Tips and Tricks of Journaling

One of the things I wanted to start this year was journaling!

In a way, I always took notes of my thoughts and ideas since I started the 'chain adventure and eventually turned in posts. Hive was and still is my journal.

Having a physical journal and getting in the habit of writing down as much as possible about whatever comes to mind is something I have wanted to do to help me clear my mind and maybe organize my thoughts and life in general.

Even though I started it..there was always that doubt: "How should I do it?"

The thing is that there is no right or wrong way to do it..just write!

Even so, I've been checking videos about Journaling and come up with some tips that might help someone who wants to start it or still has doubts like me.

Grab a notebook

You can either go old school or digital, but writing down things the old-fashioned way gives in a way some more meaning than just typing on the phone or PC. There are probably good apps just for that if you go that route. If you go old school, you don't need to buy those fancy expensive ones, as long as they last!

I got myself a Moleskine! Yeah it was a bit expensive for a notebook but I always wanted one lol It has plain pages and a little pocket at the very end where I can add important papers or something!

Grab a pen

For a while, I would write with a pencil to erase when something went wrong. But long term the writing will fade away. Even if you write something wrong, it's OK! Cross out and carry on! It will give your journal more character!

I got those pens with different colours in one, because adding colour gives some character too!

Start on the second page

So you have your notebook and your pen ready to rock and you open it and you feel overwhelmed and not sure how to start! Just flip the page and let it go! Your mind will feel a bit at ease and the writing will flow eventually!

Date your entries

I think this one is important not only because it is a good way to start but also because it gives you some guidance in case you want to go back and re-read. It's also like a new chapter. You can either enter a location, date and time or just simply the date.

Handwritting

Like using the pen afraid to write things wrong or trying to write in some fancy way to make it pretty and then you stress out because it's not going how you wanted it to, it's OK! Again, it doesn't need to be perfect! How you feel at the present moment you write will show up in different types of handwriting and that brings personality to the journal, if that makes sense.

Don't make yourself the hero

Because life is not just rainbows, there is also rain and thunder! Be honest and write the good and the bad!

Don't force yourself to write "War and Peace"

Short and sweet can also be enough!

Make it fun!

It should be something you like to do. Your journal will never judge you! Something that you want to go back and do it on the next day until it turns into a habit.

There is no right way to journal!

Can either go for just plain text or, again make it fun with colours, collages, drawings, whatever you feel and what flows at the moment. I sometimes just do bullet points of tasks I want to accomplish, other times I make small sections in a different colour for daily expenses and money tips that I got from the clients at the Spa.

Read back your entries occasionally and sometimes with the intention

You can reflect on what you did some time ago and might find some growth on the way!
Take note of what you were writing and how you were writing and then adjust your current writing.

While reading back, some might be interesting to share with your friends and family, if you are comfortable of course! But it can make a special moment for your important people and can help bring another perspective of you in what/how you were in that entry.

Find the time of the day that works best for you

And try to stick to it as much as possible so it helps create the routine/habit.
Personally, night works better when my kid is asleep, so I can have that quiet time with no interruptions. I also listen to some music while writing, as usual, lol

Try to be your honest present self while writing

Again, your journal will never judge you and you shouldn't be afraid to be judged by your future self.

Write about others

Even though you're the centre of your journal, adding pieces about others like friends and family can be a good way to save special memories. Even stories you have with strangers if that's the case!

I sometimes write about special moments I had with my clients, I love it when they thank me with a hug!

You don't need to write everything!

It's impossible and it can be stressful when you try to do it. Try to balance it and write as much as you feel it's needed.

Try journal prompts

If you still feel you need some extra kick to write, as some people on Hive do, you can use prompts. Some questions and ideas to write about

Your journal doesn't need to be perfect!

Don't be afraid of the mess! It's yours! Be wild about it if you want lol

And there you go!

I hope you find this helpful!

And if you have your tips and tricks, comment below :)

Love you all 💜

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