The Journal You Never Knew You Wanted

Perpetual journaling is a different kind of writing. I'm a bit smitten! Additionally: a new book release, an important poll, bookish events with me & a podcast round up. (Phew!)

Aug 30, 2023

Anyone else flabbergasted that it’s almost autumn? My IG feed is suddenly full of kids in their kindergarten best and friends are roadtripping to colleges across the country, dropping off the class of 2027 (as if that isn’t that mind boggling). Meanwhile I’m standing on the sidelines, watching the cars pull away, screaming Wait!! Isn’t it still summer?

I have a long-standing conviction that Chronos has long Covid. Time has just been whacky. Which is why I failed to tell you about fall book tour dates (‘cause why would I tell you? It’s summer.) Be sure to scroll down if you want to say “hi” while I’m out and about or if you’d rather catch my latest podcast visits from the comfort of your own home.

But meanwhile, it’s almost autumn (apparently) which means I have journaling on the brain. For most, the previous sentence will seem like a complete non-sequitor. But for those who have taken past autumn programs, you know I’m always asking how can we keep good notes so we can actually find the info we need when we need it again? I have tried it all: chronological journals (you have to remember when you wrote something down to find it again), Google docs (just, no), Evernote (okay, I admit I never figured out how to use this one).

In the past couple of years, I’ve come to favor a nonlinear notebook and organized by topic. This type of journal makes it easy to retrace your steps and find the exact nugget of knowledge you’re searching for. Called a “perpetual journal,” pages are meant to be filled slowly over time.

I’m bringing this up now for a few reasons:

1- I was thinking a perpetual journal would be an amazing way to record your thoughts on the reflections I’ve started posting here. By working in a the perpetual journal style, you’ll be able to see how your thoughts change over time. Also, perpetual journaling invites brevity… at least that’s been my experience. And because if feels delicious to just write a tidbit, it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

Intrigued?

Here’s how to do it:

Start with a fresh notebook or journal. For perpetual journals, I prefer something with heavier paper because you’re going to be using it over time.
Count the pages (often a journal will say something like 180 page journal in the product description) and divide by 12. For instance, 180/12=15.
Next divide the notebook in 12 chunks using the page count from the math problem in the previous step. There’s many ways to do this, so I’ll tell you how I would do it. Using the example above, I would count out 15 pages and paperclip them together, repeating 12 times. This way I could double check my math before I label anything.
After you have your pages grouped, label each group for a month of the year so that you have a section for each month.
When you get your monthly prompt(s), go to the appropriate section of your notebook and but your thoughts there. So your thoughts for September (cause OMG, it’s almost autumn!) go in the September section. Next year, you’ll add your fresh thoughts in the same section. And again the year after that, and the year after that. You’ll be able to watch your thinking deepen, grow, and evolve.

Journaling Video for Paid Subscribers!

Okay so that’s reason numero uno. But there’s a second reason I’m bringing up perpetual journals: I have one coming out September 26! The Everyday Magic Perpetual Journal uses this same concept to help you organize your thoughts as you go through your spiritual studies. And it’s sooo pretty! I’ve made you a little video below so you can see for yourself.

Keep your eyes out on Tuesday for your next seasonal prompt!

xx Maia

Bookish Events

Sep. 8 & 9 Carolina Mountains Lit Fest- in-person event

Friday, Sep. 8, 3-3:45 pm- Plott Hound Books
Saturday, Sep. 9 2-2:45 pm- First Baptist Fellowship Hall
Friday & Saturday, Sep. 8 & 9, 5-5:30pm- Book signing Legacy Room in Town Center

Sep. 26- Everyday Magic Perpetual Journal released!

Oct. 7th 1-4pm - in-person event - Mystical Authors of Western North Carolina at B&N Biltmore Park

Oct. 14th 2:00pm - in-person & online -

Amityville Apothecary in NY

Oct. 22 TBD- possibly an event in Charlotte, NC. Stay tuned!