Starting a journal can be a transformative experience, one that unfolds layers of self-discovery, creativity, and personal growth. My own journey began in 7th grade when I received my first journal.
I grew up in a strict household and was not allowed to express myself. My journal became more than a notebook of my thoughts. It became a haven where my heart and soul found voice and solace. As I express my feelings through writing on the pages, I learned the value of journaling.
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Follow my writing journey and let’s journal together: Finding Strength in the Struggles and Pinpoint Your True Mission.
If you are considering starting a journal, here are some reasons and tips to help you get your pen on paper.
The Value of Starting a Journaling
A journal serves as a mirror, reflecting our innermost selves that provide insights into our desires, fears, and joys.
Looking back at my old journals, I learned how sad and lonely I was. As I reflect on this, I now make a conscious decision and take actions that are more fulfilling. Also, I’ve reached out to my friends more often.
Realistic Journaling Goals
However, not all journals serve the same purpose. Each type of journal is unique to you and your purpose. It can be a structure bullet journal or introspective entries of a diary.
My journal is a chaotic blend of everything. You decide on how you want to start your journal.
Equally important is setting realistic goals for your journal. It should be a source of comfort and exploration.
I use my journals are a planner, diary, and gratitude journaling. Lately, I am also trying to work in a bit of prayer journaling in, too.
However, before we focus on that, it’s important to choose what kind of journal you want to invest in.
Choosing Your Journal
Selecting the right one is crucial depending on how you want to journal. This will depend on your preference as much as your lifestyle. Sometimes what you want does not actually work out as you expected. Don’t be tempted by that beautiful notebook on the store shelf, because that’s all it will be: just a beautiful notebook.
The Charm of Physical Journals
My favorite types of journals are physical journals. The tactile sensation of a pen gliding over paper is satisfying.
Also, you can do anything with a physical journal. My journals have small paper items, such as photos, tickets, drawings, and postcards from friends in them.
Additionally, I enjoy drawing and painting directly onto the pages of my journal. I can cut out or add additional pages in. It is mine to do with as I please. My journal is my creative outlet.
However, with physical journals, it’s important to keep it safe, especially when traveling. And, if you do travel a lot, it’s best to choose a small, lighter journal to carry. Additionally, depending on what plan to do with your journal, quality journals can get extremely pricey.
Some of my favorite journals include Archer&Olive and Hobonichi Cousin notebooks, which are more on the expensive side. Archer&Olive journals have beautiful fabric covers and thick paper suitable for my watercolor ventures. The Hobonich Cousin notebook is more of a planner, ideal for a more structured kind of journaling.
Although physical journals are great to have, they need extra care. There is no backup if your journal goes missing. Also, you must be okay with the stains, smudges, and wear and tear that comes with having a physical journal.
The Convenience of Digital Journals
The best thing about digital journals is the convenience of accessing it anywhere, especially through our phones and tablets.
I like digital journaling apps because they have search functions, tagging, and let you add photos and links. Another amazing feature is security. You can set up encryption and passwords to safeguard your privacy.
Also, going digital means paperless and environmentally sustainable. I have to admit that my journals are starting to pile up and I absolutely have no storage space for them. Eventually, I will have to figure out what to do with my physical journals.
Although digital journals are extremely convenient, there are so many distractions that come with it. My phone and computer are always pinging with notifications from my emails and other apps. Also, most digital journals require internet connection, which may not always be available.
Lastly, I stare at a screen from the crack of dawn until dinner time with my family. The last thing I would want to is stare at another screen. This can lead to eye strain, headaches, and disruptive sleep patterns since I do some journaling near bedtime.
Start Journaling Your Way
There are a variety of ways to start your journal and express yourself. A journal is more than just writing down our thoughts. Here are some popular styles of journaling to help you explore which is best for you.
The Structured Bullet Journal
The bullet journal is perfect for maintaining an organized journal system while allowing room for creativity. Created by Ryder Carroll, this journal helps you track, organize, and plan your life in a personalized way.
This method keeps you organized while encourages mindfulness and productivity. As you journal, it helps adapt to your needs, making the bullet journal a great way to be creative and productive.
The Reflective Diary
My first journal was a diary. That was before I learned about different types of journaling. Diary style journaling are the classic choice if you are looking to dive deeper into personal reflection. You will be more focused on expressing your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without limitations.
Exploring my self-awareness and personal growth through writing is a therapeutic process for me. You basically write a chronicle of your life’s journey with consistent entries. My first journal was filled with an extreme amount of emotional entries. It helped me coped through my teenage years.
The Mixed Media Journal
For the artist and dreamers, mixed media and creative journals offer a boundless playground for exploration. Perfect for defying the conventional notion of writing by encouraging your to paint, sketch, collage, and more. You can incorporate various techniques and materials, from watercolors and ink to fabrics and photographs.
These journals are perfect for documenting your life visually. You can experiment and capture inspiration in all forms. A great example of digital mixed media journaling is using Instagram or Canva two tell your life story.
Establishing a Journal Routine
Starting a journal is a great way to understand yourself better. However, starting one and keeping up with it can be challenging. I don’t journal on a daily basis even though I try to. Here are some simple tips to help fit journaling into your life smoothly.
- Morning Reflections: Writing in the mornings is a great way to jumpstart your day on a positive note. Also, it boosts your creativity.
- Nightly Reflections: Writing in the evenings allow you to reflect on your day, what you learned and what made you happy. It’s a nice way to wind down and end you day calmly.
- Other Times: There is no rule that says you must write at a specific time. Choose whenever is best for you. Some days, I write a bit here and there multiple times throughout the day.
- Find a Quiet Spot: Choose a peaceful place where you can write without being disturbed. It could be a cozy corner, a comfy chair, or your favorite bench at a park.
- Make It Special: Cozy up with your favorite blanket and cup of tea. Light some candles or play gentle, lo-fi music. Make your writing rituals something to look forward to.
- Keep Distractions Away: Turn off your phone and anything else that might interrupt you. This is your time to focus on your journaling.
- Start Small: Don’t worry about writing multiple pages on your first entry or spending a hour the first night. Even a few minutes of writing or a couple of sentences a day is a great start.
- Write Regularly: Try to write every day. Make it a regular part of your day to become a habit.
- Celebrate Small Achievements: Be proud of yourself your writing regularly. You could mark off days on a calendar and treat yourself when you write consistently.
Final Thoughts
Remember that the essence of starting a journal lies not in the aesthetics of your journal, but in the act itself. Carve out a moment in your day for self-reflection, creativity, and personal growth. However you choose to journal, what matters most is you’re taking the time to connect with yourself.
Do not feel pressured into investing in an expensive journal. A simple notebook that feels right to you or an app on your phone is all your need. Over time, you will discover what works best for you, and your journal will transform to your needs.
So, grab a notebook that speaks to your and let the pages capture your story.