How to Get Started Journaling

/ Spiritual Awakening / By

Journaling is one of those things that everyone should try because there are so many benefits.

It helps you find clarity, increases intuition, and de-clutters your mind, just to name a few. Plus, it’s fun!

If you’ve been wanting to try journaling, but aren’t sure how to get started, this post will teach you how. Sparkly pens optional.

how to get started journaling

How to Get Started Journaling

1. Get a Journal (and some pens you adore)

I know this sounds like an obvious step, but take your time choosing a journal that you love, and will WANT to open every day.

Make sure you get something that speaks to you. After all, this is all about you and should reflect your tastes.

Some of our favorite journals:

Next, make sure you have pens that you enjoy writing with. I have a variety of gel pens that I use; this way, I can choose a pen that reflects my mood and journal entry.

Tip:

It’s therapeutic to put pen to paper, but if you want to type out your journal entries on your laptop, that’s a-okay. Make a special folder for your writing, and be sure to eliminate distractions (like social media updates).

2. Pick Your Favorite Time of Day

Morning journaling is powerful because you get to set the intention to have a great day, and write down any dreams you had during the night.

But I get it… Not everyone is a morning person. (I’m reminded of that when my husband is cheery at 6am as I whisper the word, “coffee”).

So, figure out when you’re at your best, and then journal so it’s not a chore.

This should be a fun, creative outlet for you, not something to dread.

Plus, not forcing it allows the best stuff to come to the surface!

3. Find a Comfortable Place

Your environment impacts more than you think.

I journal in my bedroom, which is an ultra-serene, relaxing space where my salt lamp and essential oils are diffused!

Don’t worry, though, you don’t need to have a special room to journal. Just pick a cozy little corner (and don’t underestimate some soft fluffy pillows and a blanket).

It’s also really nice to have a cup of herbal tea to sip on.

Tip:

You can journal outside if you want to! Journaling at the beach is relaxing and can help you connect with your intuition and Higher Self.

4. Let it Flow

Sometimes, people get stuck when they start journaling, which is why it’s really important not to force it.

As a society, we’re not used to letting our words come out unfiltered, but here, in this space and in this activity, that’s what you NEED to do.

Allowing yourself to get into the flow is how your mind will be cleansed and removed from your “mental closet”.

So, let whatever wants to come out, out. Don’t censor or stop it.

On the flip side, if you don’t have much to say, don’t force it. Some days will be more insightful than others, and that’s okay.

Tip: Meditating 10 minutes before you start writing can help your mind and body relax.

5. Don’t be a Perfectionist

I was the kid that rewrote their homework three times because I didn’t like my handwriting because you could see eraser smudges.

But this is not the time to judge yourself.

If your journal is filled with spelling mistakes that would make your elementary school teacher cry, that’s okay! Also allowed: sloppy handwriting, doodles, and whatever pops into your mind!

Focus on your writing, and let the little things go. Remember, this is a space for you and only you.

Journaling Tip

If you can’t relax enough to let it flow, get a journal with writing prompts or grab one of these 21 prompts. Don’t give up just because the page in front of you is blank.

Here are my favorite journals with writing prompts:

Next read: How to Manifest Abundance via Journaling

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