How to start a journal and write in it every day
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© dreaming by dusk
When I ask my friends why none of them keep a journal, they always give me the same answers.
Either a journal is an endless vent of negative thoughts or it is hard work because you have to be naturally artistic or poetic.
Both of these are simply not true. If you start a journal and write in it consistently and honestly, it can become a powerful tool for inspiration, creativity, personal growth and emotional healing.
MATERIALS YOU NEED
SOMETHING TO WRITE ON:
A paper notebook (ruled, dot grid, grid, blank)
A blank sketchpad
A box full of post-it notes
A word document on the computer
A diary app
I like to use a variety of notebooks, an app on my phone and a word document. The idea is to use what you feel comfortable with, and sometimes what is available at the time.
I always find that journaling on paper is the best. Unlike an app or a word document, a notebook has a sense of permanence. Once something is written inside it, it isn’t easily erased.
SOMETHING TO WRITE WITH:
highlighters
markers
bullet point pens
gel ink pens
pencils
brush markers
paints and brushes
SOMETHING TO EMBELLISH IT WITH (IF YOU CHOOSE TO):
washi tape
stickers
stamps
water colours
glitter confetti
scraps of paper
photographs
drawings
dried flowers
gift tags
strings/yarn
Personalize it and play around until you find a method that works for you. You might decide that writing isn’t your thing and opt for a voice recorder or video camera instead.
BUILDING A WRITING HABIT
TIME:
Write for 15-20 minutes at least once a day. Find a time that fits nicely into your routine. As soon as you wake in the morning, or before you go to bed.
It’s important that the time you set aside for your journal is when you are motivated and relaxed. The last thing you want is for your journal to become a chore.
STYLE:
Write as you usually do. If you try to flourish your sentences, you become too focused on how the words look rather than what they mean.
You’re only writing for yourself and no one else. So make some errors, use curse words. Let one sentence run on for more than two lines.
Write with journal prompts. Often, it can be difficult to sit down and find a place to start. This is where guided journaling sessions are useful.
Journal prompts help you to focus on one thing to write about. Ideas like gratitude, goals, self-love and so on.
LENGTH:
You don’t necessarily need to write too much or too little in the set time you give yourself. I would suggest writing a daily page, about 300-400 words.
Put a pen to paper and do not stop until you are satisfied. This may end up being 2 and a 1/2 pages or it be a curt paragraph. It is entirely up to you. How much you want to share on paper.
MOTIVATION:
Place your journal(s) and stationery in a location that is visible. Near your bed, on your desk, in a little nook in your room where you like to go to read or write.
I have the 4 journals i use most often next to my bed on the nightstand along with the common pens and markers i like to use. This way, it is easy for me to get settled into bed at the end of the night and reach across to choose a journal and a pen to write with.
Sometimes, I like to re-record things written on my phone app into one of my journals if they’re very important to me. These are normally small things instead of long entries.
DIFFERENT JOURNALS YOU CAN KEEP
Starting a journal is a creative experience with endless possibilities. You can make a journal out of anything you choose. After all, if you’re like me and you like to collect empty notebooks, then you need a handful of ideas on how to fill them.
Bullet journal: recording all your goals and progress throughout the month
Emotion journal: the highs and lows of each day; what made you upset/excited
Media journal: films, tv, books, music, theater, art, photography, video games
Art therapy journal: paintings, collages, calligraphy
Stream of consciousness journal: writing without pausing to stop and reflect
Study journal: notes on a topic or subject you are interested in lately
Drawing journal: sketches, doodles, etc
Quotes journal: from famous authors, poets, celebrities, historical figures, films, books
Dream Journal: jot down specific details from your dream the previous night
Writing Journal: ideas for plot, character, setting, dialogue, world-building
Look-book journal: outfit inspo, color palettes, style palettes, aesthetics, wish-lists
Hobby journal: DIY craft ideas, Dungeons & Dragons details, song-writing and composition, etc
Food journal: food & drink recipes, meal prep ideas/guides, grocery lists, natural remedies
Mystical/Spirituality journal: tarot readings, crystals, lunar cycles, astrology, etc
