2021, week 2: Beginner's Guide to Journaling

 "It's a new year. That means a new me!" We hear this often. But there are so many habits and activities that we can do ANY time of the year. One of those is journaling.

The past few years I have not journaled consistently. The main reason? Busy-ness. Between school, jobs, freelance work, church, etc. The main reason? EXCUSES. Now, this post is not meant to belittle or ridicule anyone that doesn't consistently journal. I just admitted that I don't! But I want to.

Here are a few tools I've been using the past few weeks to be better at journaling.

1. Habit - When/how often do you journal?

Over the past few years I haven't journaled at all. The only time I consistently journaled was on my LDS mission (2013-2014). I'm very thankful that I have journals to look back at that time of my life. But I wish I had journals from the past few years. I have posted more often on social media, create a visual journal of sorts, but I'd like to be able to read back on my thoughts, desires, and plans, that I don't share with an audience.

This year I'm trying a few types of journaling. For daily journaling I'm going to write just a few lines. I also want to recognize things I'm grateful for and goals that I have; so, I have a gratitude journal.

Five years ago I purchased a one-line-a-day 5-year journal. I used it about 20% of the time. Now, I don't have to write in it every day. But at the end of the week when I do my weekly planning I'll go back through the journal and write on any days that I missed.

Although my gratitude journal says it's meant for daily gratitude that's not my intent. My goal is to write in it at least once a week.

2. Accessibility

I keep my planner and journals in my nightstand. Every morning I reach for my planner. Since the journals are right next to my planner it's easy to grab them too.

3. Cuteness

I generally like plain and simple things, but I decided to spice things up this year. For my planner I have stickers, washi tape, and colored pens. So, I chose journals with fun prints. And I usually write in a fun color.

Like I mentioned my intent is not to write in each journal every day. But I've set goals for myself. If I fall short one week I'll metaphorically hit refresh for the next week.

What's been your experience with journaling?

Love,

D.J. Lathrop