My first experience starting a journal was with a Lisa Frank diary in the 1990s. I used it to draw and scribble in things with a marker since I didn’t even know how to write or spell yet!
Journal writing has always come easily to me. I have collected and created notebooks of memories for as long as I can remember.
I love looking back at different phases of life and appreciating where I’m at now.
If you really think about it, journaling all just starts with some pieces of paper in a notebook!
Listening to music or soundscapes helps with a calm, peaceful environment. (a new favorite channel is Stormy Lofi or if you like Disney, Minnie Lofi Chill )
It can be a fun activity instead of a difficult writing project.
I think there is a misconception that journaling has to be a specific thing, emotional task, long form writing, or the stereotype “only for girls.”
But it can really be anything you want it to be or create! I consider my journals to sort of be like a scrapbook.
|Related Article: Moments to Journal About
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What is the Difference between a Journal and a Diary?
Journal and diary writing are similar but not quite the same. Journaling is a more creative option for writing or embellishments of various topics with not only written content but visuals too.
Whereas a diary is a day-by-day account of moments written out, and perhaps in a more emotional setting.
A journal is more ever flowing from one item to the next, whatever comes to mind.
It could also be like a mini vision board built within a notebook.
| Related Article: Monthly Journaling
Types of Journal Products:
I use this daily and love the design. It comes with dotted lines, numbered pages, three bookmark ribbons, stickers, and an instruction booklet for the bullet journal method.
The binding of this book is durable and the pages stay together. Wired binding tends to get caught on things, bend out of shape, or the pages can tear out easily.
This travelers notebook is a great size for taking it with you in a small purse or backpack. It also has refillable inserts so you can change out the little booklets. Super versatile!
Junk Journal
For Christmas I received a gift similar to this one that I use for scrapbook /junk journaling.
If you tend to collect items like stickers, cute cards, fun cardstock, tickets, tags, and other little trinkets, the zipper pocket is a great way to store them for using in a junk journal!
My memorabilia would always be scattered or just shoved in a scrapbook box or folder. That quite honestly I never really get to.
Scrapbooking is a big undertaking. Collecting photos from where ever they may be, trying to remember the dates, and matching them with paper decorations. The list goes on!
A few things on one page is so much simpler.
| Related Article: Organizing Photographs
What is the Purpose of a Journal?
The purpose of a journal is different to every single person. They can be used for saving memories, staying organized, or a catch all for anything and everything!
I use multiple notebooks all at the same time for different categories.
I have one for blog ideas, a bullet journal for personal everyday use, and recently I started a scrapbook junk journal.
They are all unique for helping serve a purpose to save all my thoughts together in one location.
Sometimes my blog notebook is a bunch of random things in no particular order in one big mess.
I really need to have more of a strategy!
(Join me in starting a journal with my first video here!)
But it is okay to have an all-encompassing book too! That is sort of what my bullet journal is.
My only suggestion would be, if you know that topic may take a lot of pages, designate a certain area so you can stay organized.
For example, if you want to write about planning a family event. Section off pages 10 to 20.
Another tip is setting up a Table of Contents in the front.
This way you can find what you are looking for at a later date instead of flipping page after page wondering where it went.
Journals with the ribbon separator helps too!
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How to Get Creative when Starting a Journal
This is the fun part when getting started! There are so many types of journals and notebooks to choose from, but also creative supplies!
This kit comes with a notebook (many color options), pens, stickers, stencils, washi tape, and more!
These fine tip markers create smooth writing, drawing, or coloring! They dry quickly and don’t smudge which helps too.
Washi Tape! There is something so satisfying by placing a strip of patterned tape on a page! It adds color and texture to your writing or drawing.
Scotch Brand Washi Tape Patterns
Stickers add a fun element to your pages and there are so many options!
Recollections Brand Stickers & Embellishments
Journal Writing Topics
If you are unsure where to start here are some journal prompt ideas!
- Writing about your Day
- Dreams / Resolutions/ Goals
- Professional Aspirations
- Positive quotes or reflections
- Gratitude Journaling
- Special Memories from over the years
- Processing Grief (try to think of it as writing letters to your loved one)
- Relationships
- Favorite music lyrics or writing songs
- Special projects or events
- Creative Ideas
- Difficult Times you may be working through
- Financial Planning
- The Weather
- Mood or Habit Tracking
- Travel or Vacation memories
- Self-Expression (sometimes it can be easier to write our emotions privately than verbally say them)
Have fun!
I hope this article has helped inspire some ideas to get started with journaling! Be creative, enjoy, and have fun! I would love to see your creations!
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I use to have a physical journey, but I started one online by blogging years ago. It’s a hodge podge of poetry and thoughts and photos and such. I think diaries and journals are great to have.
That is wonderful! Thanks for reading!
I have been dealing with depression for the past 2 years and I am maintaining a journal of my emotions. How do I feel at the moment? what is making me angry? My thoughts on a person who visits me.
Keeping a journal has been very helpful for me.
Thanks for sharing this lovely article.
I’m so glad that journaling has helped! It can be such a calming activity. Thanks for reading!
This is an awesome post on starting a journal and I especially love the different types of journals you suggested. I’m a licensed mental health professional and recommend journaling as a tool to help my clients. If you’re new to journaling and need some suggestions feel free to check out my post https://pantearahimian.com/journaling-for-beginners-a-guide-to-reduce-your-stress-and-solve-your-problems/
That is great! Thank you for the resource!
I’m a journaler too. I love making lists, taking notes, and other things. Sometimes i use it to preview my day but not a lot. I also have different notebooks too. I watched a little bit of your Youtube video and i love found it comforting hah. I love lo-fi too.
Same here! Sometimes to-do lists but more so random personal things haha Thanks so much for reading and watching!
I’ve kept a journal since I was 10 and it has gotten me through a lot. Definitely a great escape and a good way to create you own little world.
Absolutely! I agree! Thanks for reading!
I use physical journals as I heard there is a magical connection when actually putting pen to paper. Thanks for the list, checking it out.
Thanks for reading!
My journal has saved me this year through chemo infusions. To anyone hesitant to start like I was, definitely start small! You mentioned it beautifully that it doesn’t have to be a long form perfectly written account. I think I started journaling with prompts like “what’s my favorite thing about spring”. I just finished up my journal, so your product suggestions are so timely. Thanks for sharing!
Sending you well wishes! I’m so glad journaling has helped! Thank you for reading!
Journalling is rising in popularity but for good reason! I used to get put off from starting a journal as I’m not arty and always thought they needed to be perfect but I know now that their imperfections is what makes them personal!
That is so true! I can’t draw or paint well, etc. so I use stickers, stencils, and washi tape instead! Thanks for reading!