I would be lost without it. It goes everywhere I go.  I learn my thoughts among its pages and find my word between its lines.  There is no doubt, my journal is a treasure. Journaling has become my friend, a safe space, and a form of self-care. It is my  “me” time.

I have heard from so many people who wish they could consistently write in a journal, but they find themselves, after so many failed attempts, tossing the abandoned notebook into a corner closet along with the other half-attempted projects.  

I have kept a journal or diary since I was seven years old.  I am not the exception, nor am I special. Anyone can consistently write in a journal, All it takes is some planning and strategy.  .

Why I Keep a Journal

I feel as British novelist William Makepeace Thackeray once said, “As there are a thousand thoughts lying within a man that he does not know till he takes up the pen to write.”

Journaling is a way to discover what I’m thinking. It’s like having a conversation with myself. I recount the day, ask myself questions. and dif deep, finding my answers through my writing. Journalling is an exploration, a means of guiding my own thoughts and searching for their answers. I take my problems, spill them onto paper, and listen to my heart for feedback.. 

Do you know why you want to journal? Is it because you think you should journal in order to become a better writer, or is it because you want to perform open-heart surgery on your thoughts and feelings in order to expose what grants you the right to be you?

Where to Journal

When you journal, first set the scene. Create an environment that is appropriate to the task.

I’ll share a secret.

My husband Daniel wants it, and he wants it bad. He knows that I will want it too, so he sets the scene.  I  come home from mundane errands to the delightful surprise of softly dimmed lights and candles’ shadows dancing on the walls.  Soothing tones and seductive syncopation caress me as Alexa purrs my favorite song.  The sensual scents of vanilla and musk elicit a fluttering in my stomach, a quickening beat of my heart. Daniel flirtingly approaches me, gently places in my mouth a chocolate-covered strawberry that tangos wildly on my tongue. The game is on. The mood is set, and  I am ready for it, too.

Do you know where I am going with this?

Daniel set the scene to romance me. He created an environment that would gear up my libido and rev up my engine. 

Journaling is like making love: you have to set the scene.

While you can journal anywhere, setting the scene and creating an inviting environment will make you want to spend more time journaling.  Think of creating a proper writing environment as a way to establish a mood that is conducive to journaling and a way to romance your thoughts onto paper.

• Meditate ahead of time to relax.
• Have a quiet room or a private place where you can begin.
• Dim the lights.  Fire up a candle. Burn some incense.
• Listen to nature sounds in the background such as birds tweeting, waterfalls rushing, or ocean waves diving into the shore.
• Give yourself permission to quit any time you want to, even if you’re not finished. Take the pressure off yourself to perform as you journal.
• Warm up those creative juices by drawing, sketching, or even doodling to inspire thoughts and feelings you want to pursue in your writing.

Do whatever you need in order to create an environment that will make you feel good and promote writing and reflection.

How to Journal

Short answer: there is no wrong way to journal.  Whatever gets your pen moving is the correct way for you to do it. With that being said, though, there are some journaling practices that will help you to write consistently.

• Write whatever feels good.
• Your journal doesn’t need to follow any certain structure. It’s your own private place to discuss whatever you want.
• Let the words flow freely. Don’t censor your spelling or grammar.
• Leave perfectionism at the door.  Worrying about what you write, how you will write it, and if the writing is good enough is a quick way to shut down your enthusiasm and never pick up a journal again.

What To Journal

So about what do I  write?  

Anything I please.

Usually, when I begin to journal, I don’t have anything particular on my mind for which I want to write, but ideas will come to me naturally after I begin. Sometimes, though, especially when you first start journaling, you might need a prompt or some journaling ideas. The website Developing Good Habits lists 33 topics for journaling.  Among its suggestions are writing about a daily event,  a challenge you’ve encountered, or an inspirational quote in which you find meaning. (Click here for a list of over 150 inspirational quotes.)

If a template or other journal ideas are what you need to get you started then go for it.  Some people use templates like the ones found here to structure and guide their journaling.  Writing prompts are also an effective tool in case you don’t have an idea for which you want to write.  You can find hundreds of prompts here on my Pinterest page.

Use every tool available, and give yourself time and grace. Eventually, journalling will become more organic and you won’t need as much structure and guidance.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Journaling

Time

I do not set a specific time of day to journal.  Usually, I write when the mood strikes me. Sometimes I feel the need first thing in the morning, but more often than not, I journal at night. Experiment and find a time that works for you. If the first time doesn’t work, try a different time. Be flexible and keep trying. 

I typically try to write for at least thirty minutes, which may be too intense for some. 

If it’s easier, split your time for journaling throughout the day. While longer, consistent stretches of journaling might help you dig deeper into topics and ideas, try dividing your writing into 3 segments of 10 minutes if it is easier to do. 

Keep entries short until you gain some momentum and journaling becomes exciting and satisfying to you.   

Type of Journal 

Find a journal that works for you.

It’s a personal preference, but I cannot use a spiral-bound journal. I tend to go back and look at my previous writings, and the spiral binding breaks and bends, causing the papers fall out of the journal. I’m a little bit of a journal snob, so I usually go with leather-bound journals.

For some people, a 25 cent composition notebook fits the job nicely. Everyone’s taste preference is different, so find a journal that appeals to you and one in which you look forward to writing.  

While paper and pen work best for me, there are some free online journal accounts like Penzu  and Journey.Cloud that work well also, especially if privacy is an issue and you worry others will find your journal and read it.

Spelling and grammar

Forget grammar. Write in emojis if you want.  This is your journal. Forget flowery language and enchanting prose. Write. Just write.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are many benefits to journaling.  Writing helps improve the immune system, clears the mind of mental clutter, and helps us focus on our goals.  

Above all, journaling is an act of self-care.

So while I’ve offered you guidance on the best practices of journaling, remember that journaling is about you and finding what will motivate you to write consistently.  

Writing should never feel like punishment. If you hate the act of journaling, you will not keep it up and will lose out on the benefits. So try the guidelines, figure out what works for you, pick up your pen and paper or log in to your online journal, and write to your heart’s content.

What are some ideas that help you journal consistently?