So you want to start journaling this year. You might have heard how it can help your mental health, provide space for your feelings, or that it’s the secret to the ‘5 a.m. girlie lifestyle’. While I can’t speak for the 5 a.m. girlies, because I am not a morning person and I don’t foresee myself as ever being one, I can speak about journaling.

I started journaling a few years ago when I was trying to process feelings from my past. My therapist recommended that I write things down to try to create space for my feelings, as I felt unsafe feeling them. I got excited, I bought a cute journal, some fun gel pens, and then froze when it came time to open the journal and write.

Fears surfaced, such as:

“What if someone reads this?”
“My handwriting and punctuation are a mess.”
“What is this sentence structure? These feelings and memories are coming out disorganized.”

Years passed and the journal remained empty. Then, I came across a book of poetry by Michaela Angemeer. Her words spoke to me; I felt every word. So, I bought another book, and another. Her writing inspired me and provided a sense of safety to finally face my feelings.

So, I bought a new journal—a simple one this time, as the previous one was too flashy. I wanted my journal to blend with my other books. In this new journal I began writing memories and feelings. A year passed and I got an iPad and downloaded Procreate. I loved drawing as a kid and after providing space for my feelings I felt artistic again. While I still love writing in my paper journal, I wanted to use artwork to dive deeper into emotions that I couldn't express with words, but could with color. Since I felt comfortable with digital art, I created a digital journal to explore those feelings even further.

I still journal; some days it’s every day, or weekly. I try not to be hard on myself, as I view it as a tool to use when I need it. It ranges from writing poetry to creating art from a feeling and then exploring it, or just writing out my feelings.

What I’ve learned / Tips:

Find a Journal that you're comfortable with
Whether it’s a cute Journal that gets you excited to write in it, is a simple tan Journal that blends in, or is a digital Journal where you can have a passcode.
Be easy on yourself
Your punctuation doesn’t matter. If you can’t read your handwriting then no worries- someone else probably can’t either. Sentence structure doesn’t matter, This is just to get your feelings out not an essay you need to turn in for a grade or a business proposal.
Too Triggering? Take a Step Back
It’s okay to take a step back; this is your journey. Try doing an activity that fills your cup—like a hobby, spending time with loved ones, or getting inspired by other artists. Alternatively, write down your worries with journaling. Look at you! You’re already journaling, even if it’s just about why you don’t want to.