When a hobby becomes a passion, dare I say obsession?

How it all Started

If you have been following my blog, you have read that I have been a person in love with all things paper and pens since I was a young child. I have always enjoyed that initial opening of a new notebook, unwrapping a pen and getting it to work. Realizing the possibilities are endless on what can be done with these items. I am an avid reader, a person who attempts to do art (with varying degrees of success) but enjoys it none the less. I am really someone who tries to get creative juices flowing. Creativity has always been a thread running through my life.

Now that I am in my fifties, I had pushed a lot of my passion aside in pursuit of all things work and life related. I went to school and continued to go to school because I love to learn, but now that I have the degrees that I have, a bachelors, Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science my only next step is to go for a PHD which I do have interest in doing (maybe). BUT now I have filled that time that was once dedicated to studying with my passion for journaling, fountain pen collection, and blogging. Maybe school will have to wait? This shift has reminded me of the importance of making space for creativity and personal interests, even as life grows busier.

Stationery Subscriptions

For those who have been journaling a while, you have probably have this all figured out. I do not. There I said it. I am trying to find my style, and, in the meantime, I am subscribing to anything and everything that is allowing me to sign up. These websites have amazing products and since they are small businesses, the demand for their goods outweighs the availability, thus making it super competitive to purchase their items – which are so incredible. I think this, in part, has led to my obsession. If you are not careful, you can really end up spending WAY more than you intended to on these adorable, must have items.

Here is a list of shops that I frequent:

There are so many more, but these are among my favorites!

Building Up Your Inventory

Nobody told me that once I became obsessed with all things journaling, fountain pens, paper, inks, ink pads, stickers, scissors, washi tape, etc. that this would become an expensive hobby! Well, I think there are more reasonable people out there than me, because I have to have ALL the things, and I must have them now. I get things I have forgotten I have purchased because I have bought things that are being shipped from China and with all the tariff business, shipping is taking some time. I may have to institute some sort of log (yes I will need a new journal for this) of my purchases! Can you see where I can justify just about anything?

Just this week, I went through all my fountain ink and HAD to get a Midori pocket notebook so I could log every color. I also HAD to buy some stamps that included what looked like an empty ink bottle, so I could sample the ink on the pages. The log has already come in handy!

Reflection

I will save you the rest of my crazy spending habits, but I do not think I am alone. When the world feels chaotic, taking time to reflect in my journal helps ground me. The simple act of putting pen to paper is therapeutic, offering a space to process my thoughts and emotions. This creative outlet has helped me manage stress and improve my mood.

Equally important is the sense of community I’ve found online, especially on Instagram. Connecting with fellow stationery enthusiasts has shown me that I’m not alone in my passion (or my spending habits!). Sharing favorite finds and creative ideas has deepened my appreciation for this hobby and made the experience even more rewarding.

Conclusion

If you’re drawn to journaling or collecting stationery, embrace it! These hobbies can nurture creativity, boost your mental health, and connect you with a supportive community. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your style, remember that the journey is just as meaningful as the finished pages. Happy inking, friends—may your pens be smooth and your notebooks ever inviting.

Here is a list of shops that I frequent

Opulent Inkwell

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