Okay, so picture this: it’s a drizzly, lazy afternoon. One of those indecisive ones where you’re caught between diving head-first into a cozy nap or tackling that ever-growing list of to-dos. Guess what won initially? Yep, the sweet embrace of my blanket. But, just when I was about to surrender to dreamland, a wild idea popped into my head—hey, why not try my hand at journaling?
Honestly, the whole journaling thing has wooed me for ages. There’s this old-school, romantic vibe about writing down your thoughts, just like those scenes from the classic movies. But if you’re anything like me (and I suspect you might be), you’ve probably attempted to journal a gazillion times and, well, kinda failed. But this time was going to be different! I was determined, so I decided to flip the script.
Just Start with What You Have Nearby
Once the rain took a breather, I regretfully abandoned my cocoon, grabbed the first notebook I laid eyes on, and snagged a pen (thanks, couch abyss, for hiding it until now). It wasn’t any fancy shmancy leather-bound, gold-edged journal; nope, just a plain old notebook and some forgotten conference pen. And you know what? That was totally fine!
What I’d realized was the magic was in the starting, not in what I was starting with. Had I waited for the “perfect” journal, I’d still be stuck in search mode. Instead, I just jumped into action, letting my words paint the pages like spilled coffee that’s too much for the cup to handle.
Set Small, Manageable Goals
Okay, confession time: when it comes to stuff like this, I’ve got history—big aspirations, little follow-through. I’d be like, “Gonna journal EVERY day this year!” And by, like, Day Three? Wagon—completely fallen off. So, this time, I cut myself some slack. Maybe once a week? Or, even better, just whenever the mood struck.
I promised myself—no guilt trips and no stress. And you know what? Spoiler: it worked! Writing when I felt inspired turned each entry into something special and anticipated, not armed with that forced, dreaded sense of duty. It became a haven of sorts—a breather I looked forward to.
Embrace All Your Emotions and Thoughts
Here’s the thing about journaling—it’s like your brain’s release valve. Some days were thrilling with tales of upcoming trips or fresh hobbies. Other days? More like mini-rants on vanishing socks from the laundry realm.
No emotion was out of bounds. If I had a day where everything went cataclysmically off-track, the pages took it all in stride. If an unexpected kindness from a stranger brought me a spark of joy, my journal held onto that sunshine for me. What I found was beautiful: my journal didn’t judge. It allowed me space to unravel emotions or bask in warmth without judgment.
Don’t Worry About Making It Look Neat
At the start, I’d waste hours making my journal look like it was plucked straight from Pinterest—doodles, flawless calligraphy, motivational quotes—you name it. Yeah, that phase flopped quickly. I soon grew weary of focusing more on aesthetics than content.
Now, my journal’s a chaotic gem—messy scribbles, crossed-out sentences, margin stars hinting at important things, and the occasional cat doodle. And that mess? That’s the real me, not some Instagram-ready version.
Be Creative, But Let It Flow Naturally
A buddy once told me about “morning pages” from Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way”, where you just let whatever’s in your head fly onto paper, first thing in the morning. Sounded random, but I gave it a whirl over my morning cup of joe.
The results? All over the place. Some days it’s three pages of jumbled thoughts, dreams, or today’s lunch conundrum. Other times, buried worries surfaced unexpectedly. There’s immense freedom in just letting your creativity flow without restrictions or expectations. Sometimes, it’s not even for anyone else’s eyes (including your own), and how darn liberating is that?
Choose a Special Time and Place
I found a charming ritual in carving out “me-time” for journaling. It became my thing—finding a sunny spot in my living room when afternoon light seeped in. On some weekends, I’d tuck myself away in a cozy café, letting the soothing hum of conversations and steaming mugs surround me.
Find that special time for you—maybe it’s just before bed, in the early quiet hours, or during your midday break. And when the moment’s just right, let it be a safe bubble, where it’s just you, your thoughts, and a pen. It’s a rare, magical haven.
Be Patient with Yourself
The most crucial part? Being gentle with myself through the whole journey. Like most new habits, it might start with enthusiasm, then face a lull. Or evolve into something entirely unexpected. Some weeks, it’s all you want to do—other days, blank pages reign.
Every imperfection, every skipped session—embrace it all. As someone familiar with the on-again, off-again journaling groove, I can tell you it’s all part of your story. Every time you pick up that pen, you’re listening to a part of yourself. Cherish it—it’s a treasure many never quite get to discover.
So, grab that pen, open your heart (in all its delightful messiness), and start jotting down those musings. It might seem small, but watch as it grows into something beautifully profound, one page at a time.