Journaling is a wonderful and powerful self-discovery tool. I have journaled in various formats throughout the years, starting with a diary when I was 17.
My journaling practice was up and down through the years – often depending on how I was feeling or what was happening – until at age 40, I took a Journaling to Wholeness class that changed my life.
Through journaling I was able to heal my childhood wounds, mend my broken heart, and survive cancer. I am peaceful and happy when I journal because it’s one of the best gifts I give to myself.
Don’t Be Intimidated
I know it can feel overwhelming to get started, but rest assured it becomes easier with each day that you write. Journaling doesn’t need to take a lot of time, it doesn’t need to be perfect because this is for your eyes only, and most important, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to journal.
This is your personal journey, and you’re the only one who decides what direction it takes.
The best part about journaling is that it can truly reflect your personal style. First, your journal can be only words, or it can contain doodles, sketches, or quotes. Second, it can be written with a 16 cent No. 2 pencil or a $4,200 Montblanc pen. And third, you can write in a leather-bound book with handmade paper, or a spiral notebook purchased at the corner drugstore.
What’s most important is that you open the cover, put your writing instrument on the paper, and go! (And don’t forget to download the checklist at the end of this post to help you get started!)
Tips to Help You Create a Journaling Habit
1 ) Look for a journal that inspires you.
I’m quite the hoarder of journals and notebooks, and have many empty journals. Some invite me to start writing, many are full, and even more are in process. They are scattered throughout my home, as I never know when I’ll be inspired to write. So, look for a journal that you look forward to writing in.
2 ) Don’t let your ego stop you from writing.
There are many ways you can approach your writing. You can choose to only include your daily gratitude. You can write on a specific topic, like your travels or your dreams. It can include stream of consciousness writing, simply depending on how you’re feeling in that moment. And of course, it can be a combination of all of these!
My favorite is stream of consciousness. I date the page and then I start writing anything that comes to my mind. When my ego wants to start editing the text because it is not written perfectly, or I think of a “better way” to convey what I’ve just written, I pause and take a moment to let those thoughts go, then I keep on writing. Before I know it, I’ve filled pages of my journal.
3 ) Set aside a time to write that works for you.
This whole process is about self-care, so it’s important to schedule time for journaling so it becomes part of your day. I’ve included a handy checklist that will help you schedule the time that works best for you. Be kind to yourself during this process as daily habits take a while to create. Do your best to stick to your writing goals.
Personally, I write every day and sometimes it’s more than once a day, especially when I am upset, stressed, or overwhelmed. Journaling helps me process my thoughts and feelings. It helps me to calm down and get centered and focused. I also find my most creative ideas and solutions to my problems come to me through journaling.
4 ) Keep your journal in a safe place.
You will be more likely to write freely if you feel safe in doing so. Your journal is private, and no one should ever read it unless you want them to.
One of my early fears about journaling was someone finding it and feeling hurt by something I wrote. I would hide it in my car’s glove box – which now seems silly, since I lived alone! Now that I believe my journal is for my eyes only, my fears are diminished.
A journaling teacher once told me that she taped a note in the inside cover stating the journal was part of her healing process and not to be offended by what was in the journal. I encourage you to keep your journal in a place where you feel comfortable.
5 ) Reread your journal from time to time.
Going back to read earlier writing can help you see how far you’ve come. You will also see how your writing becomes freer and more natural as time went on and you began to trust in the process. It’s a time to reflect and honor yourself for the courageous journey you are on.
There will be pages that are too difficult to read and that’s ok, too. This is your personal journey, and how you choose to navigate it is entirely up to you. And that’s a wonderful feeling!
Start Today
Setting a goal and sticking to it can help you make journaling part of your daily routine, so I’ve created a handy checklist to help you develop your journaling habit. I encourage you to try this for at least one month.
Enjoy! I’d love to hear about your journaling practice.