If you’ve ever felt  like life was a little too much, let me introduce you to one of the most underrated forms of self-care: junk journaling. 

If you’ve never tried it, you might be picturing a messy notebook filled with random scraps— but honestly, that’s kind of the point.  And that’s what makes it so good. 

Junk journaling isn’t about creating a “perfect” Pinterest spread. It’s about slowing down, making something that feels real, and letting yourself play a little. And honestly? It’s way more healing than it looks at first glance. 

Why Junk Journaling Just Hits Different

Most of us spend all day on screens, scrolling, typing, staring at pixels.  Junk journaling is the opposite and the best part is There are no RULES.  

It’s about taking what you already have -ticket stubs, bubble gum wrapper, gift bag with cool designs,  washi tape, charms, even the doodles you scribbled during a boring Zoom call -and turning them into pages that tell your story.

There is something therapeutic about layering the paper, cutting pages or things, taping or glueing things together onto a page.  You’re focused on the little things - colors, textures, patterns - and suddenly it's quiet, and your mind feels lighter. 

Now, that ladies, is therapy.

It's the kind of activity where you lose track of time, in the best way. You’re not stressing bout tomorrow or replaying yesterday. You’re just in the moment creating. That’s the magic - its give your brain a pause without you even realizing it. 

It’s About Letting Go of Perfection

When doing your Junk Journal, you don’t need to learn how to draw. You don’t need to have a “good handwriting”. You don’t need to be aesthetically good .  

And if you are a perfectionist, then doing a junk journal is a place where you learn how to let go of being perfect. 

In fact, the messier the better, and it's usually the pages you end up being loved the most.

Why? Because they are honest. They show where you were in that moment — whether that’s stressed, inspired, or just bored on a Tuesday night.

It’s so refreshing in a world where we’re constantly curating our lives. Your junk journal doesn’t have to match your Instagram feed. It doesn’t have to be “share-worthy.” It just has to be yours.

Finding Meaning in the Small Things

Junk journaling makes you notice the little things. This is where healing starts…

You become aware of daily things around you.  That coffee sleeve from your favorite café?

A note your friend passed you? A tag from a gift bag? None of these items seem important on their own — but put them in your journal, and suddenly they’re part of your story.

You’re creating a personal time capsule. Months from now, when you flip back, you won’t just see scraps of paper. You’ll remember the cozy mornings, the laughs, the moments that might have slipped away. Even the tough days. It’s a reminder that everything you experience has meaning, even the small, ordinary stuff.

A Low-Key Outlet for Big Feelings

Sometimes journaling in words feels like too much. Maybe you can’t find the right way to explain how you feel, or maybe you just don’t feel like writing an essay about it. That’s where junk journaling is a lifesaver.

Instead of forcing yourself to write, you can show it. Feeling heavy? Layer darker papers, rip some edges, add depth to the page. Feeling lighter? Use bright colors, airy layouts, and maybe clip on a charm that represents joy. Your journal becomes a reflection of your emotions without you ever needing to spell it out.

That’s why it’s so healing. It gives your feelings somewhere to go — without pressure, without rules, just space to exist.

How to Start (Even If You’re Not “Creative”)

If the idea of starting feels intimidating, here’s your sign that it doesn’t have to be. Start small. Use what you already have — a notebook, old wrapping paper, receipts, washi tape, or something from your latest Lovet Letters mailer (they always sneak in little pieces you can use for your pages).

Try this:

• Spend 10 minutes gluing down random things you love.
  
• Write a few words that describe your mood.
• Add something tactile — a sticker, a ribbon, or a charm.
  

You’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes your new favorite way to unwind.

Remember, it’s not about creating something pretty. It’s about creating something honest.

At the end of the day, junk journaling is about more than paper and glue. It’s about giving yourself permission to pause, to create, and to heal in small, everyday ways.

When you flip back through your journal, you won’t just see pages. You’ll see growth. You’ll see memories. You’ll see a story that’s uniquely yours — messy, beautiful, and completely real.

So grab a notebook, pull together your scraps (maybe even a few treasures from your Lovet Letters envelope), and just start. You don’t need a plan. You just need a moment — and a little space for yourself. 

While you work on your junk journal here's your affirmation for November. ( Write it or repeat it out loud):

"I am finding gratitude in every experience."

 

How to Set the Wallpaper as Your Desktop Background

How to Set Up (Mac Users):

1. Download this file: Click Here.
2. Save the file to the Pictures folder on your Mac.
3. Click the Apple Menu and select System Preferences.
4. Go to Desktop & Screensaver.
5. In the left panel, go to Folders > Pictures.
6. Select the downloaded image.
7. Look at the wallpaper and repeat the affirmation aloud three times daily.

OR

1. Download this file: Click Here.
2. Save the file to a preferred folder.
3. Open the folder and right-click on the downloaded file.
4. Select Set Desktop Wallpaper.
5. Look at the wallpaper and repeat the affirmation aloud three times daily.

How to Set Up (PC/Windows Users):

1. Download this file: Click Here.
2. Click the Windows icon on the bottom of the screen.
3. Select Settings > Personalization.
4. Click on Background.
5. Set the dropdown to Picture and click Browse beneath the images that appear.
6. Select the downloaded file.
7. Look at the wallpaper and repeat the affirmation aloud three times daily.

P.S. If you love little creative moments like this, you’ll adore Lovet Letters — our monthly mail club filled with inspiration, journaling goodies, and thoughtful surprises to spark your creativity. Subscribe now!