Lately, I've been feeling this gnawing urge to collect the warmth and kindness I encounter every day, and I thought, why not start a kindness journal? You know, those little acts of kindness, whether a stranger holding the door or a friend's sweet message, they just brighten up the whole day, right? Isn’t it amazing how something so simple can turn a frown into a smile? Just the other afternoon, a barista slipped an extra cookie into my bag, and it was like she’d handed me a piece of sunshine! I want to remember moments like that, to capture the good. Can't we all use a little more positivity in our lives? So here I am, ready to jot down every lovely thing, big or small, and maybe inspire others along the way.
Items You’ll Need
- blank journal
- colored pens
- stickers
- washi tape
- glue stick
- scissors
- highlighters
- stamps
- paper clips
- craft paper
- markers
- photo printer (optional)
- magazines (for collage)
- ruler
- pencil
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
First, I gathered all my supplies together on my workspace. I made sure I have my blank journal, colored pens, stickers, washi tape, glue stick, scissors, highlighters, stamps, paper clips, craft paper, markers, photo printer (if I decide to use it), magazines for collage, ruler, and pencil.
Step 2: Decorate the Cover
I started by decorating the cover of my journal. I used the colored pens to write 'Kindness Journal' in big, bold letters. Then, I added some fun stickers and used washi tape to create colorful borders. It looks so cheerful!
Step 3: Create a Kindness Page Layout
Next, I opened the first few pages of the journal and sketched a layout with a pencil. I decided to have sections for 'Acts of Kindness', 'Gratitude', and 'Inspirations'. I used my highlighters to make each section colorful and grabbed some craft paper to add some texture.
Step 4: Add a Collage Section
I love collages, so I turned to my magazines. I cut out images and words that represent kindness and positivity. With the glue stick, I pasted them onto a special collage page I dedicated to celebrate what kindness looks like!
Step 5: Personalize Pages with Photos
If I decide to use my photo printer, I can print photos of lovely moments I shared kindness or received it. I’ll print them out and glue them into my journal, adding captions with my colored pens or markers. It will make the journal even more special!
Step 6: Use Stamps for Decoration
I pulled out my stamps to add some fun designs throughout my journal. I stamped little hearts, flowers, and positive words randomly on different pages. This adds a unique touch and keeps everything creative!
Step 7: Set Up Weekly Kindness Challenges
I decided to create a section dedicated to 'Weekly Kindness Challenges'. I used ruled paper to create a list of challenges like 'Compliment a stranger' or 'Donate to a charity'. I highlighted these with vibrant colors and made sure they stand out.
Step 8: Finish with Inspirational Quotes
Finally, I wrote down some of my favorite quotes about kindness throughout the journal. I decorated those pages with markers and used paper clips to hold small notes with reflections on kindness I see each day.
Step 9: Fill in My Journal Regularly
Now that my kindness journal is set up and beautiful, I’m excited to write in it regularly! I plan to jot down my daily acts of kindness, reflections, and anything that inspires me in relation to kindness. This will be a lovely keepsake to look back on.