A Beginner’s Guide to Journalling
There’s a common misconception that journalling simply involves writing recaps of your day, similar to ‘Dear Diary’ style entries. And while yes, it can absolutely be that - it can also be so much more.
It’s through journalling that I’ve developed so much more compassion, love and acceptance for myself. It’s where I write my goals and dreams, and where I find clarity when life feels wobbly.
I’ve been journalling for the last 15 years and these are some tips I wish I knew when I first got started.
Find a calm space where you can journal without distractions
This could be a couch, a spare bedroom, a corner of a room or a chair outside. I journal in our spare bedroom as it’s my favourite spot in the house (and also the most quiet!). I can see our beautiful bamboo, maple trees and gumtrees from the window - it’s a magical view!
You may like to create a small altar with an indoor plant, flowers, crystals or anything special to you. I have a beautiful candle and my Heart Wisdom Mist on the dresser. I light my candle and spritz the room, and then I’m ready to write. This sets the tone that it’s a special moment (because taking time to deeply listen to yourself, always is).
Find a time that works best for you
For years, I would journal right before bed and it always felt like another thing I had to tick off my to-do list. Because I was exhausted, I’d only ever write a few sentences at a time. I soon worked out that journalling first thing in the morning was best for me. The house is quiet and it’s the perfect time to check in with myself and plan for the day ahead. I have so much more patience and nervous system resilience after a morning journalling session haha!
Set an intention before putting pen to paper
Setting an intention before writing has completely transformed my journalling practice. And it’s so simple!
I place my hands on my heart, take a few deep breaths and set an intention to connect to my heart / higher self / true self. It’s as simple as saying out loud or in your mind: “I’m setting an intention to connect to my heart space.”
Whenever I’m having a hard day or simply need guidance on something I set this intention and listen to what my heart has to say. You’ll know it’s your heart because it’s only ever a kind, supportive, loving and compassionate voice. If not - it’s your head or ego speaking.
Ask good questions
I started journalling in my early 20’s as a way to support my mental health. The only problem was I was actually reaffirming all the things I thought were wrong with me. Let me explain… At the time I was really struggling with social anxiety and I had a very critical inner voice. So I would journal things like… “What is wrong with me? Why can’t I be like everyone else? Why am I such an idiot? Why can’t I just be normal? Why am I like this?”
And brains being brains, if you ask a question - it’s going to find an answer, even if it’s not true. And my brain would write: “Yeah you are an idiot, no-one likes you and you’re going to get fired.”
My negative self-talk was horrible! (side note: this is one of the reasons I created my affirmation deck!).
Eventually I learnt to reframe my thoughts - so instead of asking “What is wrong with me?” I’d write: “I am feeling really down today - how can I best support myself? What do I need?”
It can take time to rewire your thoughts but once you become aware of it, it can become easier and faster to pick up on.
Get to know your heart / higher self / true self on a deeper level
I briefly touched on this earlier, but this is honestly my favourite part of journalling that I don’t hear a lot of people talk about. Connecting to my heart / higher self / true self (they’re all the same to me) has changed my life and I don’t say that lightly.
This kind, loving, supportive and compassionate part of me has held me through so many different phases and stages of life. From feeling lost and confused in my mid 20’s to postpartum anxiety and grief in my early 30’s through to starting my own business and the identity shifts that were required.
Wherever I need guidance, I set my intention and I ask for help. It always comes through and I write myself the most beautiful pep talks and words of encouragement.
I recently looked over old journal entries from 6 years ago and it made me emotional reading the messages I received from my heart. It’s like chatting to your own inner bestie who believes in your limitless potential and who only wants the best for you!
We all have access to this part of ourselves, we just have to create time and space to hear it.
It might feel strange or silly if you’ve never done this before - but with practice it will become second nature.
Commit to a regular practice
I see journalling like going to the gym. I don’t always want to go, but when I do, I am so glad that I did! Because I always feel so energised and lit up afterwards.
If you’re completely new to journalling, I recommend devoting 10 minutes a day for 2 weeks. Set a timer and write whatever comes to mind.
Track how you feel on Day 1 and at completion on Day 14.
What did you learn? What did you love? Do you have more clarity on your next steps? What impact did it have on your day? What messages did you receive from your heart / higher self?
Have fun with it and release the pressure for it to be perfect! My journal is a mish mash of deep thoughts, to-do lists and chats with my higher self! At times I can barely read my own writing, and that’s ok!
Ok, I’m excited to get started - but what do I actually write about?
Anything and everything! I know it can be a little overwhelming. That’s why the Honey Garden Journals come with 100+ journalling prompts - to show you what’s possible!
Here are 10 questions to help you get started:
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What does my heart want me to know?
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How can I best support myself today? What do I need?
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What do I deeply, truly want in life?
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How does my body feel in this moment?
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What does success look and feel like to me?
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If I wasn’t afraid, what would I do?
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I’m so proud of myself for…
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When I picture my dream life I see…
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How do I want to feel every day? How can I experience more of this?
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If I didn’t care what anyone thought, I would…
I hope this blog post has inspired you to start journalling too. Did you learn anything new? If you complete the 14 Day challenge, feel free to email or DM me on Instagram. I’d love to hear about your experience.
