I believe there is a habit shared among writers, one I find myself repeating to no end. It’s to buy (but not always use) journals and other stationary equipment. There is something about a fresh, untouched notebook or journal – like a new, unopened book – that seems to hold all the possibilities of the universe. There are a number of different types of journals to keep, and although my inclination is to usually use them for story notes and ideas, I have found a benefit in using them for other aspects of my life. Journals have helped me maintain balance in my life, and helped nurture my creativity. If I focus all my energy on my creative projects, other aspects of my life begin to suffer. I let the washing grow into an unmanageable pile, I forget to drink my daily dose of water, I opt out of social activities and family time, or I neglect to exercise or meditate. Just as I neglect my writing when work is busy, or I lose track of my goals when that time of year comes around a...