We are sure that you have had those moments where you forget that certain poem or joke you came up with or maybe coming across a new song with a certain lyric that captured your attention. And even that moment where a lot is going on in your mind, like an overflow of creative ideas, and you just can’t keep up. These are one of the purposes of having a journal and you have definitely thought of starting one but don’t know how to.
Well, good news! We have compiled simple tips on starting a journal. Read on!
#1 Remember That There Are No Rules
This is the first and most important tip to remember when starting a journal to keep your mind at ease and make you feel comfortable as a beginner. A journal has no rules as it does not care whether you overflow it with decorations or not; or whether you have ugly or nice penmanship; or whether you fill it with pure words or mix it with drawings. Your journal will be whatever you want it to be.
#2 Prepare Your Stationeries
As mentioned in #1, a journal has no rules and this applies to your choice of stationeries to start with. If you are on a budget and are still testing the waters, you may just start with an empty regular notebook lying around your place, a standard pen you always use, or even some sticky notes you already have. Prepare your preferred stationeries that you are most comfortable to start with.
#3 Or Just Go Digital
Well, at this time and age, it is very much possible to do most things digitally – including starting your journal! There are multiple applications you can find online that is suitable for your phone, your laptop and/or desktop, or even both. Your journal will be much easier to carry around when you have it installed on your phone. Here’s to #SaveTheTrees!
#4 Develop A Habit?
One of the reasons why people start journaling is to make a habit out of it that may lead to developing a sense of discipline amongst themselves. You can start by experimenting with how often you would want to put an entry to your journal – can be daily, or weekly. Try choosing a certain time of the day when you write in your journal as it also serves as your time with yourself.
#5 Have Fun Being You
We are ending this list with another important tip on how to start a journal, and that is to enjoy and have fun being you. Given that journaling has no rules, you can be yourself with your journal with no judgments. Let your journal be the recipient of all the chaos and calm of your mind. And try to keep your journal to yourself – it’s more fun that way.
Journaling is your safe space and hopefully, this list has helped you keep yourself at ease and encouraged you more in keeping a journal.