Advice for new journalers via r/Journaling
by Nino · 9 things on NewTwos
- just write
- that’s it
- there’s no magic spell everyone who has been journaling for years does, there’s nothing different that we do, we just write, and we do it consistently.
- consistency is the only thing that gets you anywhere in life and it’s the same with journaling
- also make sure you’re doing what works for you...spreads are pretty and some people love doing them but personally I find them a bit of a headache and I just write and take pictures with my Polaroid to glue in. That works for me. Spreads might work for you. Just do what you want.
- you don’t have to journal everyday...I do most days but I know not doing it for a day or two isn’t a huge deal I just do it when I feel like it. I’ve been doing this for so long I feel like I can’t not do it but that took years to build up to. Start with once or twice a week and build from there.
- journaling is so romanticized nowadays it blows my mind...you don’t need to think through everything you write down. Some of my entries don’t even make sense when I go back to look at them. Most of it is just me complaining with the rare nugget of good advice I’ve received or growth in my character I can recognize or life lessons but that’s life for me and that’s life for most people. your life is most likely not a coming of age novel!! you don’t need to write in your journal like it’s one!!! I want to look back on my journals when I’m older and see an accurate view of my life, not a romanticized one. I think one of the most valuable things about writing your life is being able to look back on it all with older eyes, you get a deeper look at yourself and it’s found in those boring mundane entries you might feel “aren’t good enough” or whatever
- all in all just stop complicating everything...journals don’t have to be pretty or deep or perfect, they’re meant to be a reflection of you and your life. just roll with it and write whatever comes to mind, your older self will thank you for the insight. I started seriously journaling when I was 12, I’m 21 now and I think I’m a more well rounded and emotionally intelligent person because my 12 year old self decided to write everyday. The best part about this is virtually anybody can do it. seriously, JUST START WRITING.
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