For one reason or another, you’re here with an interest in journaling. If you’re not sure how to get started, you’ll enjoy this post. Journaling can become an integral part of your prayer life, your personal growth, and your spiritual journey. It has been all those things for me.
Even though I don’t journal every day any more, I always know where my journal is. At any time, you can open the door and hang out for a while. The steps in this post are what I’ve learned from over a decade of journaling. I hope they will help you start a journal and turn it into a cozy place that you want to hang out in, too!
1. Get a journal that fits you.
If you need to get started as soon as possible, a plain spiral notebook or loose lined paper is just fine! However, when you find a journal that fits your tastes and is comfortable to write in, it is much easier to write consistently.
Visit a bookstore and open several journals so you can see the different binding types, paper material, and line spacing. If you write large letters, you’ll likely feel cramped in a journal with teeny tiny lines. Likewise, sometimes lines spaced too far apart can make your writing seem really sparse. Look for line spacing and page size that seems like it will be comfortable for you.
Will you enjoy the flexibility of a spiral bound, or do you want the elegance of a closed binding? If you are an avid outdoorsman, perhaps a field journal would work best.
Composition books make great budget journals. I’ve found several with unique covers at Target and Fred Meyer. They come in wide ruled and college ruled options. If you’re ready to treat yourself, Paperblanks has gorgeous journals for men and women. You can also find journals with bible verses inside. My husband has a Fallout 76 journal – so there really is something for everyone!
If handwriting is a barrier, you can also type your journal entries on a computer or your phone. Whichever word processing program you use, make a separate folder for your entries. Consider password protecting them so you can be certain only you can read them.
2. Think of your journal as a place you can go rather than something you have to do.
What kind of environment do you relax and feel at peace in? Where do you feel most like yourself? Where have you felt God’s presence? Think of all these things – and then think about how your journal can be a place like this for you, too. It is a place where you are safe to be yourself. You can be honest about how you are, about what you are feeling, and about what you want.
God already knows your thoughts, but your journal can also be a place to confess your innermost thoughts to Him intentionally. You can give thanks and praise Him, or you can be honest about the thoughts and feelings you know aren’t glorifying to him. He won’t condemn you – give them to Him and invite him to take care of those things in you. Write honestly and invite God to show you how to take your thoughts captive to Christ.
3. Set up your intro page.
Before you start writing in your journal, consider creating an intro page. Your journal’s intro page can be as creative or as simple as you like. The goal is to make it yours. I pasted a little piece of artwork in one of my journals that was like a welcome home scene. It was always so cozy to open up to.
Here are some things you could include in your journal’s intro page:
- Your name
- Your phone number, just in case someone finds it and wants to return it to you
- Doodles and/or art
- What your journal is all about (personal, projects, hobbies?)
- Your favorite things at the current moment
4. Create a writing routine
Alright! You have your journal all set up and it’s time to write in it. Something that helps me is to create a journal entry routine. This routine isn’t so much about when and how long you write, but what you write. Consider what kinds of things you’ll want to remember a few years from now, or any other goals you want to accomplish with your journaling. Here are some examples:
- How you feel today and why. A feelings wheel can help you be specific. (I keep a copy in my journal!)
- What you did today.
- Hopes, dreams, or plans you have for the future.
- Things you are praying about.
- Record your Bible reading progress
- Conversations you have with friends and important details in their lives.
Is there anything you want to make a regular part of your journal entries? For example, you could make a brief note of what you’ve read that day at the top of each entry. Maybe you walk every day and want to note anything interesting you see each day. If none of these work and you want to write about something else, go for it! This is YOUR journal.
5. Find or create a journaling space
One of my best motivators to write in my journal is having a dedicated space for it. Think of someplace you would be most at peace to write your journal entries. Maybe that’s a place in your home, or someplace you go. Here are a few ideas for where to write:
- on the couch
- outside
- your personal desk
- a cozy coffee shop
- the library
- in a hammock
- at your favorite park
- on the bed (a pillow or lapdesk can help)
- a quiet corner at school or work
For me, it worked best to set up a small writing desk under a window (it’s actually a repurposed sewing table). I only use that desk for personal writing – rarely for work or school. It’s a totally relaxing space decorated with simple, “me” things. What would your ideal writing space look like? The goal is to create a space that makes you feel as comfortable as possible.
6. Write!
Like anything, journaling is something you will get better at with time. Don’t worry about how your writing sounds at first. Unless you’re planning to share, it’s just you and God, anyways. Simply write a little everyday or as often as you like. Remember, it will be great to look back and see what you wrote about your loved ones or personal challenges. If you’re writing about hard things it can be hopeful to see where you’ve come from and where you are now.
You can write as if no one will ever read it. You could also write as if someone may read it a long time from now, after you’ve passed on. Just remember to be real and open no matter what.
Conclusion
I hope this simple post inspired you to achieve your journaling goals. Here’s a recap of the steps to starting a journal:
- Get a journal that fits you.
- Think of your journal as a place you can go rather than something you have to do.
- Set up your intro page.
- Create a writing routine.
- Find or create a journaling space.
- Write!
Are you already an avid write, or are you just getting started with journaling? I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Don’t forget to sign up for my email list so you’ll always get my next post! THANK YOU for being here!
Much love,
Almost a Walrus
