MikaThe Evolution of My Travel Journal
As someone who has enjoyed writing since my early years, I have always included a diary during my travels.
At first, it was merely a compilation of tickets, stamps, postcards, photos, and brief paragraphs describing what I did without much detail.
From Argentina to Thailand: A Writing Metamorphosis:
However, when I left Argentina behind and found myself stranded in Thailand due to the pandemic, my writing journey took a profound turn.
My journal entries reflected this change, as they evolved from a mere compilation of activities to a raw, honest, and expressive narrative of a meaningful transformation.
Upon reflecting on my pandemic diary, I realized that I had undergone a metamorphosis – from an innocent adventurer to someone unafraid to witness the world unfiltered.
I made a conscious effort to write without embellishments or facades for social media, documenting each day’s challenges and my personal growth.
Embracing Tradition:
Today, I would like to share my writing journey and the methods I’ve used while travelling.
Despite living in the digital age, I remain loyal to my paper notebook. The tangible connection, the smell of the pages, and the freedom to decorate create a sensory experience like no other.
However, the nomadic lifestyle poses a challenge. Every item you put in your backpack counts!
I travelled with my beloved notebook for nearly three years, and when I weighed it before converting it to digital, it was close to a kilo and a half. Imagine travelling with a kilo less!
If you like using notebooks, the tricky part is figuring out how to carry or store them.
Or, you can go digital and use various journaling apps.
Exploring the Digital Realms: Notion, iPad, and Canva:
Digital journaling beckoned, and after experimenting with various apps, I found that Notion was my favourite due to its organizational capabilities.
However, I found the cold, impersonal touch of Notion to be limiting, so I decided to try a new experiment.
I acquired an old iPad and a stylus, which allowed me to find a blend of digital and personal.
Canva, a versatile and free app, became my go-to digital tool. It allowed me to infuse my digital journal with personal touches, integrating photos and text seamlessly.
Overcoming Writer’s Block: The Video Journaling Solution:
But what happens when you don’t feel like writing? In these moments, I discovered the therapeutic value of video journaling.
Recording myself recounting experiences or expressing emotions provides an alternative way to keep the diary alive.
It’s a cathartic release, especially during challenging times like grief or longing for loved ones.
Grab your mobile, hit record, and let your thoughts flow. Remember, this video is just for you, so relax and be yourself!
When writing or recording a video, it’s crucial to remain true to ourselves, expressing every emotion authentically.
Our journal is one of the rare spaces where we can be completely honest, making it essential to document our genuine experiences.
You can read one of my journal entries here and here.
That’s all for today my friends! I hope you found this post helpful. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a comment.
Thank you for reading, and may your travels be filled with genuine experiences and the joy of self-expression!
