I can clearly remember when I got my first diary. I was 10 years old, it was blue with a little lock and in fact, I still own it today. I started journaling after I watched a soap opera based on a girl who wrote in her diary. It was called “El Diario De Daniela” anyone else?
Anyways, it was back then when I first discovered my love for writing. I loved to be able to put my stories on paper and really express how I was feeling. Ever since then, I’ve kept a journal that I write in from time to time. Recently, I went back and opened that very first diary and read some of my first entries and let me tell you, I laughed until I was crying. This was mainly because I didn’t even remember going through half of the things I wrote in there and let me tell you, THAT is the magic of journaling.
When I tell people that I keep a journal oftentimes they give me a confused look, as if it is something I should be ashamed of. To be honest, in these times, I find it even more important to write down and express exactly how I’m feeling. Plus, I want to remember how I’m feeling in this current stage of life.
There are many ways to journal per se, but personally, I like to write in there as if I was telling a friend exactly how I’m feeling. As soon as I write those words down and express how I’m really feeling, it always feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and of course, it’s still super fun to go back and read my previous entries.
Today I want to share some tips for journaling. There really is no set way to do it, but there are different ways you CAN do it so I thought I’d share some of those tips here.
Just write. The first thing I want to talk about is the way that I personally journal, and this way is what I like to call freestyle. In other words, it’s just about writing down exactly how you are feeling. There is no formula. It’s a time for you to be with yourself and write down the things you want to remember or that are too hurtful to tell anyone else. I really enjoy this because I’m never thinking about what I need to write. I just write and that’s it.
Other options. Now, when it comes to journaling, there are other options. If you walk into Barnes and Noble or just do a quick Google search you’ll see that there are pre-made journals, such as The Five Minute Journal, or ones that give you specific prompts to write about each day. At the end of the day, it’s all about what works for you!
Materials. Next, I want to talk about materials. Part of the fun in journaling (in my opinion), is buying the materials for it, whether it be a cute notebook, or cute pens (hey, you can even use different colored pens) but this is very important because it will motivate you to actually sit down and write. For me, I must have a cute notebook and it must have lines inside. Again, search for what works for you.
Timing. This one is very important. You want to make your journaling experience one that will be relaxing and that will help you unwind. Personally, I prefer to write in my journal at night because then I can really let out my feelings before I go to bed lol but if you’re a morning person, that works too! Just do what is best for you.
Location. I wanted to make a point about this one because I absolutely think it’s important to find a location that you feel comfortable in (and it doesn’t always have to be the same one). Side story: I’ve tried journaling as I sit in my bed but then my hand starts hurting, which then discourages me from writing everything I’d like to write lol so I’ve realized that sitting up right (like at my desk) is much better and allows me to focus on the actual writing lol
Mentality. My last tip when it comes to journaling is regarding the mentality surrounding it. Nowadays, blogs (like this one) will give you all the tips and encourage to do it, but the reality is that you are human and you are not always in the mood to sit down and write and that is absolutely okay! Journaling should be relaxing and not something you HAVE TO do. See it as a way to spend some time with yourself and go at your own pace. Something that is also worth mentioning here is that it doesn’t have to be something you do everyday. Do it whenever you feel like it. Of course, if you’re more consistent, it’ll be more fun to read it back in the future.
I hope these tips helped you out or inspired you in some sort of way. I’ve personally really enjoyed the process of journaling throughout the years and feel that it can have many benefits, even if it’s to get you off your phone for a bit.
