The Easiest Way to Start a Journaling Practice
We’re sharing the easiest way to start a journaling practice today!
Several months ago, I was taking one of my nephews home from a playdate.
We have a pretty long drive.
So, I’m never really sure what the topic of conversation will be.
Sometimes the littles want to talk about their day and sometimes they want to talk about their most recent video game score.
I know the days of them freely chatting it up will come to an end soon.
So, I simply savor the moment and let them take the lead.
Well, on this particular day my nephew wanted to talk about a story one of my sisters shared with him.
Truthfully, it’s not out of the ordinary for the littles to ask us questions about our childhood.
Those stories seem to be their favorite stories.
But as my nephew recounted the details about this specific event, I realized my sister had remembered it in a much different way than I had.
Not only that, but she also seemed to add a few extra details for “dramatic effect.”
While I tried my best to set the story straight, I could tell my nephew’s mind was already made up and he had no interest in hearing any context that included “boring facts.”
I laughed about it, but the situation immediately taught me the importance of telling your own story.
A lesson I’ll never forget!
Truth be told, I’ve had an on again-off again relationship with journaling over the years.
If I’m seeking clarity through journaling prompts or going through something heavy, I make time to get my thoughts down.
After all, there’s something about putting pen to paper that makes everything feel better.
But the minute clarity has been gained, or the issue has been resolved, I find myself staring at a blank page again.
This year, I’ve decided to take a different approach though.
Especially given one of my 25 in ’25 goals is to keep a daily journal for an entire year.
To help make things easy, I started the journal the night of my birthday and simply captured the highlights of the day in a few sentences.
Taking a more relaxed approach was a total game changer.
It made me look at how I spend my time and the activities that fill my day in a fresh way.
It also challenged me to look for glimmers everywhere.
While it’s been satisfying to start this goal, it’s been equally as comforting to leave behind the pressure of feeling like I need to write something poetic or fill an entire page.
Truly, I look forward to writing in my journal every night now.
So, if you’ve always wanted to start a journal but keep putting it off or have half-filled journals in your desk drawer and feel ready to pick them up again but you’re not sure how to start, try writing one line or a few sentences that capture a highlight, the most impactful, memorable or mundane part of your day.
Because there’s nothing quite like telling your own story.
It’s like spinning gold into magic.
And at least this way you know it will be accurate.
Especially, if you have sweet, sneaky or sassy little sisters 😉
Other Journal Ideas to Explore…
Finding Clarity with Journaling Prompts
How to Easily Customize a Notebook or Journal
Many blessings,
CoCo
I definitely feel this one! My sister always has a different version of events from our childhood!😂 We all tease her about it. Telling our story would be great! I love that you took the pressure away on the journaling!
I’m so glad it happens to other families because as soon as he started asking me for more details I was like, “Wait, what? We need to back up!” ha ha Of course he wanted (and ultimately stuck with) the juicy version but in the end I’m so thankful it happened because it made me realize no one can tell your story better than you. Especially, sneaky sisters! Sending hugs, CoCo
I’ve tried journaling several times but have never been able to stick with it! Thanks for the tips, maybe I’ll give it another try! Good luck reaching your goal! I hope you stick with it!
Thank you, Donna! I think taking pressure off by not feeling like you have to write an entire page or say something interesting or poetic will help. On the days I feel like my entry is “boring” I try to remember the last entry in Queen Elizabeth’s diary was reported to be only 5 words, “Edward came to see me.” And if one of the most iconic figures in history can find joy in noting the mundane we can too. Cheering you on, CoCo
Excellent suggestions CoCo! It’s really rewarding to write your thoughts or as you say, little bits of your day. Thanks for your great ideas, and of course your beautiful pictures. I always love to spend time on your gorgeous site! Happy Almost March!
That’s so kind of you to say, Barbara, thank you so much. I really appreciate it! Sending hugs, CoCo