By Thalia Stoffers
Where To Get Inspiration:
Perhaps you have heard a friend talking about how much they love to journal. Or you’ve gone on Instagram and seen your favorite celebrity wake up and post their most recent journal entry. But how did they incorporate journaling into their lives? The things those people used may not be the same materials you’ll use, but it’ll be just as rewarding as it seems.
Before we get into what materials you’ll need, let's talk about what makes journaling so special. Journaling is the practice of writing down your thoughts, planning for the future and doing any type of reflection that your heart needs or wants. It’s okay if writing isn’t your forté. Unlike daunting homework assignments, journaling is for you and you alone. You can use incorrect grammar, unfinished sentences and make your thoughts as long or short as you like.
Being able to jot down memories, thoughts and plans no matter how happy or sad they may be is one of the best ways to release pent-up feelings. We all have a broad range of emotions — it is important to release them.
When you begin journaling, it is okay to be unsure of where to start. There are so many things to write and reflect on. Luckily, there are many online prompts to help you get started. My favorite place to get ideas is TikTok. The accounts @inbloombyemily, @healingonedayatatime and @midnight_letter2u have helped me numerous times to think about what I want to write. You do not have to follow these prompts exactly, but they can be inspirational. All three accounts post either weekly or daily journaling prompts. Scrolling through any one of these accounts, you will discover many options. You can write down and follow the Q&A format directly, or choose to do something else. How you answer these various prompts or ideas is up to you. Follow at least one of these accounts to (hopefully) get more journaling inspo on your FYP and gain a daily reminder to reflect.
My favorite, and most simple, daily journaling prompt ideas are:
• One good thing that happened today was …
• My three biggest goals are ...
• I am grateful for ...
• Words that resonated with me lately were …
• Tomorrow I will ...
• I forgive myself for …
How to Build a Journal:
Journaling can feel and look good. However, my biggest tip for journaling is to not worry about it looking perfect. Your journal is entirely yours to design. It can even serve as a creative escape. The best place to get started with buying the materials needed to make a cute journal is Dollar Tree. Here you can find the three most exciting parts of journaling — the journal, the decorations and the utensils.
The Journal:
Dollar Tree offers a unique selection of journals. If you like to write big, you can get a larger notebook. If you want something small to carry with you throughout the day, they have one for that. There is always a fun array of bold and fun colors. Picking out a journal that feels right for you can be a fun and exciting aspect of journaling. The journal itself will serve as a foundation for all the thoughts and potential designs you will create in and on it.
Decorations:
I personally love stickers. It’s okay if you don’t. If you are like me, Dollar Tree always seems to have the best stickers. My favorite to use in journaling are the bright and cute ones that have hearts, kittens and stars. You can use stars when you have an extra good day or maybe put a kitten for when you just want to smile. Things like this add a bit of personality to the journal. You can also incorporate things like your personal art or letters from loved ones. Dollar Tree even has sticky rhinestones that you can use to decorate the front by spelling out your name with them. Stickers and personal art will help you have a deeper and more personal connection with your journal.
The Stationary:
Writing can sometimes feel boring, but the utensils you use do not have to be. When journaling, you often tap into your inner-child — maybe without even realizing it. Using fun pens, like these fluffy ones, gives you a chance to let go of the adult pressures around you. Colorful and otherwise fun pens, like the ones shown above, give me something to look forward to when I am about to journal. Buy yourself some funky pens and be as expressive as you want.
However you customize your journal is up to you. Your journal is your safe place. It can be the place where you let your thoughts be free and you can be creative while doing so.
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