Keeping a journal allows us to be inspired by grand adventures as well as small, quiet moments. They provide tangible evidence of all of the beautiful valleys and mountains we have had to tread in order to become who we are today. We're pretty sure it's safe to say we all know the benefits of keeping a journal and feel proud of ourselves when we successfully make an entry... every other year.
So, if it is so beneficial, why is it so difficult?! As scrapbookers and memory keepers, it may feel easy to create a layout; but, sometimes the thought of writing down our thoughts and emotions feels too vulnerable. If you can relate, this blog post is for you! So here we go... 3 Tips + Tricks to Start Journaling!
1. Find the right time and place to journal for your routine.
In order to make journaling feel not like a burden, try to incorporate it into your everyday routine. Of course, this will look different for everyone! Some ideas include:
1. Keep it on your night stand. This will remind you to journal right when you wake up or right before you go to bed. A comfortable spot, like your bed, will allow you to focus on your thoughts and ideas.
2. Enjoy Public Transportation. A great time to journal is on the bus or train on your way home or even on the airplane after your trip. Put your headphones in and start writing!
3. Go Outside! If you need a breath of fresh air, bring a blanket to the park or sit on a bench. Nature will inspire thoughts and memories you may not have had otherwise.
4. Keep your journal in your purse or bag. If you are waiting to pick kids up from school or have a couple minutes before an appointment, pull out your journal and share your thoughts!
2. Remember, something is better than nothing
Don't feel pressure to write pages of thoughts each day. Sometimes a line or two will allow you to write down your thoughts from the day or caption an important picture from a vacation. If you know it won't be a huge time commitment, you may be more willing to write daily! If you are unsure what to write about, download the All Heart journal prompts!
3. Make it your Creative Outlet
Rather than viewing your journal as a chore, try thinking of it as your daily creative outlet. Some ideas to make it more exciting include:
- Add pictures. You can even layer them with washi tape like Maggie did!
- Include ephemera, stickers, and embellishments from your craft stash
- Find ephemera in your everyday life! It can be a ticket from the movies, a program from a play, or even a cute note from a loved one.
- Write down quotes that have inspired you lately
- Include a favorite recipe
- Cut images or words from an old magazine or newspaper. Such a fun touch!
At the end of the day, just remember your journals don't have to be perfect. If it has your touch, it will be priceless!! If you have any other thoughts you would like to share regarding journaling, don't hesitate to share them in the comments.
Thanks for stopping by!
Xoxo, The CP Team
COLLECTIONS USED: Maggie Holmes Sunny Days & Journal Studio
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