Welcome to The Joy Journal Project : A Year of Storytelling Made Simple

As scrapbookers, we constantly explore the art of storytelling. We take the photos, document the memories, and craft the moments into something tangible that can be looked back on and relived. We are the curators of our family’ story.

But let’s face it—life moves fast. Each day brings a new story to tell. Ad sometimes, you don’t realize that it was one worth capturing until the day has passed. Talk about FOMO! That’s where The Joy Journal Project comes in.

This January, I’m inviting you to join a journey of intentional storytelling. Imagine having a personal journal where your thoughts, photos, and moments are stored as they happen—ready for you whenever you’re ready to craft your next masterpiece. The best part? This journal is as close as your email inbox.

What is the Joy Journal?

The Joy Journal Project is a simple, powerful system to help you capture your stories in real-time. All you need is an email account. Think of it as your personal digital file cabinet, a space to save photos, jot down thoughts, and store moments that might otherwise be forgotten. With each email you send, you’re preserving a piece of your life for safekeeping—and for future storytelling.

How It Works:

1. Set Up a Dedicated Email Account: Create a new email account that will serve as your Joy Journal. It could be something like “[YourName][email protected]” or “[YourName][email protected].”
2. Capture Your Stories: Throughout your day, when inspiration strikes or a moment feels worth saving, send an email to your Joy Journal.
   • Subject Line: Use this to tag your story. For example, “Liam’s First Soccer Goal” or “Rainy Day Musings.” These subject lines will help you search and retrieve memories later.
   • Body: Write your thoughts, feelings, or the story behind the photo. Attach pictures or videos if you have them.
3. Reflect and Use: At the end of the week, month, or whenever you sit down to scrapbook, open your journal. The stories are ready for you to design layouts, create albums, or simply reminisce.

Why This Matters:

As scrapbookers, we often aim to capture big events: birthdays, holidays, vacations. But it’s the small, everyday moments that make up the fabric of our lives. The Joy Journal helps you preserve these fleeting details. A funny conversation with your child, the way the light fell on a favorite corner of your home, or the joy of discovering a new recipe—these are the stories worth saving.

How the Joy Journal Serves You:

1. Simplicity: No need to overthink. Just send an email. There’s no pressure to make it perfect.
2. Accessibility: Your journal is always with you. Whether you’re at home or on the go, you can save memories instantly.
3. Searchability: Thoughtful subject lines make it easy to find specific stories when you’re ready to scrapbook.
4. Consistency: By committing to this practice, you’ll build a treasure trove of stories to draw from all year long.

The Magic of Everyday Stories

Scrapbooking isn’t just about creating pretty pages; it’s about honoring your life. The Joy Journal Project empowers you to tell stories that resonate with your heart. When you look back, you won’t just see milestones; you’ll see the beauty of the journey.

This year, let’s embrace storytelling in its simplest form. By sending emails to your Joy Journal, you’re ensuring that no moment is too small to matter. These everyday snapshots become the threads that weave the tapestry of your life.

Are you ready to start? Set up your email account today, and begin your journey with the Joy Journal. Your stories are waiting to be told, and I’m here to help you every step of the way.

Let’s make this year a celebration of everyday joy.