Why Start a Journal?

Journaling, writing a diary, calendaring, and scrapbooking are ways to record your experiences and write a personal history of your life. Starting the habit of journaling can be life changing. The benefits of journaling have been studied and written about for decades. The link between writing our thoughts and feelings and the healing of the mind is just one benefit of journaling.

How to Start a Journal

Writing a journal doesn’t need to be overwhelming. There are dozens of ways to do it. A journal could be as simple as a lined notebook and a pen with a few paragraphs of what you did today. Or you could journal online or use an app on your phone. Even parents can help their young children to journal by helping them write a few sentences on a picture they drew.

Steps for How to Start a Journal

The article “How to Start a Journal” explains a four-step process:

1. Start with a goal.
2. Pick your type of journal.
3. Be consistent.
4. Preserve your journal.

Read more in the article “How to Start a Journal.”

Also, see “40+ Journal Prompts to Capture Memories and Discover Yourself” for ideas on things to write.