How to journal when you don't know when to start

I've written diaries since I was a teenager. Writing a page before I went to sleep helped a lot with my teenage angst, even if now I can't bear to look back through those old entries! When I stopped regular diary writing I always made holiday scrapbooks to document my travels, and I made baby journals to record milestones. Recently I started writing again, and this time I call it journalling. Instead of a regular diary I write dated entries in a blank book, and I don't feel the pressure to write every day. 

Sometimes I write about what I've done that day, but most of the time I just write about what's on my mind. Maybe it's something that I've seen in news, a thought sparked by a book I'm reading, or just a stream of consciousness.

Many people want to start a journal but have no idea where to start, and so I thought I'd share a few tips in case you think that journalling might be for you!

What do you need

Social media would lead you to believe that you need a huge amount of journalling supplies. But all you need to get started is something to write with and something to write on. I like a pen which is comfortable to hold and writes smoothly, and paper which has a pleasant writing surface. It's best to start with cheap supplies, because then you don't have the pressure to do something worthwhile. A beautiful journal filled with handmade paper and bound in fine leather feels far too precious and so will probably end up never being filled!

I personally write in a journal with blank pages. I can write in straight lines, and I enjoy sticking things in alongside the occasional sketch. But you might prefer lined or gridded journals. 

How to start

The first page of a new journal can be terrifying! I always start a new journal by writing my name, phone number and e-mail address inside, in case we become separated. I turn over a few pages before I start writing properly and use the blank pages at the front to add stickers and ephemera as I work through the journal. 

Photo credit Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

Then just take the pen and start to write! If you are really stuck, then a good place to start might be an introduction to yourself - your name and other factual information, where you live, who you live with, what you do for work, what you do in your spare time, why you want to start a journal. You will probably find that once you make a start you'll find that you have plenty to write!

Some other ideas for daily entries - Write about what you've done that day. Make a list of things and people that you are grateful for. Write about goals that you are working on and how well you are doing with them. There is plenty of inspiration online for journal prompts, or else just write whatever comes into your head.

How to keep going

Some people want to stick to a routine and write every day. If this is you, then find a regular time during your day that you can dedicate to the task. Maybe after you drop the children at school, in your lunchbreak, after work or just before bed. Try to write something, even if it's just a few lines, just to keep the habit going. But don't worry if you miss a day or two, just pick up where you left off. If you are worried that missing a day might throw you off completely then try an undated journal or a diary with a blank space for the date that you can fill in when you have chance to write.

If you want to use the journal to record your travels then make sure to work with supplies that are easy to pack up and take along, and keep things simple. If you want to keep a journal of a special event like your wedding or the birth of a child then you might want to start a collection of ephemera like business cards, photographs, menus and so on that you can stick inside. If you want a keepsake, you might prefer to make notes in a rough book first, then write it up when you have the time to create an attractive entry.

Give yourself a small reward every time you write, and turn it into a ritual. For example sit down in a quiet place with a cup of tea and a biscuit, cuddle up with a soft blanket, play some favourite songs. Put the phone down and have a break from the screen. As you continue the habit you can treat yourself to new pens in different colours, a journal with better quality paper, or some fun supplies like stickers or washi tape. 

Avoid hunting out too much inspiration online. It can be a source of inspiration, but it can also be overwhelming and lead to unrealistic expectations which can put you off making a start in the first place. Likewise think about whether you want to share your journal pages online. It's fine if you do but be aware that you will write differently for an audience than for yourself. Most journal pages shared online have been created specifically to share.

How to take it further

As you begin to see yourself as a journaller you'll feel more confident taking the journal out and about with you, and perhaps making the act of writing in the journal the purpose of a trip to a café or a beautiful outdoor spot. Writing in a different location might help you to see things differently and gain a new perspective. 

Journalling can be a powerful tool. As you work on the habit you'll learn to turn to your journal to help you work through difficult emotions or to help make a tricky decision. You can also use the journal to plan your goals and to work on your personal development. 

Photo credit Ashlyn Ciara via Unsplash

I hope that this has inspired you to think about starting a journal! I love writing in my journal and I find it really helpful for dealing with a cluttered mind as well as taking some time for myself for quiet reflection.