Divergent journaling is a journaling process that allows for the incorporation of various methods in a single location.
A divergent journaler refers to a person who embraces a diverse approach to journaling, encompassing a wide range of ideas, thoughts, methods, and experiences all within one book. One page may look like a bullet journal, while the next may showcase artistic expressions or a collage of personal memories. In my world, one page may look like scrap notes and also have one of my favorite drawings on it. It is literally your journal, do you. Don’t let the rules or guidelines of various methods restrain you into thinking everything must all be in separate books.
What My Journal Is To Me
To me, my journal is more than just a book. My journal is my friend, my closest and most trusted friend. Because of this, I can pour out my soul whenever I feel the need and in any form. Sometimes that form is in writing, sometimes in art. My friend doesn’t judge me for what I am feeling or thinking at any given time. The only criticism I ever face in my journal comes from myself. This sacred space teaches me things about myself and about the way I interact with those around me. It, also, helps me and guides me to organize my overwhelmingly sporadic thoughts and get myself geared up for the day. My journal does not mind if I talk twice a day or fifteen times. It’s just there, patiently waiting and willing to help me out when ever the need arises.
Over the years, I have kept multiple journals simultaneously. The pressure of having multiple and the time it took to maintain them was something I didn’t like. I didn’t like having to switch between books when I wanted to do one type or the other. As a result, I have slowly over time let go of certain ‘rules’. Merging my favorite parts of all of the types of journaling into one book has made my soul sing. Now, my journal is just this wonderful, harmonious space where I can simply be me.
Types of Journaling
There are many types of journaling — bullet journals, daily diaries, reflective journaling, gratitude journals, prayer journals, manifestation journals, gardening, mental health, and more. Some people find value in keeping all of these separate. Yet there are those, like me, who choose to go our own way. (Just saying that gives me Fleetwood Mac vibes) Divergent journaling is a bit of all of these mashed into one.
The Bullet Journal community has risen to the challenge of changing and adapting Ryder Carroll’s method in order to meet their own needs. This has resulted in a beautiful movement. Whether plain ink and paper or elaborately decorated, people have created inspiring spreads that anyone can incorporate into their journals, regardless of whether you adhere to the bullet journal method or not. I, myself, use several spreads monthly that I found in the bujo community.
In conclusion, your journal should be unique to your own needs, which might change on a weekly, monthly, or sometimes daily basis. I have become open to the change. Now, I go where my desires take me within the pages of my journal and that has truly been the biggest blessing of all.
Above all, I fully encourage you to embrace the change and follow your desires within the pages of your own journals, be divergent.
My journal is where I am Divergent. I am the divergent journaler.
Happy Journaling!
Sarah G.
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