I viewed journaling with a good amount of apprehension for a long time. I wanted to try it out and watched inspirational videos about journaling. Plus, I saw so many articles about journaling that tout its potential benefits: reducing stress and anxiety, improving memory, encouraging self-reflection, and promoting a sense of well-being. The list goes on.
If journaling holds so much appeal, why do so many people find it difficult to begin? Why did I find it so difficult to begin?
So many journaling gurus stress the importance of consistency. A journal is a deeply private adventure. Not only do we have to find the time, but the privacy, the focus. That is tough in our fast-paced world. We have taken multitasking to the point of absurdity. In our attempts to accomplish everything at once, I sometimes wonder if we’ve become less capable of doing anything particularly well. Checking our phone every five or six minutes. Running in different directions at all times.
Then on top of all of the hustle and bustle, we are supposed to find some quiet time, find a place that we can focus, and put our inner thoughts on paper.
No wonder so many people hesitate—it sounds impossible in so many ways.
Then there is the other obstacle that I have found the most difficult—self-doubt. That voice inside of your head. The devil that sits on your shoulder. All telling you this isn’t going to work.
We tend to be our worst critics—our thoughts are not interesting enough. I can’t think of anything to write about. I live a boring life, why in the world should I write about it? I was always lousy at grammar and spelling. Other people can write so much better than I can.
When I encounter situations like this, I find that I have to work at encouraging myself. For journaling, I had to remind myself that these entries are for me. I am not submitting these entries into the Universe for critique. This deeply personal journey of putting pen to paper is only for me. Once I work through these doubts, I will be rewarded. I want to remember these important little things in life that amuse me. They fill my heart even though others have no interest. I want to take the time to reflect on my days. I love thinking about the highlights of my day. I want to dream about the things that are yet to come.
I remind myself that I find my thoughts interesting. And that is enough.
I found that beginning was the most difficult part. Finally, after procrastinating, I set a date with myself in my planner. I marked the date and kept it.
I think that may be a good starting point for anyone who, like me, wants to move forward and needs to find a solid place to begin.
Ah. Making that first entry—that is where I struggled the most. I found it easiest to simply start with the date. Those dates are valuable down the road. They give our memories a place in time.
My initial entries were very brief and generally non-descriptive. When I began to trust myself, I found that it didn’t take very long to see my writing evolve. My thoughts moved onto paper more freely as I was able to express myself in a much more meaningful way.
As the process evolved for me, I found that adding some color and creativity to my pages enhanced the experience for me. One of the first things I tried was simply using some different colored pencils to write with. I am not an artist. I wanted an artistic look and found the addition of color inspiring. I began looking for other creative ways to express myself. Now I love using ink stamps, stickers, and journal templates to make bullets and pretty titles.
One observation that I have made along the way is that journaling really is a personal experience. One person’s passion does not translate to the next person. This is something that needs to be explored through trial and error. There are so many different types of journals that a person can create and use that I believe almost everyone can find one that suits their tastes and interests.
These are some of the things that I found helpful when journaling seemed particularly challenging. Hopefully by sharing them here, you may find them beneficial as well.
I kept a scrap paper nearby. If that isn’t realistic for you, keep a note in your phone. Use this for brainstorming. Make note of things you enjoyed during the day. It doesn’t matter if it’s because the barista made the perfect design in your cappuccino that morning. You walked by a new restaurant that you want to try. A colleague wore the most beautiful scarf. Your boss complimented your work in an important meeting. It doesn’t matter what it was—it was something that made you smile or take notice.
Write about an important upcoming event. Personal or business. It’s important and consumes your thoughts. Put it on paper. Your excitement or your trepidation. Whichever is keeping it in your thoughts.
Do you have a lifetime bucket list? Keep it in your journal. Put down the things you most want to accomplish in this life. Your dreams. Even if you don’t think that anyone else wants to do them. Your wishes and hopes are what is important.
When you go someplace that you enjoy or want to remember, hang on to that receipt, pass, to-go menu or other ephemera that you can. Paste it into your journal. It is a great way to fill a page and keep a memory.
Whatever is holding you back, it is my hope that you find the energy and strength to begin the adventure. Enjoy the process. You do not have to be a published author to jot down your own thoughts. Not having artwork displayed in a museum doesn’t mean you shouldn’t sketch that perfect design that you had in your cappuccino that morning. You don’t have to be considered an expert to begin at anything in this world.
Your thoughts are interesting to you. And that is enough.
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