This Simple Habit Could Transform Your Life- How to Start Journaling Right Now.

Rachel Lyon-Jukes
Feb 23, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Apr 27

Journaling is a medium i champion for a few reasons:

I am an introvert, so conversing with my notebook is easier.
I can express myself clearly and know I have a safe space to get all the shit out of my head.
A journal can be as minimal or over the top as you like. I love to create new pages and keep my notebooks as memory capsules.
I can look back on old entries and see how far I have come, the changes I have implemented, and give myself a good old pat on the back.

Journaling is like life, it is your path. Try not to get caught up in the latest trends, rules and expectations of what your journal should be like.

Here are my top tips to help get your journey underway.

Journaling is specific to the individual.

There is no right or wrong way to do it. Try to let go of all the assumptions you have regarding the 'right way to journal'.

Be aware of your expectations.

Journaling is a unique process, so each person will get something different out of it. Just because you didn't feel the same way as someone else after journaling for a month doesn't mean you failed.

Ask yourself how you hope your journaling journey makes you feel.

calm
comfortable
content
proud
productive
aware
confident

Find your own reasons for journaling.

Again, try to become aware of your reasons for wanting to journal. You do not need to follow what everyone else is doing because, in reality, it does not matter. All that matters is your journey.

Write down your reasons for why you are journaling. What do you want to achieve?

a memory book
an outlet to vent into
the ability to express yourself without judgements
the space to process a problem
find a solution
retrace your steps
a record to look back on and see your growth
a safe space to write your secrets
a way to ask for help or share your feelings with someone you trust
a creative project

Try not to overwhelm yourself with all of the journaling material out there.

There is ALOT!

To begin with, note down how you are feeling and ask yourself why and why again. Start to dig inwards. The more you dig, the easier it will become because you are opening up your awareness to yourself.

Please don't give up.

If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed or analysing everything you write down, just take a moment.

Try using a journaling prompt.

what am i grateful for today?
what is one good thing that happened to me today?
what has been challenging today/recently?

Sometimes, all you need is a little direction and that one simple question can help you to look at something differently, feel a little lighter, and appreciate your present moment.