It is more common lately to pick up journaling as a self-care tool. People are happily spreading the powers of this habit. So after hearing about all the good benefits, maybe you start thinking about how to start a journal. Yet you don’t know where to start yet.
I get this, I started journaling five years ago. And I remember the feeling of the first try. I also didn’t know exactly what I was doing but I knew that it was fun indeed.
So, for you to start your journaling journey you may need a little guidance! And some simple steps to get you ready and all set for the new path.
1- Get a notebook
Unpopular opinion: any notebook can be a journal.
Just get a simple notebook. It doesn’t need to be good-looking or fancy because what matters is the content and what you make of it. Yet, what’s essential is being comfortable with this new journal. Make it feel like home, like a cozy safe place. Or you can make your own!
For instance, I always check this first! I make sure that the pages, the lines, and the colors match my vibes so that I can trust this journal and hold it close to my heart.
2- Set your journaling goals
Start by defining what you want to accomplish with this journal, it will help you organize your mind and skip the confusion. Here are some examples for inspiration:
In this journal I want to:
- Write down my memories and important events
- Reflect on my life and learn from my mistakes
- Be more productive, less stressed, and more focused
- Track my habits and plan my days
- Write about my problems and reduce my overthinking
Doing this will help you recognize your ‘why’ in the first place. Therefore, you will be clear and honest with yourself. Not to mention that with every new project, you ought to set a goal for it, a ‘why’ to keep you going and always remind you of the purpose.
3- Feel free in your writings
The only rule that you need to satisfy in a journal is to be free. Your journal should not be affected by any opinion. Besides, it is supposed to be private and you only share it when you want.
Freedom is a crucial concept here. Getting to know yourself and digging deep into your thoughts requires a sense of honesty. And an accessible writing style.
It’s also a personal experience that is dedicated to you only. So it would be best if you do not experience any fear or hesitation while writing because you do it for your pleasure and benefit. This helps you maintain a good connection with your writing, and satisfy your journaling needs smoothly.
4- Start writing
Now that you know the rules and have the right space set up, all you have to do next is start writing.
But you’re probably asking WHAT DO I WRITE ABOUT?
Simple! There are many entries to help you start, and the topics are limitless. Just like in this article: 20 inspiring ideas to write about in your journal.
And over all, you can start by talking about your day, telling a story, or explaining something that happened to you. Moreover, you can use it as a coping mechanism if you have anxiety or anger issues by releasing heavy emotions into it.
Writing everything you feel on paper helps you get rid of the chaos in your mind. As if you put away those emotions.
It is known that successful people begin their days by filling up pages with random emotions that they find floating in their minds. Furthermore, it’s a mental clarity activity to set the right mood before a long day. Just to make sure the day is distraction-free.
5- Use your creativity
Until now, we have been discussing forms of “writing” in a journal. Writing is just one type of journaling. Next to it comes art, calligraphy, poetry, sketches, and collage. Remember the goal is to express yourself, so if you enjoy any kind of art feel free to include it too.
I personally love poetic paragraphs and artistic pages the most. They make me feel wonderful and give me more space to express my feelings. And to help you with that, you can make pages about something you like, a hobby, a person, or food.
Take these pages from MY journal as your inspiration: 5 creative journal ideas. And start your own art like the real artist that you are.
Conclusion
One the whole, you need nothing special to start a journal. All you need is the intention. Stop questioning your journaling skills and overthinking the details. Start the action and seek self-discovery. And always remember to “do what works” because journaling can never have strict rules, it just naturally works when you find your way.
And if you face difficulties, don’t let them drag you down! It’s fine to feel unmotivated to journal sometimes or lose track of that habit. Don’t get frustrated, it happens.
This is your sign to pick up that journal again, and never give up on it! And this blog will always be available to share this journaling adventure with all of you. Feel free to express yourselves, humans!