell me I need to do some work on myself /in myself. I have some thinking to do. Some introspection. Thank you for that incentive! 🙏🏻💛
Just wanted to express my admiration, it takes a great deal of time and energy to participate on social media especially producing you tube content so while I will miss your presence I can empathize with your decision should you choose to take a hiatus or leave. I could write a novel on this topic but I'll do my best to be concise. I share your instinct to ditch social media in response of the gradual, steady shift towards commodifying everything even hobbies or creative outlets. I've stopped watching a lot of journaling/planner related channels because I was tired of feeling seen as a potential consumer & feeling pressure to acquire more supplies. My original style and interest with Midori/TNS was establishing a mix between planning and memory keeping using ephemera from daily life as the central decorative element.... unfortunately I've lost sight of that and need to complete a stationery konmari fest and allow myself to cull the excess. Wishing you the best
I feel it was icky that this perfect modern vintage journal community tagging support artist support where it just 5 list of account that over perfect and super aesthetic. If you post journal not align to their aesthetic you don’t get much attention because you don’t have the same stuff as them. Before I like to make use what I have already and upcycle to make journal. The stationery consumerism is not healthy and just draining your money. I feel like I drift off because something not feels right when every journal is about picture perfect and self gratification.
I love this! Totally understand. Please know your videos about using what we have are always inspiring for me. And I’ve got my December Daily out as well so I can start prepping the pages 🤓
I related a lot to what you articulated here. I'm very into journaling, but not in the way that is trendy right now. I cut up a lot of old magazines, make doodles, paste in tea bag wrappers, whatever. My journals are not always aesthetic- sometimes there is a to do list on one page and a drawing on the other- definitely not a "spread." Some days I just want to write, no images. I've also never gotten into the notebooks that everyone else has. I cannot in good conscious spend $35ish dollars on an Archer and Olive, no matter how nice the paper quality is! I'm happy in my current journal I got from TJMaxx and my sketchbook that came from Ross. I do have lots of stickers and stamps and such because I find them fun, but if I didn't have them I would still be creative. Lately I have felt like the people in the stationery community are not very creative at all- creativity is not having the same notebook you saw someone else have and using it in exactly the same way to copy them. I also have a sort of question. How do people feel about youtube channels that don't follow just one "pattern" or "category?" I have wanted to start a youtube channel for awhile, but I love journals and art and writing and reading and I don't want to have a channel that only covers one of those things! I want to post about whatever I'm interested in, and I assume that if people see the title of the video and it's not for them, then they can just skip it. Do people think a channel like that would work, or do I have to "specialize?" For what it's worth, I like your content and your take on the stationery niche, so I hope you don't get turned off and quit posting. You were one of the first people I watched on youtube. Okay, essay done ;)
Your feelings are valid, and thank you for your honesty! I absolutely love your videos, they inspire me to journal, to curate my stuff, you are a breathe of fresh air! Sending love from Budapest, Hungary!
In Wisconsin, Minisota and Michigan my friends and family say yous guys. I live in Kansas. Midwest. We say you guys. Not ya'll. Not you all. People are being very sensitive & judgemental these days. It is getting worse.
I love your minimal approach to journaling. My family journal In my hobonichiA5 is a junk journal. You are one of the channels that helped me figure out how to do this that makes me happy. Using what you have and not buying too much. I have spent the last year really honing in on what makes me happy with my journaling and art. I do paint and draw as well. So I decided that there will be less stuff and more of me.
I have a Pen addiction. I love different ink colors. It isn't going to go away.
With that said, I also have a washi and sticker addiction. I mostly use them in my planner. And I do use them. I don't hoard any of it.
I love the recycle aspect of your channel. I use magazines, old books, Example: I keep my wrapping paper from birthdays & Christmas to use in my sons journal I am making him for a memory book to give him when he graduates.
I love you and your videos, use whatever language you want. You are real and there is too much hype and BS out there. I am not on you tube, but I think your followers are here because of your style and thoughts. Try and let any negativity go, some people just have to hate, cause that is all that makes them feel superior to others, and they are emboldened by anonymity. Tell those people to just stop watching, and please don't stop posting, I would miss your posts and you. Be well, have a really good 2021, and remember, get vaccinated.