How to Start Journaling (Without Losing Your Sanity or Your Brushes)

Hello, chaos-curious souls and future journaling fanatics! 

If you’ve stumbled upon this post, I can only assume you’re ready to dive into the magical, messy, life-altering world of journaling. 

Or you bought a notebook or journal at Rajacenna’s and now it’s glaring at you from your desk like, “Use me, coward!” 

Either way, you’ve come to the right place. I’m here to give you the ultimate guide to starting a journal without turning it into a monument to procrastination.

Grab your pens, pencils or brushes and buckle up; it’s about to get… ink-stained.

Step 1: Choose Your Weapon of Mass Reflection

The age-old question: What notebook or journal should I use? Spiral? Hardcover? Moleskine? 

Truth is, any notebook will work. You could start journaling on the back of a Starbucks receipt if that’s what you have on hand. But if you’re looking to feel like a journaling goddess, go for something that sparks joy. 

Step 2: Stockpile pens, pencils, and brushes like a squirrel stashing nuts for winter; only more obsessive.

Let’s talk pens, pencils, markers. Black ink? Classic. Glitter gel pens? Felt-tip markers? Cheap pencils or the most expensive there is? The trick is finding what feels good in your hand and glides across the page like butter on a warm croissant. 

Pro Tip: Always keep your favorite pen or pencil in your purse or pocket. Nothing will derail your journaling journey faster than sitting down, getting inspired, and realizing your pen/pencil pulled a Houdini on you.

Step 3: Lower Your Expectations… Like, Way Lower

Here’s a hot take for you: your first journal entry does NOT need to be an award-winning memoir. No one’s grading you, and Oprah isn’t going to show up to critique your handwriting. You can literally write, “I have no idea what to write,” twenty times, and guess what? You’re journaling.

Start small: a sentence about your day, a doodle of your dog, a to-do list with “drink coffee” already crossed off (the ultimate cheat move). Remember, it’s the act of putting pen to paper that matters, not what’s on the page.

Step 4: Experiment Like a Mad Scientist

Here’s the fun part: journaling doesn’t have to be just writing. You can doodle, stick in photos, collage magazine clippings like you’re piecing together a puzzle made entirely of glitter, paint and confusion, curating a gallery of your most questionable decisions. 

The world is your oyster, and your journal is your playground. Or scrapbook. Or therapy session. Or grocery list. Whatever works.

And for those of you thinking, “I can’t draw,” neither can I! Whether they were made by a drunk toddler or not: let it not stop you.

Step 5: Make It a Ritual, Not a Chore

Let’s face it: life is chaotic. You’re not going to have a perfect journaling routine every day, so don’t let anyone (including me) tell you otherwise. 

That being said, having a journaling moment can make it feel sacred. Light a candle, put on some lo-fi beats, make a fancy cup of tea you can’t pronounce; whatever makes you feel like a journal queen.

And if you miss a day (or a week… or six months), don’t stress! Your journal isn’t going anywhere. It’s not mad at you. It doesn’t have abandonment issues.

Step 6: Embrace the Chaos

Journals are meant to be messy. You’ll write embarrassing stuff. You’ll rip pages out. You’ll accidentally smear ink and get crumbs between the pages. That’s called character, my journal friends.

In 20 years (or more), when you find this journal in a dusty box, you won’t be admiring how “perfect” it looks. You’ll be laughing at the ridiculous thoughts you had, crying over the memories you wrote down, and feeling grateful you gave yourself the space to just be. Messy, imperfect, real; that’s the journaling way.

Final Words of Wisdom

Starting a journal isn’t about being productive or profound or even particularly good at it. It’s about showing up for yourself, one pen stroke at a time. So stop overthinking it, grab your notebook, and just start. Write that awkward first entry, let it be cringe, and then keep going. Before you know it, you’ll be that person in the café with the cool journal, scribbling away like your life depends on it.

Now go forth, journaling stars and make your pages sing (or scream; it’s your journal, after all). 

And remember: when in doubt, add a sticker.

Your journal-loving guide,

Me (professional pencil hoarder & notebook whisperer)