I used to feel intimidated by journaling. It seemed overwhelming—until I learned one thing: start with the correct journal format.
Overcome the Fear of Journaling
If you're like I was, the fear of the blank page makes starting a journal feel daunting.
I remember staring at those empty lines and wondering why those blank lines were staring back at me!
In that instant, anxiety set in, and I couldn't get myself started.
So, yeah. I know how you feel because I've been there too.
Not to worry, though. You're simply experiencing vulnerability, knowing those blank lines await your thoughts and feelings patiently.
There's only one way to overcome this fear: take the first step to start journaling. Once you do, the fear fades, and words and ideas flow freely.
Consider this: If the mere thought of journaling can stir that much angst, the reverse must be true. The very thing that makes you hesitate to write will soon become the thing that brings you relief and clarity, a beacon of hope in your journey of self-exploration.
Putting your thoughts and feelings on paper can help you stay present, let go of negativity from the past, and reduce worry about the future.
Think of journaling as your journey of self-exploration.
Let's simplify the process.
Step One: Choose Your Journal Format
With so many options, choosing your first journal can be overwhelming. From self-care to schoolwork to prayer, there's a journal in every category for every purpose.
But before selecting a category, let's break down the four journal formats:
Bullet Journals
Digital Journals
There is no right or wrong choice. Each format offers its benefits.
The best choice is the one that easily blends with your personality and ease of writing.
1. Blank Lined Journals
These are your classic, no-frills notebooks filled with wide-ruled or college-ruled lines waiting for your thoughts. Some may feature minimal graphics to make them more inviting.
Blank-lined journals give you complete freedom for free-flowing reflections and creativity without directives from prompts. Penning your written thoughts and ideas on unstructured pages gives you the creative control to personalize your journaling experience, inspiring you to fill the pages with your unique perspective and ideas.
If you like the idea of candidly writing, brainstorming or doodling without restraint, then blank-lined journals are ideal for you.
2. Journal with Prompts
If blank pages feel a bit too open-ended, journals with prompts might be just what you need.
They provide questions, quotes, or exercises that guide you through journaling, helping ease the fear of not knowing what to write.
The prompts guide the writing process by providing structure and direction for you, the writer. It helps eliminate the fear of figuring out what to write on a wide-open blank page.
Some guided prompt journals help you dig deeper into a specific theme or topic. While others gently nudge you to engage in daily self-reflection, gratitude, prayer, goal setting, or other themes.
If you prefer guidance to spur the conversation within yourself, you will enjoy writing in journals with prompts.
3. Bullet Journals
Bullet journals combine traditional journaling with "bullet point" systems for structuring your day, making them ideal for visual planners. They've grown in popularity, earning the nickname "BuJo".
Utilizing the "bullet point" system, you can organize your daily to-dos, schedule appointments, track habits, and even journal using bullet points.
BuJos users are often crafty, creative types who enjoy flaunting their flair by customizing their pages with markers, stickers, and other embellishments.
Adding colorful visuals to your BuJo takes more time and effort and is not for everyone.
But if this is not you, then don't give up on the idea of journaling. Instead, stick with the basics and start with blank lines or guided prompts.
As you grow deeper in your journey, you'll feel more comfortable progressing into journals offering more advanced features.
4. Digital Journals
The virtual world grows by leaps and bounds daily, so it's no surprise that the digital world has discovered the joy of journaling.
Digital journaling could be considered the Mac daddy of all journals! It combines all the benefits of every journal type mentioned above and then some.
It offers the flexibility of using digital journal apps across all your tech devices, making it convenient to journal anytime and anywhere.
With digital journaling, you customize the format of your pages and create planners, calendars, tracker pages, and more. You can attach relevant photos and videos to your journal pages for later reflection.
If you are tech-savvy, then embrace your digital journaling journey! But if you are new to journaling or not very tech-savvy, you might feel this is too much to handle.
But don't abandon the idea of journaling.
Please keep it simple and start with an easier option, like journals with blank lines or guided prompts.
Your Journaling Journey
There's no time like the present. So, what's holding you back?
Overcome the fear by taking that first step and picking a format that feels comfortable to you. Remember, the journey of self-exploration and growth begins with just one page.
The beauty of journaling is that there is no judgment. The pages don't talk back - they listen. They allow you to express your thoughts freely, without interruption or criticism, creating a safe and secure space for your innermost thoughts and feelings.
Whether you start with a few words or fill the pages, it's all part of your growth.
In a blog written for Positive Psychology, experienced psychologist, consultant, and psychology lecturer Dr. Jeremy Sutton, Ph.D., states, "Journaling as an intervention has many benefits, supporting physical and mental well-being, resilience, and greater emotional awareness and understanding."
Let your journey of self-exploration and personal development begin now!
Ready to Choose Your First Journal?
Now that you know the four basic formats, which fits you best?
The best way to start anything new is to take one step forward. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all choice.
It's all about you feeling at ease with your journaling journey.
Journaling is a powerful therapeutic practice that allows you to express your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in writing. By practicing daily journaling, you'll effectively process new ideas, organize your thoughts, and manage your emotions.
In our next blog, we'll break down the many categories of journals, such as wellness, travel, prayer, etc., and learn how each can positively impact your daily life.
Happy journaling!
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