Get Journaling! 5 Tips to Get You Started
We all see those images on Pinterest of the girl with the perfectly cute handwriting, doodling skills, calligraphy training, and nice pens and it makes us think, “Oh! That is what journaling is supposed to look like!” Then we get frustrated when we can’t materialize the same effect with our own stationery. Next, we quit.
But measuring up to an artist on the internet is never getting us closer to becoming the person we want to be. Like I say here at Resurrected Collective, you must embrace your whole collective self, handwriting style and all.
Below I am sharing my favorite tips to help make daily journaling a reality.
Why? There are endless positive effects that come from simply putting pen to paper. Stress reduction, improved focus, mental clarity, happier moods, improved immune function, and increased memory all come with the territory. From my own personal experience, when I journal I feel much more creative, productive and in tune with God’s voice.
Here’s how to get started:
Let go of the perfectionist attitude
Dial back your expectations. Like said above, none of us need to be the Pinterest journal artist (unless of course, you already are, then please keep it up! You’re inspiring me!). I am guessing that your journal is intended only for your eyes to see so let yourself go here - it doesn’t need to be perfect.
I repeat. It doesn’t need to be perfect.
As a self-declared stationary-aholic, I find myself in a constant cycle: I buy a ton of cute pens at Target with hopes (and intentions) of making my journal the prettiest thing the world has ever seen. Then, when I get to my morning journal time I always reach for the same thing: my pilot G2 black pen and simply start spilling my brain out. Afterall, I usually only have about 15 minutes. Then, I feel disappointed that I didn’t make that day’s thoughts elaborate with colors, doodles and fonts. How ridiculous! It’s obvious that the black pen method works for me so why not embrace what works?
There is no better or worse. Just write.
You will never start or stick with anything if you have unrealistic expectations about what it should look like - journal time included. Let it show your own style and most importantly, let yourself celebrate whatever that may look like.
Simplify, Simplify, Simplify
Simple mindset people. You don’t need to write a daily novel or heck, even a daily sentence. Your words don’t have to look like anything at all. Maybe one day you want to recount your day, another you want to talk to God, write an awesome quote you heard, or spill out your todo list, dreams, and goals. Every day is never the same so why does your journal time have to be?
You have one simple objective: just get a pen on paper.
Set yourself up
Wanting to journal in the morning? Set your journal and pen out in a good spot the night before. Have a lot of thoughts on the go? Or some time in between daily moments? Bring your journal and your favorite pen in your car, purse or backpack. This way, instead of reaching for your phone while waiting, you can grab your journal. Feel more inspired at nighttime? Place it on your pillow when you make your bed in the morning!
I am telling you, having all you need ready to go helps make this daily practice both happen and stick.
Don’t like paper? Use what inspires you.
Who said your journal had to be bound, paper, and pretty? One of my favorite things to do is write thoughts in my notes app or record a voice memo while driving on my way home from work. Maybe I won’t revisit the notes or recordings but sometimes, it’s just good to get it out. I highly recommend taking this approach if a pen and paper isn’t your style.
Start somewhere
Feeling overwhelmed with all the possibilities of journaling? Choose one topic. My favorite example is to kickstart your journaling habit by just focusing on recording daily gratitude. Make it your goal to write 3-5 things you are thankful for in your journal every day. By starting here, soon enough you will find yourself filling pages with not only feelings of thankfulness but also your heart.
Bonus Tip: Really wanting to make this a priority? Schedule it.
My favorite way to make things happen for myself is to set alarms on my phone. Maybe it could be a reminder pinging, a certain song that plays, or an email you get — make it something that simply tells you to journal. But remember, try not to ignore your own alarms. I find that once I ignore a reminder once, it gives me a good reason to do so again.
Key point: this journaling is for YOU. Make it be messy, short, and imperfect, it’s real and worth it that way!
