A diary is something you simply record the reactions of your day to day happenings. Whereas a journal includes that and much more. A journal is where people reflect on what has happened, what inspired them whether it's creatively or spiritually. A place of comfort and safety to express.
1. Take your journal everywhere. (Simple enough right? =)
It's easy enough to keep a small pocket notebook with you to write down notes anywhere an idea or thought comes to mind. Or you can just type simple bullet point notes into your smartphone. When you have time, transcribe those notes into your daily journal.
Try to do it at least every week to build those writing habits.
2. Select a journal that fits you
Having a nice or unique journal helps because it then becomes a go to item rather than just a journal that you toss to the side.
There are many kinds of journals such as spiral-bound notebooks with lined pages, hardcover books with unlined pages, 3-ring notebooks with folders for loose papers, and beautifully handcrafted journals. (Plenty of options)
Whatever you choose is fine, but find something you will actually use. Notebooks are fashionable items too, so you can find one that can be a topic of conversation as well.
3. Handwrite your journal entries
There are several health benefits with handwriting as you can look at some other blogs we have written about. Aside from improving your brain with handwriting, it keeps things more spontaneous. You are forced to process slower and reflect on your emotional state. Typing on a computer is so much easier, but as easy as those thoughts come, it's just as easy to be deleted. Switch it up and give it a wind ;)
4. Leave a few pages for a table of content
It's like coding a program, always good to leave "bookmarks" to go back and find the goodies! Number each page with the listed topics so it's easy to go to any section you need after finishing your first journal entry.
5. Forget grammar, spelling, or any other rules
This is for you! Be free! Feel safe and secure in this space. No one will see it unless you choose to share it. This is a workbook for you to build good habits. Don't worry about any rules, just let it fly! You’ll have plenty of time to fully develop and then edit these ideas later.
You can slowly edit your journal later when you have the time or have better ideas to write about.
These are just a few fundamentals of getting started! I'm sure you are wondering what to write about? Check through some of our other blogs for inspiration!
Enjoy!!
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