How to Start a Journal....
Are you intrigued about the positive mental benefits of journaling and want to try it out? Don’t know where to start? I’ve been writing a journal for over 30 years and have collected lots of great journaling ideas during that time which may help you. Have a look through my top tips on how to start a journal and begin embracing your inner Bridget Jones:
1. What type of Journal do you want to write?
There are lots of different types of journals which you can write: Daily Journal; specific event journal; travel journal; bullet journal; gratitude journal, etc…
Not sure where to start? Have a think about what you would like to achieve from writing a journal or how you would like to feel after writing? My early journals were a stream of thoughts and emotions which helped me deal with what life was throwing at me, where as my journals now are a record of my girls as they grown up to help me hold memories and look back on how they have changed over such a short time. I write a daily journal (not every day as who has time for that! here’s the link to my 2019 Diary) and focus on writing about whenever something happens. I use Instax photos printed from my phone to help tell my story. Are you interested in documenting what happens in your life or are you hoping to help achieve mental positivity or self awareness? Then a gratitude, personal development or mediation journal may suit you. Have a look at more examples my following blog:
2. Pick the right journal for your goals.
At Evelyn Rose Books, I make personalised journals to suit most types of journaling and many of my journals are ones I have made for myself for specific goal. Have a look in my shop for inspiration or message me to ask questions.
3. Set out your goals and intentions.
Don’t feel you have to start our writing the next Booker Prize, always remember this journal is for you. However, start your journal with a goal and intentions. I often start with something like: This year I plan to chart the highs and lows of my new job and hope to make it a successful and fulfilling year.
4. Set how often you plan to write.
Don’t over think this but make yourself accountable to write a set amount of times. It doesn’t have to be every day because, as let’s be honest, many of us don’t have time to write every day, so set a goal or 2-3 times a week. If you want to write a small amount every day consider a 5 year journal which has entries for the same day over 5 years on each page.
5. Set a time when you plan to write.
Pick a time of the day and somewhere comfortable where you can write. This should fit in with your journal goals: i.e. if you want to write a dream journal then set aside 15 minutes before you get up to write down your dreams; or if yours is an emotional/mediation journal then in the evening or before bed would be a good time to pour out your emotions and concerns so that you don’t take them to sleep with you. Turn it into a habit and it will soon become part of your life.
6. Go Analogue.
Ditch digital. I find physically write with a pen and paper much more therapeutic that typing on a computer. I also find I am more creative and my words flow more easily when I’m holding my favourite pen and have the feel of paper under my fingers. Choose the right type or paper to suit your writing - lined, bullet or blank paper. Blank pages are great if you want to add pictures, instax photos or ephemera to help tell your story, Lined is neater if you want to write and Bullet Journal (dot grid) pages are helpful if you want to be creative.
7. Reflect.
Close your eyes, take a breath and reflect. If you feel you need to organise your thoughts before you put pen to your journal then scribble or brainstorm on a scrap of paper first. Ask yourself questions like: What happened in your day? How did this make you feel? Why did it make you feel like this?
8. Start writing.
Often the key to journaling is not to over think it. Don’t be scared to just start writing, remember this is your space and if there are mistakes, it’s disorganised or your thoughts are everywhere, it doesn’t matter. Often the more therapeutic writing is a jumble of thoughts and emotions (This was definitely the content of my teenage journals!) which is cathartic to write down. Download my free journal Prompt Checklist here to help get you started
9. Be Honest. Be Real.
Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Embrace your thoughts, emotions and experiences. This is a private space so don’t be afraid to write what you feel. If you are worried about other people reading your journal then have a safe place where you can leave it (hidden under the bed was always a favourite of mine!).
10. Sum up
When you’ve finished your page reread it and add a sentence or two to sum up what you’ve written or exit on a conclusion of what you’ve learnt.
Congratulations! You’ve written your first journal entry. It wasn’t too hard was it? Now keep journaling and enjoy writing. Let me know about your own journaling experiences in the comments below.
