1. What is a Big Dump Journal?

The Concept of the Big Dump Journal

You know that feeling when your mind is so stuffed with thoughts that you can barely think straight? That's exactly why I created the Big Dump Journal. It's your dedicated space to pour out all those swirling thoughts, worries, and random ideas clogging up your mental bandwidth.

The basic concept is not new and couldn't be simpler: grab your journal, write three pages without stopping, and let every thought—brilliant or mundane, profound or petty—flow onto the paper. We call it a "dump" because that's exactly what you're doing: unloading mental baggage without worrying about making it pretty.

Little Hunterman is looking at you

Created out of Personal Need

I created the Big Dump Journal during one of the toughest times in my life. When I lost my beloved dog Hunter after 17 wonderful years together, I found myself completely overwhelmed by grief. Hunter had always seen the glass as half full—no matter what hardships he faced, he maintained an unwavering positivity and lightness. I, on the other hand, have always struggled with this outlook. Hunter was my primary source of optimism and joy; his perspective naturally balanced my tendency toward seeing the darker side of things.

Little Hunterman says peekaboo

Lost in The Darkness of Grief

When Hunter died, I didn't just lose my little companion—I lost my daily source of positivity and light. The traditional journals I'd used over the years, with their weighty quotes from great thinkers who had endured life's tragedies, suddenly seemed to reinforce my natural pessimism rather than counteract it. These philosophical reflections, born of suffering and challenge, were the exact opposite of Hunter's simple, joyful approach to life. They felt wrong for my healing process precisely because they lacked what I needed most: Hunter's uncomplicated optimism.

Little Hunterman making sure you're out of bed and ready for a walkie

In Search of Light & Positivity

I needed something different—a journal that would serve as a stand-in for Hunter's perspective, something that could inject his characteristic lightness and humor into my daily reflections. That's why I created the journal alternatives in the small refill format first; I needed this reminder of Hunter's positivity with me at all times, a portable lifeline to the worldview I'd lost access to.

That's how both the Quick Wee Journal and the Big Dump Journal were born—tools designed with Little Hunterman's help to incorporate that essential positivity, humor, and lightness I so desperately needed but couldn't generate on my own during my grief.

Little Hunterman wondering why the cookies are so far up

A Lifeline

These journals became my companions through grief, helping me keep my head above water. What began as a personal necessity eventually revealed itself as something potentially valuable for others. Whether you're mourning the loss of a beloved pet, navigating a difficult life transition, or simply finding that traditional journaling methods don't quite resonate with your needs at this time—Hunterman’s lovingly fun approach might offer something different. I'm sharing these journals not because they're right for everyone, but because they were right for me when nothing else worked. I hope Little Hunterman's perspective might offer you the same comfort and guidance it continues to provide me.

SEE THE JOURNALS

2. Morning Pages and Big Dump Journal: Differently Flavoured Alternatives

Julia Cameron's Morning Pages are brilliant—I'm a big fan of her technique of writing three stream-of-consciousness pages every morning to unlock creativity and clear mental blocks.

While our approach shares that foundation, the Big Dump Journal offers a different flavor:

Portable Format:
Unlike the traditional Morning Pages' larger notebooks, I designed the Big Dump Journal to fit in my pocket or bag. Originally created as refills for my leather covers, they're slim enough to take anywhere and store easily, whether singly or in small stacks.

A Different Kind of Guide:
Where Morning Pages often feature inspiring quotes from famous thinkers (which can sometimes feel a bit like pressure to live up to their wisdom), we have Little Hunterman—a small terrier offering drops of fun rather than pearls of wisdom.

Balanced Focus:
While the Morning Pages brilliantly emphasize creative unblocking, the Big Dump Journal leans more toward mental relief, though we absolutely recognize there's gold in those dumps! That's why we included an index—because those random thoughts often contain unexpected insights.

Reviewing Approach:
The Big Dump Journal encourages a bit more distance before reviewing what you've written, giving those raw thoughts time to settle before you mine them for insights.

Both approaches have their place—this isn't about better or worse, just different tools for different moments in life.

Little Hunterman  and his pig-friend rather won't look

The Role of Humor

It takes the weight & pressure off:

  • It makes you feel less overwhelmed with your thoughts
  • It reminds you that everyone's mind gets messy sometimes
  • It lets you approach difficult things with a lighter heart

Having Hunterman at your side throughout this journal-journey might make you feel less alone and simultaneously shine a light on how uncomplicated dumping can be. After all, every dog can do it! And cat. And tiny human.
Thankfully, there's nothing we need to learn to accomplish this – we were born as natural dump-masters. The diaper industry built an empire on this innate talent of ours!

Little Hunterman playig ghost

Little Hunterman as a Source of Fun

What makes the Big Dump Journal unique is who's keeping you company on these pages. While traditional journals might feature the wisdom of accomplished philosophers or artists, we have Little Hunterman—a small terrier trying to make sense of the human world.

He's not an expert or guru. You're always several steps ahead of him intellectually. Yet somehow, with his limited perspective, he often stumbles upon surprising truths—comparable to how children tend to recognize core truths with startling clarity just by being unaware of all complexity that clouds our visions as adults.

This dynamic creates something special: Hunterman offers support "from below" rather than instruction from above. He doesn't talk down to you—literally, he's looking up! When you're with him, there's no pressure to measure up or perform. After all, he's just a little dog. And if a small dog can do this and have fun, surely we humans can manage too. At least there is no harm in trying.

He brings a particular kind of hope and motivation to the game—like a dog confidently pulling his hesitant humans towards "home". This kind of support from "the smaller one" often slips past our defenses in a way that advice from authority figures cannot.

3. Practical Application

The Basic Method: Three Pages Without Filters

Here's all you need to do:

  1. Grab your journal and a pen
  2. Write until you fill three pages, without stopping
  3. Let every thought come—no filtering, no judging
  4. Close the journal and get on with your day

Simple, right? Yet this practice is backed by solid research. James Pennebaker and other researchers have shown repeatedly that expressive writing reduces stress, improves thinking, and helps process difficult experiences.

Little Hunterman's BIG DUMP Journal - front cover of version with dot grid content

Deliberate Format and Design

The Big Dump Journal evolved directly from my own needs—I wanted something I could carry anywhere without feeling self-conscious. The design choices weren't random:

Slip-in-your-pocket Size:
At 11 x 21 cm (4.3" x 8.7"), it fits in jacket pockets and bags without taking over

Intentionally Lived-in Look:
The vintage-inspired covers aren't about aesthetics—they solve that "too pretty to use" problem many of us have with pristine notebooks

Tool, Not Trophy:
This journal is meant to be used, not displayed on a shelf looking perfect

I've always found that pristine, expensive notebooks can be intimidating—who wants to "ruin" them with imperfect thoughts? Just like we drive more freely in a car that already has a few dents, the slightly "pre-aged" look of these journals invites immediate use without the guilt when daily handling leaves marks.

Little Hunterman's BIG DUMP Journal - a daily dump page

Content Pages

Inside you'll find:

  • 51 pages for your thought dumps (lined or dotted, your choice)
  • 2 pages for your personal index
  • Little Hunterman's illustrations and quotes to keep you company and nose-nudge you along.
Use the BIG DUMP Journal whenever you feel the need.

When to Dump?

Early morning often works best for dumping thoughts, before your inner critic wakes up and starts policing what you write. Your mind is usually less filtered then, making it easier to write freely.

But honestly? Use it whenever mental clutter is slowing you down:

  • When your thoughts are spinning in circles
  • When you can't focus
  • When everything feels overwhelming
  • During emotional overload
  • When you need clarity for decisions
  • When your mind won't quiet down at bedtime
I love to sit on the roof to journal

Where to Dump?

Anywhere works! The journal's compact size means you can use it:

  • At your kitchen table before breakfast
  • In a quiet corner of your favorite café
  • During lunch breaks
  • On a park bench
  • In waiting rooms or on trains
  • On the roof (if safe) …

While consistency helps—using the same spot can signal to your brain it's time to unload thoughts—the real beauty of this journal is that it adapts to your life, not the other way around.

  • The Psychology of Mental Decluttering

    Mental load accumulates through daily stresses, unprocessed emotions, and recurring thought patterns. Regular mental decluttering provides relief by:

    • Transferring thoughts from working memory to external storage
    • Breaking recursive thought loops
    • Creating space for clearer thinking
    • Reducing cognitive load

4. Building the Habit and Overcoming Obstacles

How to Make Writing a Routine

While there's no need to declutter when you don't feel cluttered. The key to making this work during tough times is regularity. Here's how to build your dumping habit:

Same Time, Same Place:
When possible, create a dumping ritual at a consistent time and location

Keep It Handy:
Your journal should never be more than an arm's reach away

Piggyback on Existing Habits:
Attach your writing to something you already do daily (like after brushing your teeth)

Start Small:
If three pages feels daunting, commit to just one page at first

Embrace Imperfection:
Some days will be harder than others—that's totally normal

Research shows it takes around 66 days to cement a new habit, so be patient with yourself as you build this practice.

Big Dump Journal

Common Challenges

Little Hunterman's refill journals are perfect for travelling. Reset, reflect, focus, and let go of whatever is not needed anymore. These journals will help by guiding you along.

"I Don't Know What to Write"

This happens to everyone! Start with exactly that: "I don't know what to write." Keep going. Write about not knowing what to write. Write about what you see around you. Write about writing. Just keep your pen moving. The good stuff usually shows up when we stop trying to find it.

Try these jumpstarts:

  • Begin with what's immediately around you: "I'm sitting here looking at the wall, which needs repainting..."
  • Use simple prompts: "What's on my mind right now is..." or "I notice that I'm feeling..."
  • Make lists: Today's to-dos, current worries, or things you're looking forward to
  • Check in with your body: Are your shoulders tense? Is your stomach growling? Start there

"I Keep Censoring Myself"

No one needs to read this. Ever. This is for you only. No judgments, no rules, no "doing it wrong." Your dumps can be as messy as they need to be.

That inner editor can be persistent, though, so remember:

  • This is your private space—no one else ever needs to see it
  • Give yourself explicit permission to write the unwritable
  • Try writing one "forbidden" thought to break through the resistance
  • Write faster than your inner censor can keep up

"I Keep Repeating Myself"

When thoughts keep coming back, it usually means:

  • This thought really needs attention
  • There's something important here
  • You're working through something
  • Your mind is processing in layers

Think of it like a dog circling before lying down – sometimes we need to go around a few times before things feel right.

"I Feel Silly"

Silly is fine. Besides, everyone looks silly sometimes – just ask anyone who's walked their dog in pajamas at 5 AM.

"I Never Seem to Find the Time"

I get it—life is busy! Consider these approaches:

  • Wake up 10 minutes earlier (worth it, I promise!)
  • Look at your social media time—could some of that become journal time?
  • Use waiting time productively (doctor's offices, your kid's soccer practice)

Remember: this investment actually creates more mental space and efficiency

"I Need to Write On-The-Go / My Dog's Morning Schedule Comes First"

That's exactly why these journals are refill-sized! They go wherever you go:

  • Perfect for coffee shops after morning walkies
  • Great for park benches while your dog does his thing
  • Ideal for commutes and travel
  • Fits in your pocket during dog walks
  • Works anywhere – from river banks to train seats

The beauty of these journals is that they adapt to your life. Some people love their quiet morning desk routine, but many of us (especially dog parents) need to be more flexible. Whether you're writing while waiting for your morning coffee, sitting on your favorite park bench, or squeezing in a quick session during your commute – these journals make it work.

"Why Do I Need a Special Journal?"

You don't! Any paper would work. But these journals offer:

  • A built-in reminder to keep things light
  • A consistent practice space
  • Gentle encouragement when needed
  • A complete record to look back on
  • A system for organizing your thoughts

"I Missed Some Days"

That's fine. Life happens. Just start again. No guilt required. Your journal doesn't keep score.

"What Do I Do With Full Journals?"

Keep them! Try:

  • Stacking them by year with an elastic band
  • Adding a note outside describing major life events
  • Creating simple indexes for important themes
  • Storing them somewhere private but accessible


If you're worried about space – yes, they might end up in boxes in the garage next to your old school essays and that box of mysterious cables you're sure you'll need someday. But unlike those, these journals actually prove useful when you dig them out again!

They can be incredibly helpful when:

  • Dealing with recurring situations
  • Looking for past solutions
  • Processing life changes
  • Understanding your growth
  • Remembering how you handled similar challenges


Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about watching your pile of completed journals grow. Each one represents mental loads you've successfully dumped – that's quite an accomplished collection of relief!

5. Review: Value and Methodology

Why Not Review Immediately?

Unlike some journaling approaches, I suggest not re-reading what you've written right away. Here's why:

  • It reinforces the "letting go" aspect—you've dumped those thoughts out
  • It prevents getting stuck in overthinking what you've just unloaded
  • It removes performance pressure—you're not writing for an audience, even yourself
  • It creates emotional distance that's valuable for later insight

The Right Time for Review

The best time to start looking back at your dumps is when:

  • You've filled an entire journal
  • Some time has passed and you have emotional distance
  • You feel you're in a "dejà vu" – in a loop
  • You're in a good mental space
  • You have unhurried time for reflection

This gap in time lets you see your thoughts more objectively and spot patterns you might miss if you reviewed daily.

How to Review Effectively

When you're ready to look back at your dumps, try this three-pass approach:

First Pass:

  • Just skim through without judgment
  • Notice your first reactions
  • Mark recurring themes with sticky notes or tabs

Second Pass:

  • Look for connections between entries
  • Identify solutions you've worked out on your own
  • Notice how things have changed over time
  • Highlight significant "aha" moments

Third Pass:

  • Create topic categories that make sense for you
  • Sum up the most valuable insights
  • List any actions you want to take based on what you've learned
  • Preserve especially valuable discoveries
Little Hunterman's QUICK WEE Journal Index page

Using the Index Pages

Those two index pages at the back of your journal become invaluable during review:

  • Create personalized categories that matter to you—mark them in a specific visual way (color, sticker,…)
  • Note page numbers where important insights appear
  • Track how themes evolve across entries, how they might connect
  • Record breakthroughs, meaningful outcomes, inciting incidents, and turning points

The index isn't for daily tracking—it's your treasure map for finding the gold in your dumps during review.

6. Recognizing and Transforming Thought Patterns

Spotting Your Mental Loops

One of the most valuable gifts of regular dumping is seeing the patterns in your thinking. When thoughts are just in your head, they can seem random and overwhelming. On paper, patterns emerge.

  • Common thought loops include:
  • Replaying conversations or scenarios repeatedly
  • Circling around worries without resolution
  • Self-criticism that follows the same track
  • "What if" spirals that never reach conclusions

Simply recognizing these patterns is powerful. Once on paper, they often lose some of their emotional grip.

Breaking Free from Negative Thought Loops

Once you've identified a thought pattern, you can work with it:

1. Interrupt the Loop

  • Note when you catch yourself falling into a familiar pattern
  • Name it: "Oh, there's my Sunday night worry spiral again"
  • Deliberately write a different direction for your thoughts

2. Analyze the Pattern

  • What typically triggers this thought loop?
  • What need or fear might be underneath it?
  • How does this pattern affect your life?

3. Transform the Pattern

  • Develop more helpful alternatives to negative thought cycles
  • Try writing the situation from completely different perspectives
  • Document your successes in breaking old patterns

Bridging Insight and Action

Seeing patterns is just the first step—the real power comes in using those insights. Your journal can help bridge that gap:

  • Write down small, concrete actions based on your insights
  • Document what happens when you try new approaches
  • Record both successes and challenges in making changes
  • Develop specific strategies for difficult situations

This connection between reflection and action transforms your journal from observer to change-maker.

  • When You Need More Than a Journal

    While the Big Dump Journal can be incredibly helpful for mental clarity and processing emotions, it has its limits. Consider additional support when:

    • You're experiencing persistent depression or anxiety
    • You're dealing with trauma that triggers intense emotions
    • Thought patterns aren't shifting despite consistent journaling
    • You're facing a crisis that exceeds your current coping abilities

    In these situations, journaling works best as a complement to professional support, not a replacement.

  • Complementary Approaches

    Different tools work together! Consider pairing your journaling with:

    • Mindfulness and meditation practices
    • Other types of journals
    • Regular physical movement
    • Creative expression through art or music
    • Professional therapeutic support
    • Community support groups

    These approaches can reinforce each other, creating a more complete system for wellbeing.

use case image with Hunterman's journals while on the road: comparing covers

A Perfect Pairing: Quick Wee Journal + Big Dump Journal

These two journals were designed to work together:

  • The Quick Wee Journal helps you focus on life's positives and capture what matters most
  • The Big Dump Journal helps you clear out mental clutter and find clarity

Together, they create a balanced approach to mental wellbeing—one helps you appreciate and focus, while the other helps you process and release.

8. Summary and Encouragement to Begin

The Key Principles

  1. Regular beats perfect: A short daily dump trumps an occasional epic one
  2. No filters allowed: Let every thought have its say
  3. Three pages work magic: This length seems to hit the sweet spot
  4. Review later, not now: Give yourself distance before looking back
  5. Keep it private: This is your safe space
  6. Watch for patterns: Your dumps will reveal your mental habits
  7. Insights into action: Use what you learn to make real changes

Taking the First Step

Starting a new habit can feel challenging, but these tips can help:

  • Start small: Commit to just one week of daily writing
  • Lower the bar: Your first entries might feel awkward or silly—that's completely normal
  • Set yourself up for success: Have your journal ready to go the night before
  • Add something enjoyable: Pair writing with a favorite beverage or comfortable spot
  • Tell someone: Sharing your intention increases follow-through

Remember, the Big Dump Journal isn't about achievement or perfection—it's a process. Each day you write, you're building a valuable practice that can help clear your mind, reduce emotional weight, and sometimes uncover unexpected wisdom hiding in your everyday thoughts.

9. Additional Resources

Here is a list of resources about Morning Pages (including the original ones), their benefits, and URLs for further exploration:

  1. A Year of Morning Pages - Carla Watkins
    https://carlawatkins.com/year-morning-pages/
  2. What Are Morning Pages, And How Can They Benefit Artists? - iMusician
    https://imusician.pro/en/resources/blog/what-are-morning-pages-and-how-can-they-benefit-artists
  3. Are Morning Pages Worth it? - NoteDex
    https://www.notedexapp.com/blog/are-morning-pages-worth-it
  4. Morning Pages - A Clearer Mind, Better Ideas & Less Anxiety - Chris Winfield
    https://www.chriswinfield.com/morning-pages/
  5. The Artist's Way Wiki - Reddit
    https://www.reddit.com/r/artistsWay/wiki/index/
  6. Morning Pages - Julia Cameron Live
    https://juliacameronlive.com/
  7. Tim Ferriss on Morning Pages
    https://tim.blog/2015/01/15/morning-pages/
  8. How To Do Morning Pages (+ Prompts To Reconnect With Your Creativity) - Yop and Tom
    https://www.yopandtom.com/blogs/news/how-to-do-morning-pages
  9. Julia Cameron's Official Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/juliacameronlive/?hl=en
  10. The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity - Book Overview
    https://www.juliacameronlive.com/the-artists-way
  11. Morning Pages: A Daily Writing Practice for Creativity and Clarity - The Write Practice
    https://thewritepractice.com/morning-pages/
  12. How a Morning Brain Dump Helps You Stay Focused - Psychology Today
    https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/automatic-you/202206/how-a-morning-brain-dump-helps-you-stay-focused

These resources provide a comprehensive overview of the practice, its benefits, and practical guidance on incorporating Morning Pages into your routine.

BUYING DIRECT? THANK YOU!

It really helps me make a living as an author, and keeping the croissant supply topped up.