Why I’m the #1 Fan of Journaling

Last summer during a slow, rainy day at work, I was writing in my journal when my boss asked what I was doing. I showed him two pages filled with words and explained that I was journaling. He looked directly at me and said, “Holy shit, Kat. How can you even write all that when you already TALK so much?” And you know what, Jake, you were onto something because, unfortunately, I have a lot of thoughts all the damn time.

You’ve probably heard the statement “maybe you should try journaling!” countless times. Aw, you’re going through a breakup? JOURNAL. Oh no, you’re experiencing immense, soul-crushing, earth-shattering grief? Journaling will probs fix that–give it a try! Got put on academic suspension because your grades are slipping while you work to support yourself? You can get a journal for cheap.

And maybe you should start journaling. But also, ummmm dare I say…maybe you shouldn’t? While I am one of journaling’s biggest fans, rest assured that I know it is not for everyone and trying to force yourself into a habit that simply does not work for you is not the way to go.

If you’re considering an adventure into the world of journaling or simply don’t know where to begin, I present to you: JOURNALING 101.

I believe there are 3 big myths that are barriers when it comes to journaling…

Myth #1 – You must do it every day. Absolutely not. You should not force yourself into the habit of journaling every single day, as it will make it feel more like a chore than a creative outlet. Sometimes you have nothing to say and that’s fine. Write when you feel like it, simple as that.

Myth #2 – Journaling is only for when you’re sad. Again, false. I think people feel like journaling is only for when you feel down in the dumps. This could not be further from the truth. Some of my best (favorite, most helpful) entries are from days where I feel overcome with joy and happiness, or I’m confused about a problem I’m having and putting a pen to paper is how I can figure it out. Journaling is for grocery lists, a list of wants and needs, your goals, relationship non-negotiables, funny stories, etc. The list is endless, so please don’t limit yourself!

Myth #3 – All journal entries should be long and fill up pages and pages. Me personally, my hand begins to cramp after filling half a page. A journal entry can 100% be a single sentence; that’s chill. Or maybe it’s a brain dump of words or feelings you’re experiencing. A drawing???? Hell yea. Journaling is for when you feel inspired, bored, reflective, and more.  Save the full pages for when you’re really going through it or need the space. <3

Now that the myths are out of the way, let’s talk about where to begin.

Recommendation #1 –  Find a journal AND a pen that you like. For me, I’m rocking with grid lined journals (I received 3 different journals for graduation gifts, so my credentials are valid) and a BIC Smooth Ballpoint pen (1.22mm as of right now). I prefer to write in black ink, but if blue pen is your thing, be my guest. Red pen though…insane. Consider this permission that your journal doesn’t have to be the cutest, most aesthetic notebook you’ve ever seen. Mine is from Belka: School & Office Supplies – shoutout New River Art & Fiber.

Recommendation #2 – Be lenient with yourself, and don’t create “rules” for when you journal. I am still working on this one myself, but at the end of the day a journal is a collection of paper. You get to journal whenever you feel like it. You don’t have to journal every day. If you’re starting out, maybe try journaling once a week and see how that feels. Journal when it feels right for you, and I promise you will find yourself looking forward to this habit.

Recommendation #3 – You get to decide what goes in there. In need of ideas for what to write about in your journal? I gotchu:

• Journal x scrapbook moment and include postcards, receipts, etc. from your travels
• Gratitude journal
  • What is something that brought me joy today?
  • What am I looking forward to tomorrow/this week/this month?
  • Who has been showing up for me a lot recently, and how can I let them know I appreciate them?
  • I’m currently proud of myself for…
• Goal setting
  • Establish physical, work/career, mental health, relationship, financial, educational, friendship goals etc. Writing your goals down on paper helps hold you accountable!
• Lists
  • People you miss and want to reach out to, emotions you’re feeling, songs you like, restaurants you want to try, places you want to visit, shopping list, to-do lists, skills and hobbies you want to learn…you get the point.
• Whatever you’re thinking of, whenever you’re thinking it! (My personal favorite)
  • This is usually my approach to journaling. Sometimes it takes the form of sentences, other times it’s a list of what’s on my mind so that I can remember to elaborate on it later when I have the time.
  • I’ll write about:
    • What and who are stressing me out
    • Future plans and ideas (grad school, date night, mountain weekend, visiting friends, holidays, family trips, the list goes on)
    • Why everyone is annoying me, and how it makes me feel like the most irritable and evil person ever 🙁
    • People and places that I miss
    • Memories that I want to be sure to keep forever
    • Doodles, sketches, bad drawings

The main point of all this rambling is that I am a huge advocate for journaling. It has helped me overcome so many obstacles over the years, and it is insane to see how much I have grown since starting my journaling journey in 2022. The hardest part for me was knowing where and how to start. Now, I rarely travel without my journal. It brings me an internal sense of peace in knowing that I have a safe space to process my feeling and emotions, regardless of where I am. Journaling promotes a creative space that is uniquely your own, maybe give it a try!

-Kat