into the journal: mya denize
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This feature series examines how and why people journal, because no two practices are identical. Appreciating the journal as a sacred inner world for uninhibited wandering and wondering.
If you have a journaling practice that you’d like to share about here, email me at evapberezovsky(at)gmail(dot)com.
mya denize
Hello, I’m Mya. Known online as @myadenize on all social media platforms (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok). I am a lifestyle/spiritual content creator. I am devoted to sharing light energy, advice, and art with my audience. Sharing myself and my life has given me immense joy and purpose, knowing I inspire people to live life slowly and to the fullest.
origins
I have been journaling since I learned to write, before I knew about the concept of journaling. In my third grade art class, we learned how to make our own journals with string, staples, and construction paper. I began to make them very frequently on my own and would journal every day. I still have my first journals, and I continue to keep every journal I’ve ever written in.
language
I believe that writing is writing and all kinds of writing can be transformative, but I do acknowledge that there are different types of journaling.
In my experience, a “journal” is where my most personal thoughts and feelings reside. It’s where I vent, where I cry, where I learn.
A “diary” is mostly interchangeable with “journal” to me, but the term feels more specific to memory-keeping and recording what I did on a particular day.
A “notebook,” to me, is a book for brain dumping or commonplace thoughts — a book to keep things like calendars or reminders.
routine
My journaling routine is contingent on how I feel. I never force myself to journal because I want it to be a safe space.
Due to this, my frequency is quite sporadic. I journal at night, in the rising time, midday, and sometimes multiple times per day. On a high-emotion day, good or bad, I notice that I journal more.
I love to journal and read in my bed or in my art studio, but my favorite place to journal is outside. I love being engulfed in nature while I release my energy onto paper. I usually sit outside in a grassy area in the forest, field, or by a lake with a blanket. My best journaling sessions have occurred in this environment.
purpose
My journaling practice keeps me regulated. As a neurodivergent person, I have so many thoughts and emotions running rampant within me constantly. I require multiple outlets for release, and at this point in my life, a writing practice is intrinsic to me.
My personal journal allows me to release emotion and learn from myself. Those pages are my best friends. My notebooks help me plan my life and they’re extremely necessary for me to stay on task and actually achieve my goals.
evolution
My journal originally functioned as a diary dedicated to memory-keeping. Eventually, once I started experiencing more complex emotions, I felt like I needed more depth.
Once I made the switch to a personal journal, my outlook on journaling changed drastically. I could reflect on anything I wanted — not just memories. The lack of definition allowed me to come to journaling as I was. In this shift, I discovered my reason for writing, and realized that I can’t live peacefully without it.
rereading
Most of the time, I do not look back at my old entries. I find that when I write to release, I give my emotions to the world and I can move on from them. However, sometimes I do find myself reading old entries, and I think it’s beneficial to do so in moderation.
Reading old entries allows me to more clearly see my growth and feel proud of myself. It also allows me to recognize where I’ve been wrong in my life or take delight in the fond memories I’ve forgotten about. But I still reread very little.
current journals
My journal collection is physical, with some little excerpts in my Notes app.
I have kept every journal I have ever written in. They come from many places and take on various forms. The collection feels heavy and nostalgic, with each journal’s paper smelling of the places and houses I lived in with them.
And like many journal lovers, I have an issue with buying journals before I’ve finished my previous ones. I am always expanding my collection and have recently been having so much fun with creating and customizing my own journals. I plan to share my beautiful designs with the world very soon.
utensil of choice
Currently, my favorite writing utensil is my Uniball Signo Micro 207. I love the way it writes and the smoothness of the ink. Before this, I tried a fancy $5 pen, but it didn’t compare to this one (which you can get in a pack for $3).
What I’ve learned about writing utensils and stationery is that your materials don’t have to be expensive to be good. I find unique, cute stationery from thrift stores often as well.
a recent entry
My most recent entry was a gratitude and affirmation page. Gratitude pages are where I express gratitude for my life and for manifestations that have come to fruition, and affirmation pages allow me to tell myself affirmations in written form. I wrote this at a lake near my neighborhood two days ago:
“I am divinely guided and protected”
“My desires are the Universe’s promises”
“I am enough”
“The Universe has granted me all the tools I need to succeed”
“I am so grateful for the blessings the Universe has in store for me”
“I have proven I am capable of doing hard things”
“I move with intention”
“I am slow and in flow”
It’s important that I write affirmations almost daily, as it helps rewire my subconscious mind and stay in alignment with my highest self.
final thought
Journaling is a transformative practice everyone needs in their life. It’s free therapy, and one of the best things I’ve done for my mental health. I wish you, reader, positive and radiant energy, peace, and clarity within your pages.
@evaberezovsky
evaberezovsky.com
evapberezovsky(at)gmail(dot)com
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