today we have a quest post from brooke on one of my favorite topics ever - keeping a journal!!
What’s up, everyone! It’s me, everyone’s favorite potato from Chasing Dragonflies.
But wait. This is Inkwell, only one of the MOST AESTHETIC blogs on the blogosphere!
YES IT IS! I’m taking over Lisa’s blog. I’m not holding her against her will, don’t worry.
Today, I thought I would talk about how to keep a journal. I really like journaling, but I CANNOT journal under normal circumstances.
You know those really aesthetic people that sit down and create bullet journals or they take time to sit down and talk about their day, or document life happenings everyday… yeah, I can’t do that. It doesn’t keep my interest so I end up giving up before the journaling habit really takes off.
There’s nothing wrong with those people, by the way. I admire their dedication to journaling. But, maybe you’re like me and you can’t journal that way.
Today is a good day for you! I’m going to talk about some other things you can do to start a journaling habit.
#1: Write about one event in the day
Think of one single event of your day that sticks out to you. Write about it. It doesn’t have to be super detailed, (unless you want it to be <wink emoji here>) but it should only be an event you want to document. Maybe you saved up the money you wanted, or you bought that item you were saving up for, or maybe you got that raise at your job. (Wow, I’m such an adult.)
Write it down. Document it.
#2: Keep a fiction journal
Okay, so I do this myself and it’s AMAZING. I keep all my W.I.P ideas, snippets, and anything pertaining to fiction in one journal. A snippet could float into my head, or a plot bunny might be dragging me down, so I write it all out in a fiction journal that I can flip through later when in need of inspiration.
In this journal, you can write basic ideas, heck outline that W.I.P if you want. (or start a separate journal for that. BONUS)
With a fiction journal, you are the author. You decide the story.
#3: Rant it out
I do this, too. My job is stressful and I don’t always get along with certain people. So I rant it out in my catch-all diary. I write what frustrates me, some good things about my day, and I even summarize my day. I rant about what made me mad, how I’m justified, then realize I’m not really justified and go on lecturing myself. It’s a great process. <eyeroll emoji here>
It’s good to vent into the journal, though, leaving all frustration on the pages.
#4: Quotes, lyrics, random thoughts, oh my!
I have a small pocket notebook that I write random song lyrics in my head, quotes from books I’m reading, Bible verses, or other random things. If a W.I.P idea comes to my head, I’ll jot out the rough ideas and fix them later in my fiction journal. Basically, this is my catch-all journal for all random thoughts and ideas. And quotes. And lyrics. It’s also super aesthetic.
It helps me to remember ideas I’ve had, later on, keep track of quotes I love from books, and sometimes, I get lyrics from songs in my head and they need to be written in the most aesthetic way possible. So that’s what I do.
#5: Bible Journaling
The way I Bible Journal is very different from other people, but I’m not going to go into extreme detail about that today. (If you’d like a post like that on my blog, Chasing Dragonflies, comment below and let me know!)
I have a composition book/notebook that has a pretty flower design on the front. It’s also scratch and sniff, which is epic. I write all the Bible verses, all my prayers, thoughts about a verse, Bible Study information, and more in that journal. A lot of people like to get journaling Bibles, but there’s really no need. You just need a notebook, a Bible, Bible safe highlighters, and a pen or pencil.
I also write down prayer requests in this journal so I remember to pray for whoever needs it.
It’s been a while since I’ve actually done this, but I’m getting back into it and I love it. It’s a great way to draw closer to God and my faith.
In Conclusion:
There are so many options when it comes to keeping a journal. You don’t have to do it the traditional way. There are so many options, so many ideas just waiting to be written down. Journaling can help you deal with anger, keep track of all the fictional worlds inside your head, and so much more.
But remember, you aren’t journaling for anyone but yourself. Let it be the thing you write for yourself, to your future self. One day, you can look back at it and cherish the memories, see how far you’ve come, maybe even compare what was going on then to what’s happening in your life now.
Do You Keep a Journal?
What do you journal about?
Or do you want to start a journal?
Let’s talk in the comments!
AAAAAHHHHHH ASDFGHJKL THANK YOU LISA FOR HAVING ME ON TODAY!!! SO STOKED TO BE HERE ON YOUR AMAZING BLOG!!! <3 <3 <3
ReplyDeleteBrooke| Chasing Dragonflies
Yesss...I have SUCH a hard time staying consistent with journaling! I love the IDEA of keeping a journal, but actually doing it is a different story. XD
ReplyDeleteThese options are so helpful, Brooke, and I will definitely have to check them out! <3
I do keep a journal!! Also I *LOVE* the ideas here!!
ReplyDeleteJournaling is so awesome! I keep a regular day-to-day journal (though I don't write it in every day lol) and a bullet journal. I also really want to start a prayer/Bible journal but I'm never really sure how to go about it. So I would love a post about your Bible journaling!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! :D
theonesthatreallymatter.blogspot.com
I loved this so much!!
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those people who...ummm struggles with journaling. xD I've tried so many methods, but none have worked!!
Your ideas sound AWESOME, though!!! I think I'll try them out. :)
Awesome post!! :D
~ Lily Cat (Boots) | lilycatscountrygirlconfessions.blogspot.com
I love journaling tons, so yes I love all these different options ;) One must also try calendar journaling, where they write the highlight of the day in the box on your calendar, be it a happening, something someone said, a quote you hear or read, or what not.
ReplyDeleteMB> keturahskorner.blogspot.com
PB> thegirlwhodoesntexist.com
Great tips, love the lyric and quote idea.
ReplyDelete