write a journal entry essay

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Answered By: Paul Lai Last Updated: Jul 17, 2023     Views: 44912

Journal entries are often, though not always, meant to be reflective. To write a strong journal entry, take the following steps:

1. Read the prompt carefully.

What is the required mode of reflection? Are you supposed to be comparing ideas? Asking a question? Presenting information? Highlighting thoughts? Be sure to follow the instructions given.

2. Consider requirements.

How many words should the journal entry be? What is the due date and time? What should the format look like? Follow your instructor's guidelines. If no specific formatting is indicated, follow general  APA guidelines , or  use a template .

3. Reflect.

After reading the required material, reflect on specific elements, examples, or experiences you would like to include in your journal entry. Use other prewriting techniques to get your ideas flowing. If you get stuck, see the Writing Center’s  tips on avoiding writer’s block .

4.   Outline.

Create a thesis (even if it is only a miniature) to give your readers an area of focus. Then outline the points that you will cover. Be sure to include a brief introduction and conclusion (one sentence for each is often sufficient). Even journal entries can benefit from outlining, so  view some outlining strategies  to get started.

5.   Draft.

Go ahead and get started! Use your outline as a starting point, and review the Writing Center's  resources on using scholarly tone  as you write. Give credit to outside sources if you use them. See  an explanation of how to cite  if you are not sure how to best give credit to your sources.

Additional Resources:

• See the Writing Center's  tips for how to write other common course assignments.  
• View the archived and recorded webinar, "What About Me? Using Personal Experience in Academic Writing."

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How To Write A Journal Entry: Unleashing Your Thoughts with Power and Clarity

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on July 22, 2023

Categories Writing

Whether you’re looking to capture precious moments, explore your deepest thoughts, or simply jot down daily happenings, journaling can be a powerful tool.

It’s personal, it’s therapeutic, and most importantly, it’s yours. However, starting a journal may seem daunting if you’ve never done it before. You might ask yourself: ‘What should I write? How should I begin?’

Don’t worry! This guide will help you understand the basics of journal writing. From choosing your journal and setting it up to developing a regular routine and overcoming common challenges – we’ve got you covered.

So grab that pen and prepare to embark on an exciting journey of self-discovery through words!

Key Takeaways

• Journaling is a personal and therapeutic practice that helps with self-discovery, mindfulness, and reducing stress.
• Choosing the right journal medium and personalizing it with decorations and a cover that reflects one’s personality can enhance the journaling experience.
• Developing a regular journaling routine by allocating dedicated time each day and treating journaling as an important task in the daily schedule is crucial for consistency.
• Journal entries don’t need to be perfect or lengthy essays; instead, they should reflect thoughts and emotions genuinely and honestly.

Understanding the Basics of Journaling

You’ve probably heard about journaling, but do you really understand what it means to pour out your heart onto paper, sifting through the noise of your mind and finding clarity in those quiet moments?

Journaling is a key tool for self-discovery and mindfulness. It’s not just about recording events or ideas; it’s more personal, a way of connecting with your thoughts and feelings.

Diving into the benefits of journaling, you’ll find that it can be therapeutic. It allows you to declutter your mind, reducing stress and improving mental health. You get to understand yourself better by reflecting upon your experiences and expressing emotions freely. Additionally, journaling enhances creativity as you explore different thoughts without judgment or fear.

There are many journaling styles to choose from – traditional diary entries, bullet journals for task organization or gratitude journals focusing on positive aspects of life. Your style should resonate with you personally; after all, this is about understanding yourself deeply.

So go ahead, pick up that pen! Start writing without worrying about punctuation or grammar errors. Remember it’s more important to record your raw emotions than aim for perfection!

Choosing Your Journal

Don’t fret about the perfect notebook or digital app for documenting your thoughts and experiences; it’s more crucial that you find a medium that suits your style and comfort. Your journal aesthetics should reflect your personality, whether it’s a simple lined notebook, a sophisticated leather-bound diary, or an easy-to-use app on your smartphone. It doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy—what matters is how much you enjoy using it.

Consider these factors when choosing between traditional versus digital journals:

Material selection is also important in a physical journal. Are you drawn to thick paper that can hold fountain pen ink without bleeding? Or do you prefer thin pages that make the journal lighter?

You’ll realize there isn’t one ‘right’ answer when picking out your journal. The goal here is to create an environment where you feel free to express yourself honestly and openly – this will keep you inspired and motivated to maintain regular entries. So go ahead, pick what feels right for you!

Setting Up Your Journal

Starting your new diary isn’t as intimidating as it may seem, and there’s no ‘right’ way to do it. Let’s dive in with a few tips to get you started on setting up your journal.

Firstly, grab your chosen journal. It’s time for some fun! Journal decoration allows you to personalize it and make it truly yours. Use stickers, doodles, or whatever sparks joy for you. This personal touch can enhance the overall experience of writing in a journal, making each entry more enjoyable.

Next comes the cover selection. While some prefer minimalist designs for a clean look, others might opt for vibrant colors or patterns that reflect their personality—it’s entirely up to you! But remember, choosing a cover that resonates with you will make this journey more inviting.

Now let’s talk about format. You can choose whether to date every entry or not; write long form or bullet points; keep it strictly text-based or incorporate sketches and photos too. The freedom is all yours!

You see? Setting up your journal doesn’t have to be daunting at all! With these simple steps, you’re ready to start crafting those entries now! So go ahead—dive into the world of self-expression and exploration that is journaling.

Tips for Writing Your First Entry

Embrace the blank page before you—it’s your canvas to pour out thoughts, dreams, and everything in between. When writing your first journal entry, remember that it doesn’t need to be perfect. You’re not being graded or judged—this is your personal space for reflection.

Start by defining an Entry Structure. Whether it’s a recap of your day, a reflection on something specific, or thoughts about future plans—it’s up to you. But having some sort of structure can help guide you through the process and keep your thoughts organized.

Next, breathe life into your entry with Personal Voice. Your journal is an extension of yourself; it should reflect who you are and how you feel.

Don’t get too hung up on grammar or punctuation—concentrate more on getting your ideas down on paper. Make sure each entry feels complete in its own right—like a mini story within the larger context of your life.

Most importantly, let go of any expectations and just write what comes naturally to you. This is where honesty meets creativity—your journal entries should be genuine expressions of yourself without any filters or pretenses.

Over time, these pages will become invaluable snapshots of moments from your life—a testament to who you were at different stages along the way.

Developing a Regular Journaling Routine

Cultivating a habit of daily musings and reflections can seem like climbing a mountain at first, but remember, even the mightiest Everest was conquered one step at a time—a metaphor for how consistency in your routine will gradually build up to an enriching narrative of your life.

How do you go about developing this regular journaling routine? Here are some steps that may help:

First, identify the right tools for journaling. This could be as simple as pen and paper or more complex like digital apps and software. The key is to find what works best for you—remember, comfort is king.

Secondly, dedicate specific times each day to write in your journal. This helps create consistency and turns it into a habit over time.

Lastly, don’t fall into the perfectionist trap! Your entries don’t have to be lengthy essays—they just need to reflect your thoughts.

Time management plays an essential role here. Allocate dedicated slots in your daily schedule exclusively for journaling. Treat it with importance—it’s not just another task on your checklist but rather a rendezvous with yourself.

Remember, this journey isn’t about achieving literary brilliance—it’s about self-discovery through candid expression. Keep going at it every day—you’ll soon see how rewarding it can truly be!

Making Your Journal Personal

Breathe life into your daily musings by making them truly yours, as unique and intricate as the thoughts swirling inside your mind. You’re not just jotting down random notes, you’re infusing a piece of yourself into each journal entry. Personalizing Techniques are significant tools to make this happen.

Start by choosing a theme that resonates with you. Are you passionate about travel? Then make every page an exploration of places you’ve been or wish to visit someday! If cooking is your thing, use the pages to record recipes, describe tastes and aromas. For those who find tranquility in nature, paint vivid landscapes with words; let the chirping birds fly off your page!

Emotional Expression is another critical aspect of personalizing your journal entries. Don’t shy away from expressing feelings – joy, sorrow, confusion, or excitement – they all add depth to your narrative. Pour out your heart on paper and let it be a cathartic release.

Remember to be genuine and authentic in each entry. This journal is yours alone – it should reflect who you are and what matters most to you. Be creative, be expressive but above all else – be true to yourself when writing these personal narratives!

Dealing with Writer’s Block

As you continue to make your journal more personal, you might encounter a common issue: writer’s block. Don’t worry, it’s normal and happens to everyone at some point. But what do you do when the words just won’t flow?

There are several methods that can help get those creative juices flowing again. Engage in activities that provide creative stimulation such as painting, photography or even cooking. These endeavors can spark new ideas and perspectives for your writing.

Utilize unblocking techniques like freewriting where you write continuously without worrying about grammar or punctuation. This method helps clear mental blocks by letting ideas flow freely.

Change your environment. Sometimes, a change of scenery can inspire fresh thoughts and ideas.

Remember, it’s crucial not to pressure yourself too much – stress often contributes to writer’s block. Keep in mind why you’re writing this journal – for self-expression and reflection, not perfection. And sometimes, stepping away from your journal for a short while can also be beneficial. A little break revives your mind and when you come back to it later, you’ll have a whole new set of experiences to share!

Maintaining Privacy and Security

Just because you’re pouring your heart out on paper doesn’t mean it has to be an open book for everyone. As a journal writer, maintaining privacy and security should be top priorities. You wouldn’t want your deepest thoughts and feelings falling into the wrong hands.

Start by considering physical security. Keep your journal in a safe place where others can’t easily access it. For instance, consider using a lockbox or even a locked drawer to store your journal when not in use.

Digital safeguards are equally important if you’re keeping an electronic journal. Use strong, unique passwords that can’t be guessed easily. Consider encrypting your entries or using password-protected documents. Regularly update your software and devices to ensure they have the latest security updates.

Remember, the confidentiality of your journal is paramount. These steps will help protect it from prying eyes. The key is to take proactive measures towards ensuring both physical and digital security of your journal’s contents without compromising its accessibility for you. After all, this personal record serves as an emotional outlet. Let it remain private and secure just like the thoughts within it.

Review and Reflect on Your Entries

While keeping your journal entries secure and private is crucial, it’s equally important to take time to revisit what you’ve written. This brings us to our next key area: reviewing and reflecting on your entries.

Reflective techniques are a great tool for this. As you read through past entries, consider the feelings and thoughts that prompted those words. Do you notice any recurring themes or patterns? Has your perspective changed since writing them?

This process of entry analysis helps you understand yourself better over time. Take note of significant growth points or shifts in thinking; they can serve as guideposts in your personal journey. It’s like having a conversation with your past self, lending insights that might have been overlooked otherwise.

Don’t rush the review process. Let it be an opportunity for introspection, learning from past experiences, and acknowledging progress made. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to reflect on your journals; what matters most is that it resonates with you personally.

So as you flip through old pages filled with scribbled emotions, remember – each word tells a story about who you were at that moment in time. Embrace this chance to connect deeper with yourself through reflection.

Encouraging Growth and Change

In the garden of your self-awareness, each penned thought is a seed, sprouting over time into patterns and insights that encourage personal growth and transformation. Your journal entries are more than just words on a page; they’re glimpses into your soul, an exploration of who you truly are.

Embracing vulnerability in your journal can be one of the most empowering things you do. It’s about stripping yourself bare and confronting all aspects of your being – the good, the bad, and everything in between. This openness with oneself encourages inner growth.

Here are some tips to encourage this change:

• Approach each entry with honesty: don’t shy away from difficult topics.
• Write regularly: consistency helps build momentum for change.
• Reflect on past entries: see how far you’ve come.
• Make note of lessons learned: use these as stepping stones for future growth.
• Chart progress: keep track of your evolution over time.

With every word written down, every emotion expressed, every reflection made – you evolve bit by bit. Your journal becomes a testament to this evolution. So keep writing, charting progress along the way; not because it’s easy but because it’s worth it.

Tips for Long-Term Journaling

Maintaining a long-term record of your thoughts and experiences can be quite the challenge, but with some practical tips, it’s more than doable. Journaling rewards you in countless ways, including promoting self-expression, emotional release, and memory improvement. It’s like having a conversation with yourself that also sharpens your mind.

To start with, set aside dedicated time each day for your journaling routine. This doesn’t have to be an hour; just five or ten minutes will do. Find a quiet space where you can focus on your writing without distractions. Also, remember that there’s no right or wrong way to journal; write what feels natural and true for you.

Continuity is key in long-term journaling. Even if life gets busy or throws curveballs at you, keep up the habit. You may find shorter entries during tough times are manageable and still beneficial.

Embrace the evolving nature of your entries as they reflect changes over time in perspectives and personal growth. Make it fun by using colorful pens or stickers — make the process enjoyable so it never feels like a chore.

The essence of long-term journaling lies not only in recording facts but also capturing emotions and thought processes – moments that enhance memory improvement and create rich records of personal history over years to come.

Therapeutic Benefits of Journaling

You might not realize it, but your pen can be a powerful tool for managing stress and improving mental health. When you pour your thoughts onto paper in the form of journaling, you’re actually practicing an effective form of self-care.

You’ll find that this simple habit can serve as a free therapy session, helping you navigate through life’s ups and downs while keeping your mental well-being on track.

Stress Management

Feel the tension melt away as you scribble down your worries onto the blank canvas of your journal, transforming them into tangible words rather than overwhelming thoughts. Journaling can be a powerful stress management tool, helping you unmask stressors and their physical manifestations in your life.

To make this process more effective, consider these tips:

Identify what causes you stress: it could be work-related issues or personal matters.

Pay attention to physical signs of stress like headaches, digestive problems, or sleeplessness.

Write about your feelings openly and honestly without fear of judgment.

Explore possible solutions to manage or eliminate these sources of stress.

Reflect on what you’ve written over time to track any patterns or improvements.

The act of writing helps untangle complex emotions and brings clarity.

Improving Mental Health

Navigating life’s ups and downs is no easy feat, but penning your thoughts can be a beacon of hope in those stormy times. You’re not alone; many individuals struggle with their mental health, often due to societal stigmas.

By acknowledging these harmful stigmas and embracing the benefits of journaling, you’ll see vast improvements in your mental well-being over time. Keep writing; it’s one step closer to better mental health!

Inspiring Journal Entry Ideas

Ready to elevate your journaling routine? Let’s dive into some inspiring journal entry ideas.

From intriguing writing prompts that’ll ignite your creativity, to themed entries that let you explore different aspects of your life, these are sure to make every journaling session a fulfilling and rewarding journey.

Writing Prompts

You’re probably wondering where to start with your journal entry, so why not try some writing prompts to unleash your creativity and thoughts? These prompts can be categorized into different themes for easier selection.

Selecting a prompt based on your mood or interest can stimulate deep self-reflection and make your journaling experience more meaningful and engaging. Create an environment that inspires creativity, grab a pen, and let your thoughts flow freely!

Themed Entries

Moving on from writing prompts, let’s dive into another interesting and creative approach, known as ‘Themed Entries’.

This method revolves around the concept of thematic exploration where you pick a specific theme or subject matter to write about in your journal. It could be anything from love, travel, self-improvement, to even seasons of the year.

It’s not just about words though; consider incorporating visual elements too. Include drawings, photographs or any image related to your chosen theme for added depth and personal touch.

This way, your journal becomes more than just a diary; it transforms into an artistic chronicle that visually represents your thoughts and experiences pertaining to the chosen theme.

Remember, themed entries can make your journaling journey more engaging and insightful!

Overcoming Common Journaling Challenges

Facing common journaling challenges can be tough, but don’t worry, you’re not alone; many people struggle with finding the time to write, maintaining consistency, or even knowing what to say.

One of the most daunting hurdles is overcoming your journaling fears. It’s natural to feel anxious about expressing yourself freely on paper. Remember though, this space is just for you—there’s no judgement here.

Emotional vulnerability can also be a barrier in journaling. You might find it hard to confront and articulate your feelings. But consider this: allowing yourself to be honest and open in your entries helps you understand yourself better and promotes emotional growth.

If time is an issue, start by setting aside just five minutes a day for writing – you might surprise yourself with how much you can express in such a short span! To maintain consistency, try making journaling part of your daily routine – perhaps first thing in the morning or last thing at night.

Bear in mind that there’s no right or wrong way to keep a journal; it’s all about creating space for self-discovery and reflection. So shake off those challenges and let your thoughts flow onto the page!

Celebrating Your Journaling Journey

–v 5.2 –ar 16:9

Embarking on your personal voyage of self-expression and introspection is truly a cause for celebration. Journaling has the power to transform your life, one entry at a time. As you continue on this path, it’s important to stop now and then, acknowledging your progress and celebrating your journaling journey.

To make it even more fulfilling, consider these four steps:

Set Journaling Milestones : They can be as simple as successfully writing for a week or filling up an entire journal.

Celebrate Achievements: Whenever you hit a milestone, do something special for yourself—maybe buy a new journal or take time out to read through past entries.

Share Your Journey: If comfortable, share some aspects of your journey with trusted loved ones—it may encourage them to start their own.

Recognize the Rewards: Acknowledge how journaling rewards you—from stress release to improved clarity of thought.

Remember that every entry adds value to your life story. You’re not just penning down thoughts; you’re creating an intimate memoir filled with reflections, dreams, and experiences unique to you alone. So celebrate every word written—each one signifies growth in this enriching practice called journaling!

Writing in a Journal: A Short Course on Journal Writing for 2023

Do any of the following statements or questions sound like you?

• “I don’t have time to write a journal!”
• “I don’t know what to write about!”
• “How do I get started?
• “I’m a lousy writer!”

If so, then this short course on journal writing is for you! Here are five easy steps to get started with writing, eight suggestions for new journal writers, and 14 writing techniques for your journal.

How to Get Started with Journal Writing

It’s Easy to W.R.I.T.E.

Just try these five easy steps. You’ll be writing in no time!

W – What do you want to write about? What’s going on? How do you feel? What are you thinking about? What do you want? Name it.

R – Review or reflect on it. Close your eyes. Take three deep breaths. Focus. You can start with “I feel…” or “I want…” or “I think…” or “Today….” or “Right now…” or “In this moment…”

I –  Investigate your thoughts and feelings. Start writing and keep writing. Follow the pen/keyboard. If you get stuck or run out of juice, close your eyes and re-center yourself. Re-read what you’ve already written and continue writing.

T – Time yourself. Write for 5-15 minutes. Write the start time and the projected end time at the top of the page. If you have an alarm/timer on your PDA or cell phone, set it.

E – Exit smart by re-reading what you’ve written and reflecting on it in a sentence or two: “As I read this, I notice—” or “I’m aware of—” or “I feel—”. Note any action steps to take.

In summary….it’s easy to W.R.I.T.E. ! W hat topic? R eview/reflect I nvestigate T ime yourself E xit smart

Looking for free journaling workshops?  Check out our on-demand courses including “ J is for Journal: A Short Course on Writing for Healing, Growth, and Change ,” with seven lessons containing a total of 68 writing prompts!

Eight Suggestions for New Journal Writers

1. protect your privacy..

Store your journal in its own special place so that the temptation for others to read is diminished. Ask for agreement with your housemates that your journal is private. Reserve the first page of any new journal for your name and phone number or e-mail address, along with a notice: This is my personal journal. Please do not read it without my permission. If none of that would stop whoever might read your journal, get a shredder. Find a creative way to protect your privacy, such as a new gmail or yahoo account, freshly passworded, from which to write yourself at that address. Or keep your journal on a flash drive. Make your privacy an intentional act.

2. Start with an entrance meditation.

Nearly every journal technique benefits from a few minutes of focused quieting. Use visualization, soft music, candles, deep breathing, stretches, whatever works for you.

3. Date every entry.

If you only establish one habit in your journal, let it be this one! Dating every entry allows you to chronologically reconstruct your journal by date. It also lets you hear the silence between your entries.

4. Keep (and re-read) what you write.

Often the writes that feel like throw-aways contain the seeds for future insight. Keep it, re-read it later, and surprise yourself with how much you knew that you didn’t know you knew!

5. Write quickly.

You can outsmart dreaded “journal block” by writing so fast that the Internal Critic and the Internal Censor can’t keep up. Keep your pen moving!

6. Start writing; keep writing.

Start with the present moment (“What’s going on?”) Or start with a feeling (“I’m so mad I could bust!”) Or start with a story (“Today the weirdest thing happened….”) Once you’ve started, don’t go back to edit or rewrite. And don’t think too much. Let it flow.

7. Tell yourself the truth.

Your own truth is not your enemy. Don’t try to talk yourself out of knowing what you know or feeling what you feel. Give yourself permission to tell the truth. Also give yourself permission to pace yourself. If the truth seems too bright or harsh, then slow it down.

8. Write naturally.

If there is one inviolate rule of journal writing, it is that there simply are no rules! Do what works. Don’t worry about what you’re not doing. Give yourself permission. Let yourself enjoy the process!

14 Writing Techniques for Your Journal

1. sentence stem..

A sentence-completion process. Fill in the blank with a word or phrase. May be very universal (Right now I feel———-) or highly customized to an individual’s immediate question, problem or interest.

Start with the beginning of a sentence:

• Today I will—
• Right now I feel—
• The most important thing to do—
• I want—
• I need—-
• What I wish I could say to you—
• If only I could—
• I wonder–

—and finish it with a word, a thought, the rest of the sentence.

Boom. You’re done.

2. Five-Minute Sprint .

A timed writing process designed to bring focus and intensity in short bursts. Excellent for those who are resistant or aversive to journal writing, or who are uncertain about how to start, or who state they do not have time to write journals.

It’s a two-step process that couldn’t be more simple:

• Set the timer on your phone or kitchen stove. Stop writing when signaled!
• Keep your pen or fingers moving the entire time. It’s only five minutes. It goes fast.

Ready? Set your timers–and WRITE! Start with this prompt: What’s going on?

3. Inventory.

An assessment of life balance in major areas of living (health, family, home, work, spiritual/religious, emotional well-being, etc.) Gives a quick picture of which life areas might need attention.

4. Structured Write.

A series of Sentence Stems grouped and sequenced to reveal consistently deepening layers of information and awareness.

5. Clustering.

Visual free-association from a central word or phrase. Lines and circles connect key thoughts and associations to the central core. Work quickly to maximize results. A brief writing to synthesize findings may follow.

6. Lists of 100.

A list of 100 items, many of which will probably be repetitions, on a predetermined theme or topic. Repetition is an important part of the process. Topics can be about any current issue (for example: 100 Things I’m Sad About; 100 Things I Need or Want to Do; 100 Places I Would Like to See). At the end of the list, group the responses into themes and synthesize the information.

In this video, Kathleen Adams, Founder of the Center for Journal Therapy, shares what she likes about using short lists as a journaling technique.

7. Alphapoem.

Write the alphabet, A-Z, or any collection of letters, vertically down the side of a page. Then write a poem in which each successive line begins with the next letter. Excellent for groups as it promotes a high level of participation and sharing. Adolescents and reluctant writers respond well.

Check out this example of an Alphapoem:

An Alphapoem on Alphapoems   

by Kay Adams and Scribe (journal group members)                             

A nticipate a B lossoming of                                                          C reative                                                                          D elight!                                                                          E asy, really, once you                                                    F ind the rhythm and the pace.                                                      G ather up the thoughts you                                          H old secret in your heart.                                                I magine them                                                                            J ust drifting out, a                                                                    K aleidoscope of                                                                        L etters                                                                                              M aking words. N o rules to follow–except the O bvious one. P erhaps you’ll find a poet inside? Q uite likely! R ead your Alphapoems; you’ll find them S tartlingly T rue–an U nusual way to give V oice to the W himpers, wonderings, whys, wins. X hilerating feeling to find Y ou’ve reached the Z enith of the poem!

8. Captured Moments.

Vignettes capturing the sensations of a particularly meaningful or emotional experience. Written from the senses with strong descriptors. Captured Moments of beauty, joy, blessing, calm can add balance, hope and perspective to a challenging time.

9. Unsent Letters .

A metaphoric communication to another that is written with the specific intention that it will not be shared.

10. Character Sketch .

A written portrait of another person or of an aspect of the self. Can also be written about emotions by personifying an emotion and giving it a characterization – an appearance, a style of dress, a personality and temperament.

11. Dialogue.

A metaphoric conversation written in two voices. Anyone or anything is an appropriate dialogue partner. There is no constriction by time, space, physical reality or literal voice.

On the page, it looks like a script:

Me:  So how do I do this?

Dialogue Partner:  Just ask me a question, and I’ll respond.

Me:  Seems a little silly.

D.P.:  Just make it up! Write the next thing in your head.

You can write a dialogue with anyone or anything: Your Wise Self, your spouse/partner/child, your job, your body, your feelings, your dreams and desires – anything goes!

12. Perspectives .

An alteration in point of view that provides a different perspective on an event or situation. Through magical realism, we can jump time, compare alternative realities and walk a mile in another’s moccasins. The writer experiences a new dimension of time, place or voice.

• A different time:  Using imagery, time-travel to a date in the near or distant past or future. Write that altered date at the top of the page. Imagine who you are, how you feel, what is different, how a problem got solved or an issue resolved. Write in the present tense, as if it were that time.
• A different place:  When faced with a tough choice or decision, jump time and write Perspectives entries in the present tense as if you’d made each choice. One man, conflicted about applying to medical school or a psychology program, saw himself miserable as a psychiatrist and fully engaged as a psychotherapist working with veterans and their families. See what nudges forward from your subconscious mind!
• A different voice:  Write in someone else’s “I” voice, in the present tense, as if that person were writing in a journal about you or a disagreement (argument, conflict, painful difference) the two of you are experiencing.
• Another different voice:  Alter your own voice by writing in past tense, in the third-person voice (s/he, her/his), about your own experience. This pulls back the camera lens, puts you in the role of omniscient  narrator/compassionate witness and allows useful distance and objectivity. This is particularly helpful if you are working with difficult stories that can create intense emotional states.

13. Springboard.

A free-write with a prompt. Starting a free-write with the smallest structure of a question, thought or topic can focus and frame the writing session.

Here are some sample springboards:

• What’s the next thing to do?
• A year from today, I will ….
• Why don’t I … ?
• I’m sorry I didn’t….
• What am I avoiding?
• If I knew I would succeed, I would ….
• I want to overcome….
• Where am I going?
• What do I want?
• If I weren’t scared….
• What’s the best thing? What’s the worst thing?

In this video, Kathleen Adams, Founder of the Center for Journal Therapy, talks about using props to get started with writing.

14. Free Writing.

Unboundaried, unstructured, unpaced narrative writing. Useful for creative flow or spontaneous writing sessions. Can be structured by adding a time limit or page limit.

(c) Kathleen Adams. All rights reserved. For reprint permission please email us .

Center for Journal Therapy

3440 youngfield st., #411 wheat ridge, co. 80033 phone: (303) 209-9599 contact us >>.

How to Write a Journal Guide

• How To Start and Write a Journal

We keep a lot of things in our heads, but we put less down on paper. All those thoughts and ideas bouncing around can sometimes feel overwhelming. You have to-do lists, hopes, dreams, secrets, failures, love, loss, ups and downs. Ideas come and go, feelings pass. How do you remember all of them? How do you keep them organized? A great way to keep your thoughts organized and clear your mind is to write them down in a journal. Writing is a great exercise for anyone and by expressing yourself in a personal place is a wonderful way to stay sane. 

Starting a Journal

To start a journal, you just need to be willing to write. You don’t have to write well, you just need to want to do it. You don’t even need to decide what to write, you just need to let your words flow. Once you’ve decided you want to create a journal, here is a long list of instructions to guide you: 

Set up a schedule of when you play to write in your journal. You want to turn your writing into a habit, so create a schedule. Pick a time and the days of the week you will want to write and create a timely calendar reminder, so you don't forget. By scheduling the same times, journaling will become a natural and regular part of your agenda that you can look forward to. 

Find the right space to write.  

When you’re writing, it is helpful to be in a space where you can focus and concentrate. A quiet room with no distractions works best. Allow yourself to focus on your writing, without any interruptions. Make sure you are able to sit upright and are comfortable. An office or a study room is always great.

Buy a physical journal or Sign-up for Penzu

Penzu is a digital journal that will allow you to write from any device. It will make your journal writing incredibly easy-to-use, accessible, organized and private. It will save all your work and date it for you, so you never need to remember. It is a great tool for writing anywhere and keeping your work in one place. 

Close your eyes and reflect on your day. 

You may not know what to write about and that’s okay. Your journal can be about anything you want. A good way to begin writing is to close your eyes and think about what you’re feeling. 

Ask yourself questions.

What has happened that day? How did that make you feel? Are you excited about anything? Why? Reflect on the thoughts and feelings you’ve been having.

Dive in and start writing.

It is easy to begin sentences with, “I feel,” or “I think,” or “I wonder.” Don’t feel pressured to stick to any particular form or topic. The beginning of your journal writing can just be an introduction to your thoughts at the time. This is your personal space, so you should feel comfortable writing. 

Time yourself.

Set a time for how long you want to write. Somewhere between 5-20 minutes is ideal, depending on how much you want to jot down. Setting a time will help you stay focused and stop you from getting carried away. It is easy to feel like you need to write down every detail and this will help prevent that. 

Re-read your entry and add additional thoughts. 

10 Tips When Writing a Journal

Here are some tips to get started properly and consistently writing in your journal.

1. Set a schedule

As we mentioned earlier in the article, setting a schedule is a great first step. Decide how many times you want to write and set a schedule. Whether it be once a day, or once a week, decide on a time you want to write and don’t skip it. 

2. Keep it private

A journal is personal and should be a place you feel comfortable expressing yourself honestly and truthfully. Penzu keeps your journal safe and secure, with all your entries made private by default, only made available to share under your command. 

3. Meditate

Any journal entry will benefit from some moments of reflection before you begin writing. Before you start writing, go to a quiet place and focus on your breath for a few minutes. This is a wonderful exercise to clear your head and settle your thoughts . 

4.Brainstorm

If you want your journal to be about something specific, brainstorm ideas to write about. You can write a bible journal , a dream journal , cooking, work, school, anything you want! Feel free to start writing down ideas of what you are interested in or feel you should be writing about. This is the perfect place to get your creative juices flowing. Check out this page for a list of all the different types of journals .

5.Date your entry

It is important to keep each journal entry dated, so you know when you wrote it. You will want to go back through your journal at some point and see when the entries of the topic you’re writing about were added. Also, it will be nice to see how you were feeling at different points in your life. Penzu automatically dates your entries for you, so you don’t have to worry about remembering to do it. 

6.Title your entry

If you can, try and title your entries. This will help you navigate your journal and keep your writings focused. You don’t need to title it before you start writing though. A great way to think of a title is after you’ve written, but it is something to keep in mind. 

7.Write naturally

When writing, don’t feel like you have to follow any form or structure. Just do what comes naturally. Follow your train of thought and see what kind of writing follows. 

8.Write quickly

Don’t let writer’s block get in your way. Just keep writing whatever comes to mind. It is always hard to stop and start again, so keeping writing. It doesn’t have to make sense. Don’t think too much about the words you are putting on the page. You can make sense of them later. 

9.Write honestly

Your journal is for your eyes only, so be honest. You don’t want to lie to yourself. Be real with your thoughts, feelings and opinions. Be as candid as you can. You want your journal to be an honest representation of yourself and the times you’re writing in. 

10. Have fun

Writing a journal should be an enjoyable experience. Have fun with your writing and take pleasure in it. Writing in your journal shouldn’t be a chore. It should be something you look forward to doing, so make it a fun exercise. 

8 Extra Tips For New Journal Writers

Writing a journal entry is different for everyone. We all write differently and about different things, so it is a different experience for everyone. We can help with pointing you in the right direction, whatever that direction may be. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Think about what you want to write. 

Your journal doesn’t need to have a theme, but an easy way to start writing an entry is to think about what you want to write about. 

• Do you want to write about that day’s events? 
• Do you want to write about your plans for tomorrow?
• Are you planning a trip?
• Are you working on a project?
• Are you in a new relationship?
• Do you want to discuss your family?

Decide what you wish to discuss and go in that direction.

2. Try writing with a journaling prompt

If you are having trouble deciding on a topic, try writing personally and/or creatively to get you started. Here are some journaling prompts you could think about:

• What is your earliest childhood memory?
• What is/was your favorite subject in school? Why?
• Write a poem about your first romantic encounter.
• What is your biggest secret?
• Who is someone in your life that made a large impact on you? Why?

3. Plan ahead

Make sure you have a designated time to write. That way you can start thinking about what you want to write throughout the day and can prepare ideas. This will also get you looking forward to writing.

4. Practice

Write as much as possible. Writing will become easier you more you do it. Try and get into the habit of writing regularly and your entries will start coming to you naturally. 

5. Write letters

There are certainly times in your life where you wish you said something, or wish you didn't say something. Write about these moments. Think about writing letters that you will never send. They can be addressed to specific people or not, but they are great outlets for honest thoughts and make for compelling entries.

6. Try different perspectives

A helpful method of writing is to write from different perspectives. Pick a topic or event to write about and try writing in from someone else’s perspective, like a parent’s, a friend’s, or even an animal’s. It is healthy to think about things from different points of view. 

7. Add pictures

Pictures say a thousand words and can certainly inspire more. With Penzu you can import photos right into your entries, so feel free to add them throughout or just at the beginning to give you inspiration. You can talk about what is happening in the picture, the person that took it, what isn’t pictured, or just what it means to you. Think of it as giving the picture a long caption. 

8. Free write

Free writing is without direction, structure or motive. This means just take yourself to the page and go wild. Whenever an idea pops into your head, just write it down. It doesn't have to be cohesive or have a purpose. 

To Start Writing in a Journal With Penzu

Now that you’ve learned many tips of how to start and write in a journal, it’s time to get started with Penzu. Here’s how to get started:

• Grab your phone, computer or tablet.
• Make sure you are connected to WiFi.
• Go to Penzu.com to create an account.
• Enter your name, email and a password for your account.
• Download the apps.
• Log in and begin writing!

Writing journals is simple and easy! Download Penzu today and get let the words flow!

There's no time like the present - start your free online journal today!

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Journal Basics

What is a Journal?

Journal Entries

Benefits of Journaling

Journal Types

• Journal Examples
• Journal Prompts

Ideas for Journals

• Pregnancy Journal

A pregnancy journal helps you remember important information about your health and make better decisions while you're expecting.

Travel Journal

Create a collection of adventures, stories, memories, and discovery while you travel. You’ll remember more about your trips and appreciate everything you experienced.

5 Year Journal

A five year journal can help you remember the people and events that matter to you.

• Dream Journal

Dream journals are instrumental in fields as diverse as psychology, natural science, creative arts and advanced mathematics. What is your subconscious trying to tell you?

• Bible Journal

Bible journals can provide you with a therapeutic way to better cope with everyday situations, understand your feelings and establish a connection between your life and the biblical content.

• Free Signup
• What is a Journal
• Reflective Journal
• Five Year Journal
• Secret Diary
• Electronic Diary
• Diary Templates
• Wedding Diary
• School Diary
• Health Diary

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Module 1: Success Skills

Assignment: writing in college journal entry.

https://youtu.be/RH95h36NChI

The video above discusses beliefs students hold about college and demonstrates how those beliefs relate to test performance. Consider how beliefs might also impact a student’s performance on writing assignments.

Develop a 200–400 word journal entry that identifies three beliefs, mentioned in the video or discovered through your own observations, that relate to a student’s ability to write academic essays. Explain how these beliefs might be adjusted through the practice of metacognition to improve writing results.

Worked Example

Journal entry assignments tend to be more flexible than other types of writing assignments in college, and as a result they can be tailored to your own experiences as long as they answer the primary questions asked in the assignment.

One model of a successful entry about this topic can be found below. Feel free to include your own experiences and examples from real life as they pertain to the issue at hand.

Writing in College Journal Entry by Sandy Brown Belief: Learning is fast Related to writing essays, I could see how I could easily fall into this trap of thinking that fast is good. I have such limited time in the day to work on school assignments, that I think that whatever I can manage to get done must be the best possible work that I’m capable of doing. I should allow myself more time, though that’s easier said than done. Even with smaller writing assignments, like this one, if I give myself a day or two to sketch out ideas for what I want to say, and then reflect on it before writing it, I think I’ll do a much better job in the long run. Belief: I’m really good at multi-tasking This one is very related to the “learning is fast” idea. Watching the girl in the video do a million things while she’s studying is just like watching my own kids at night! And I’m pretty guilty of this, as well. If I can set aside a quiet part of my night, and just focus on only one assignment at a time, I think I’ll do a lot better with my writing overall. And I’ll be happier with the results. Belief: Being good at a subject is a matter of inborn talent This is actually not a belief I personally hold. I always loved to read growing up, and I still do read fiction as much as time allows. But working as a business administrator for the past 15 years has shown me that I’m pretty good with numbers and bookkeeping, too, which I wouldn’t have guessed before this job. One of my daughters is very drawn towards English and writing, and another struggles with it. They both seem to feel this is a matter of fate. I’m going to share this video with them, because I think there are ways that my daughter who struggles can be empowered to think that she CAN get better at writing, if she just keeps practicing. (This is also something I’m going to do myself…I’m very out of practice with writing for school!)

• Revision and Adaptation. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Writing Strategies. Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : https://courses.candelalearning.com/lumencollegesuccess/chapter/writing-strategies/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
• How to Get the Most Out of Studying: Part 1 of 5, Beliefs That Make You Fail... Or Succeed. Authored by : Samford Office of Marketing and Communication. Located at : https://youtu.be/RH95h36NChI . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

• How to Cite
• Language & Lit
• Rhyme & Rhythm
• The Rewrite
• Search Glass

How to Write a Journal Entry in APA Format

The American Psychological Association (APA) style began as a way to simplify scientific writing. APA is also used by many college professors and students when submitting academic essays. APA style incorporates a set of rules that guide the writer in such tasks as formatting a reference list. Journal citations in particular must be entered in a certain fashion to conform to APA style. Knowing the APA guidelines for citing journal entries is important for the credibility of both your sources and your article, book or essay.

Format journals with continuous pagination using these items in this order: author last name, author first initial, author middle initial, year of publication, title of work in full, name of publication, volume number, and pages referenced. For example:

Loftus, E. F. (1993). The reality of repressed memories. American Psychologist, 48, 518-537.

• Note that in an actual citation, the name of the publication and the volume number would be in italics.

Cite non-paginated journals using these items in this order: author last name, author first initial, author middle initial, year of publication, title of work in full, name of publication, volume number, issue number, and pages referenced. For example:

Hubel, D. H. & Wiesel, T. N. (1979). Brain mechanisms of vision. Scientific American, 241(3), 150-164.

List a referenced journal article accessed online using these items in this order: author last name, author first initial, author middle initial, year of publication, title of work in full, name of publication, volume number, issue number, pages referenced, and DOI number. For example:

Ku, G. (2008). Learning to de-escalate: The effects of regret in escalation of commitment. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 105(2), 221-232. doi:10.1016/j.obhdp.2007.08.002

Enter journal articles from a subscription database using these items in this order: author last name, author first initial, author middle initial, year of publication, month of publication, day of publication, title of work in full, name of publication, volume number, issue number, pages referenced, name of website, and URL. For example:

Colvin, G. (2008, July 21). Information worth billions. Fortune, 158(2), 73-79. Retrieved from Business Source Complete, EBSCO. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com

• When there are more than seven authors, list the first six authors followed by an ellipsis and the last author. For example:
• Burger, J., Gochfeld, M., Jeitner, C., Burke, S., Stamm, T., Snigaroff, R., . . . Weston, J. (2007). Mercury levels and potential risk from subsistence foods of the Aleutians. Science of the Total Environment, 384, 93-105. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.05.004
• Cornell University Library; APA Citation Style

Johnny Kilhefner is a writer with a focus on technology, design and marketing. Writing for more than five years, he has contributed to Writer's Weekly, PopMatters, Bridged Design and APMP, among many other outlets.

How To Write a Journal: Step-By-Step

Discover how to write a journal quickly and easily in our step-by-step guide.

I’ve kept journals in various forms on and off for twenty years. Journal writing is a skill that asks for commitment, practice, and honesty. It’s also a perfect practice for creative and successful people. And anyone can do it! This article walks through how to write a journal step-by-step and includes some advanced tips. It pairs nicely with our list of journal writing topics . But first, why even bother with journaling?

The Benefits of Journal Writing

1. journaling cultivates a daily writing habit, 2. journaling documents your life, 3. journaling tackles self-doubt, 4. it’s cheaper than therapy, 5. it cultivates personal growth, 6. journaling is a type of writing practice, step 1: pick a time for journaling, step 2: select a topic to write about, step 3: journal for a pre-determined period, step 4: don’t stop to edit , step 5: explore your thinking, step 6: stop and tidy up, step 7: review your journal entries regularly, keeping multiple journals, how to find time for journal writing, journal writing tools and resources, what do you write in a personal journal, how do you structure a journal, what is an example of a journal, what is the purpose of journal writing, journaling resources.

Journaling is a great pursuit for writers and creatives. I’ve journaled for years and recommend it to many writers. It’s easy to start a daily journaling practice, and it doesn’t take much time. But why should you keep a journal in the first place? To answer that question, let’s explore how some famous journal writers approached this craft.

Anytime, I avoid writing because I’m tired, bored, or devoid of ideas, I remind myself of the importance of discipline. Almost every writer I’ve read about sacrificed to pursue their work. They rose early or worked late into the night and they wrote because they had to and not just when they felt the hand of inspiration.

Like many famous journal writers, Virginia Woolf kept hers with a pencil and paper. She recorded entries every morning until the early afternoon. She wrote about her routine, her ordinary moments :

“I generally write with heat and ease till 12.30 and thus do my two pages. So it will be done, written over that is, in 3 weeks, I forecast from today”

Cheever bemoans his lack of discipline throughout his journals. However, in an entry written shortly before his death in 1982, he recognizes he possessed this essential and departing personal strength that comes with adhering to a writing routine.

“I have climbed from a bed on the second floor to reach this typewriter. This was an achievement. I do not understand what has happened to the discipline, or character, that has brought me here for so many years,” he writes.

Yes, discipline is important, but not at the cost of day-to-day life. For a long time, I thought there was nothing more important than filling a blank page with sentences.

Now, I spend time running, reading, traveling, meeting friends, and sitting quietly . I do other things that aren’t writing. And I’m OK with that.

Even if you’ve found a passion, side-interests are essential. When you’re in danger of burning out, taking time to pursue a side-interest will stoke the embers of what inspires you. Woolf chronicled her long walks while Cheever wrote dozens of entries about swimming, cycling, and meeting friends.

“I do have trouble with the dead hours of the afternoon without skating, skiing, bicycling, swimming, or sexual discharges or drink,” he writes.

The Russian writer Nabokov had little time for eating, socializing, or drinking coffee with friends.

Instead, he loved to solve chess problems and study butterflies. Both of these interests informed his work; his novel, Zashchita Luzhina (The Luzhin Defense), features an insane chess player. He writes in his memoir:

“And the highest enjoyment of timelessness…is when I stand among rare butterflies and their food plants. This is ecstasy, and behind the ecstasy is something else, which is hard to explain. It is like a momentary vacuum into which rushes all that I love.”

Self-doubt is a problem for many writers. They worry about what others will think of their ideas and stories. Years ago, I didn’t like writing articles like this one. I worried about how people will perceive me, and if I’ll upset or offend anyone. I learned from Virginia Woolf’s journals that many writers are insecure about their work. However, criticism can help writers improve their craft. She writes:

“What is the use of saying one is indifferent to reviews when positive praise, though mingled with blame, gives one such a start on, that instead of feeling dried up, one feels, on the contrary, flooded with ideas?”

Cheever wasn’t one for paying too much attention to his critics. He rarely re-read his works or reviews about them. That said, even Cheever occasionally dreamt (worried) about how people saw him. He writes in his journal:

“…and last night I had a dream that a brilliant reviewer pointed out that there was an excess of lamentation in my work.”

One way to overcome insecurity is to practice expressing gratitude. I try to do this by thanking those who take the time to read or even share my work, and by appreciating that writers today have more places to express themselves than before.

Several years ago, I became a father for the first time. It was a happy time but after my son was born, I dreamt about death and how my life would end. I knew I wasn’t depressed but I worried there was something wrong with me. Then a friend (also a recent father), confessed the same thoughts. As we get older, it’s natural to consider mortality and death. To pretend death doesn’t exist is to live in ignorance of the bond we all share.

There are echoes of death in Woolf’s, Cheever’s, and Nabokov’s memoirs, and these authors taught me it’s unnatural to avoid considering our place in the world. In the opening pages of Speak Memory, Nabokov unpacks the notion of time as a single linear event. He challenged the reader to see not just the endpoint of life, but the beginning of life as well. He writes:

“….my mind has made colossal efforts to distinguish the faintest of personal glimmers in the impersonal darkness on both sides of my life.”

In short, journaling is good for your well-being and mental health.

Journaling is a good way of exploring your ideas, opinions, and inner beliefs. Through this habit, you can mark accomplishments and failures and also reflect on important life lessons. You could:

• Set goals and track your progress towards these goals
• Review your setbacks and move past them
• Mark accomplishments and failures

The journals of Cheever, Woolf, and Nabokov taught me that keeping a journal helps identify negative patterns, thoughts, and behaviors. Woolf writes about her depression at length. In 1934, she describes the period after she finished her experimental novel The Waves .

“I was, I remember, nearer suicide, seriously, than since 1913.”

John chronicles his alcoholism at length in his journal and towards the end of his book, it’s hard not the feel the same sense of relief as he does upon finally becoming sober. If you want to learn how to write a journal, I don’t want to be too morbid and put you off. The journals of these authors aren’t all filled with dark life lessons and lamentations. Sometimes, these writers express gratitude.

Nabokov writes at length about his love for his mother and father, his son, and Russia of old. And I’ve yet to read a more powerful personal mission statement than Cheever’s aspiration for the blank page:

“To write well, to write passionately, to be less inhibited, to be warmer, to be more self-critical, to recognise the power of as well as the force of lust, to write, to love.”

Writer’s block describes feeling uninspired and having no great ideas to write about. Thankfully, you don’t need to worry about that while journaling. After all, your journal ideas and entries are for you and you alone. Simply, turn up for a few minutes at the same time each day and jot down what you’re thinking or doing. It’s also helpful for:

• Articulating your arguments and ideas privately
• Reflecting on recent lessons from your personal or professional life
• Charting your progress towards your goals
• Reflecting on your to-do list or creative projects

Even if you don’t turn journal entries into public works, reading back on older entries from your own life is entertaining and revealing.

How to Start Writing a Journal: 7 Easy Steps

You don’t have to be a writer to learn how to journal. To practice journaling, write a short entry at the same time of day, every day. If that sounds like too much work, try once a week.

If you want to learn how to start a journal on your computer, use a dedicated journaling app like Day One. It’s built for digital journaling and supports images and videos as well.

Alternatively, create a password-protected file using Word, Pages, or another writing app on your computer. Ideally, it should sync with a service like Google Drive so you don’t have to worry about losing entries. With that in mind, follow these steps:

Open your journaling tool of choice, close the door, and relax. If you have one to hand, pick a single journal writing prompt. Eliminate any distractions including your phone and social media. It’s easier to follow a journaling habit if you stick to it at the same time every day.

A journal entry works well if it’s about a single topic, e.g. your daily routine, creative projects, or a personal problem. That said, there are no rules. Free write if you have to. Often the biggest challenge with creating a journaling habit is figuring out what to write about. You can start a journal entry in several different ways. Here are some creative things to write about in a journal:

• What you did yesterday
• You plans for today
• An inspiring book, film or album
• Lessons from a course you took
• How you’re feeling
• An argument you had
• A memory from you past
• Progress towards a goal
• A problem at work or in your persona life

Julia Cameron, the author of The Artist’s Way, advocates keeping morning pages. These are a great way of starting a journal entry . All you have to do is get up, sit down at your desk and write a stream of consciousness entry first thing.

Set a timer for twenty-five minutes. If that’s too long, aim for five minutes. Consistency is more important than duration. Depending on what’s happening, you may have time to write longer journal entries at the weekend or evening time. Oh, and keep writing!

While writing a journal entry, don’t stop to edit yourself or edit for punctuation until the buzzer sounds. Editing and journaling are different activities. Also, journal entries are for you alone, so it doesn’t matter if you write a stream-of-consciousness .

Allow for negative thoughts, expressive writing, and random ideas to make their way into your journal entries. Reflective journaling is a type of therapy and a window into the soul. So, don’t hold back.

When the timer sounds, re-read your journal entry and tidy it up. Then, move on with your day.

Review your journal entries and writing process once a week, month, or quarter. Past entries should inform future entries. I don’t recommend revising old entries much though, beyond fixing typos and grammar errors. It’s easy and unhelpful to judge an old version of yourself. When in doubt, write a new entry.

I’ve kept various journals on and off since I was fifteen years old. These days, I record a personal journal containing the types of entries you would expect to find in someone’s journal or diary, i.e. it’s about my day-to-day life.

I write 200-300 word entries every morning and a longer entry at the weekend. It’s kind of like my morning pages (an idea advocated by Julia Cameron). I also record a professional or business journal . Here, I write about how this blog and my work is progressing. I also describe the challenges I’m having and what I’m working on.

Finally, I keep a type of Zettelkasten in Day One, which acts as a repository of ideas and information I come across for future writing projects. Here, I record snippets and other information from books I read, courses I take and talks I watch. I also include the links and write a reaction to these. This journaling habit gives me more source materials for future articles. For example:

This Zettelkasten or Slip box contains dozens of entries about writing advice from creative masters like John Cheever and Virginia Woolf. I used a few of them for this article! If you want to learn more about the Zettelkasten method, check out my podcast interview with Sacha Fast .

I won’t lie; if you want to keep writing a journal, you must commit to the practice. Some people who want to keep a journal say they find the process time-consuming, that they forget to write regular entries, and that it can become a chore.

These are valid concerns for journal writers. I spend several hours each week on journal writing. However, if you’re new, start with five minutes a day, ideally in the morning before you forget. Wake up early if you have it.

If you’re experiencing these problems, accept that there will be times when you don’t or can’t write. Instead, remember the benefits of journal writing and that no one needs to read or see this work (i.e. it doesn’t have to be perfect or even polished). You don’t need to keep more than one either. I’ve shared how I practice journal writing in case it helps.

Using Journal Writing Prompts

Some mornings it’s hard to write while tired and under-caffeinated. So I created a personal list of journal writing prompts and used those for a long time. Day One app contains daily journal writing useful prompts. I also like taking pictures of my phone while out and about and using these to start writing entries faster. Sometimes, I just write up what I did yesterday.

I occasionally use TextExpander for OS X ( Phase Express is a Windows alternative) to write entries faster. These are text-expansion apps that turn keyboard shortcuts into snippets of text that I use for my entries.

For example, when I type “; journal”, TextExpander pastes the following questions into my personal journal:

How am I feeling right now? What are my plans for today? What did I read/listen to? How did I help my family?

When I type “; blog”, Textexpander pastes the following questions:

What did I do yesterday? What lesson did I learn? What could I have done better? What one thing must I focus on this week?

I use a semi-colon to prevent Textexpander from inadvertently creating this text while I’m working on something else. These questions serve as writing prompts . When I see them appear on the page, I spend less time thinking about “what I want to write” and more time answering these questions. You can also find several dozen journal writing prompts in my book Yes You Can Write!

• A notepad: you can’t beat the classics!
• Day One : a dedicated app for Mac and iOS users
• Journey: a diary app for Android
• The Daly Stoic Journal by Ryan Holiday: Packed full of journaling prompts, I keep a copy on my desk
• The Early Morning Pages by Julia Cameron: a guide to writing in the early hours
• A password-protected file: nosey-parkers, keep out!
• Onenote or Evernote: both are useful if you like tagging entries
• WordPress: you can password-protect your entries
• Yes You Can Write!
• Speak Memory

If you want more, check out Anthony Metevier’s post How To Keep A Journal And Remember More and also my detailed guide on Medium.

FAQs on How to Write A Journal

You can write whatever you want as each entry is for you alone. Some good topics include what you did yesterday, goals, your to-do list, and personal or professional challenges.

Journal entries typically don’t require much structure. However, it’s a good idea to date your entries so you can understand your journal’s chronology.

The novelist John Cheever’s journals and Virginia Woolf’s journals are both good examples worth reading.

Journal writing enables you to clarify your thinking, work through negative emotions and record your daily life. It’s also a form of writing practice.

The Best Journals to Buy

Diary Vs Journal: What’s The Difference?

Adam Jelic interview , the creator behind MiGoals journals

How to Create a Good Journal Entry

Introduction: How to Create a Good Journal Entry

What can be called a journal? It's a kind of chronicle you write to express your thoughts, to make a summary of your activities, to compose a plan or important steps to remember and follow when it comes to different writing assignments, etc. It does not matter what you are going to chronicle, but when you write a journal you'd better know the following guidelines to start and make your journal look and sound good.

Step 1: Find a Thing That Will Become Your Journal

Have you decided what tool you will use to write your journal? It can be your laptop, a notebook, some mobile applications created with this goal, a blank book or a collection of some sticky notes. Whatever you choose to create your journal entries, your first step should be finding a tool to use for it.

Step 2: Choose a Writing Tool

If your journal lives online you can skip this step: it's obvious you'll use a keyboard to write your journal entries. But if you've decided to have an old-fashioned journal, a paper one, you will need a nice pen! Or maybe even several pens of different style for your writings to look cool.

Step 3: Establish a Writing Habit

Do you want to bring your journal with you everywhere? Or do you prefer to set a particular time for writing? Set up your daily routine to make your writing comfortable for you; make this routine a habit, and it will be much easier for you to create journal entries.

Step 4: Set Up a Good Writing Place

Environment plays a very important role when it comes to creative process, as it can motivate and inspire you to write your entries. Think of the best place to fit your writing mood. Is it your quiet room? Or maybe you will feel yourself better in a cafe? Choose a place that will be conductive to everyday writing : for example, when I write entries for my personal blog, Omnipapers , I lock myself in my room to avoid distractions. Classical music helps and inspires me too.

Step 5: Keep Your Every Entry Dated

Putting a date to every entry of your journal might be really helpful. It will be easier to systematize your writings and find them quickly when needed.

Step 6: Write Your Entry

Just write your thoughts and ideas down as soon as they occur. If it appears difficult at first, try writing about your day, the things you've done during this day, the feelings you experienced, etc. The point is to start writing: every topic might lead you to interesting thoughts to write down. A few tips to consider:

• D o not worry about structure. Write as you feel, without thinking of grammar and punctuation rules.
• Will it be only you who reads your entries? Do not worry about what other people can think of your journal: you write for yourself, and you express yourself with your journal.

Step 7: Be Creative

Do not think of your journal entries as simple text. It's so easy to be creative and make beautiful and diverse writings: try poems, lists, collages, artworks, etc. Make your journal unique and beautiful.

Step 8: Feel the Best Moment to Stop

Stop your writing before you feel drained and exhausted completely, and get back to your journal when you have enough ideas, inspiration and energy to write good texts again.

Step 9: Reread Your Journal Entry

You can do it once you've completed your entry or after a while: rereading your journal might help you improve your writing, systematize your thoughts and learn yourself better.

Step 10: Conclusion

As far as you can see, it's not very difficult to create good journal entries: write about what you like, white how you feel and think, make your entries look beautiful and pleasant for your eyes, reread them to understand yourself better. I hope this article will be useful to read for all people interested in writing; if you plan to write journal entries it might help you understand what to start with.

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• Career Advice

Writing Effective Journal Essay Introductions

By  James Phelan and Faye Halpern

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Istockphoto.com/Ranjltsinh Rathod

Authors and editors in the humanities know that journals are more likely to accept scholarly essays with strong introductions and that such essays are more likely to influence academic conversations. Yet from our experiences as journal editors and authors, we also know that writers often struggle with introductions.

That’s understandably so: not only is a lot riding on an essay’s introduction, but it also needs to accomplish multiple rhetorical tasks efficiently. And while everyone knows the general purpose of the introduction -- to state the essay's thesis -- many people have trouble determining how best to get to that statement. In this article, our thesis is threefold. First, there are many effective strategies for building up to that statement. Second, underlying these strategies is a smaller set of common purposes. And finally, working with an awareness of both the first and second principles is a sound way to write strong introductions.

Strategies and Purposes

Here is an illustrative list of strategies, neither comprehensive nor mutually exclusive.

The Problem-Solution Strategy. You start by identifying a problem and unpacking its key dimensions and then propose your solution in the thesis statement or statements. (You no doubt recognize that we have just used this strategy.) For another example, see Catherine Gallagher, “ The Rise of Fictionality .”

The Question-Answer Strategy. You interweave descriptions of noteworthy phenomena and questions that they raise; you then propose answers in your thesis statement or statements. Some examples include Peter J. Rabinowitz’s “ Truth in Fiction: A Re-Examination of Audiences ” and Sarah Iles Johnston’s " The Greek Mythic Storyworld ."

The Revision of Received Wisdom Strategy. You begin by respectfully setting out a plausible and generally accepted view about the essay's central issue; you then point out flaws in this view and formulate an alternative view in your thesis statement or statements. Examples are Gerald Graff’s “ Why How We Read Trumps What We Read ” and John Hardwig’s “ The Role of Trust in Knowledge .”

The Bold Pronouncement Strategy. You announce an especially arresting thesis in your opening sentence or sentences. You then proceed to provide the relevant context for that thesis. For examples, see Brian McHale, “ Beginning to Think About Narrative in Poetry ” and Susan Wolf, “ Moral Saints .”

The Storytelling Strategy. You use an anecdote that illustrates salient aspects of the essay's central issue and then link the anecdote to your thesis about that issue. This strategy is often combined with one of the others, especially No. 1 and No. 2. Examples are Miriam Schoenfield’s “ Permission to Believe: Why Permissivism Is True and What It Tells Us About Irrelevant Influences on Belief ” and Jane Tompkins’s “ Sentimental Power: Uncle Tom’s Cabin and the Politics of Literary History .”

These strategies are ultimately means to accomplish three interrelated rhetorical purposes of strong introductions. All three are concerned with your readers, but the second also pays attention to your dialogic partners: the other scholars whose work you engage. Those three purposes are to:

• Immediately garner your audience’s interest. You and your readers know that problems beg for solutions, questions for answers. Revising received wisdom promises your audience something fresh and even perhaps contrarian. Making bold pronouncements invites your audience to see whether you can back them up. Telling stories asks your audience to engage in their instabilities and complications and to look for their resolution in your thesis and its supporting arguments.
• Situate yourself in the relevant scholarly conversations. Introductions aren’t the place for extensive reviews of previous scholarship, but they are the place for combining attention to issues raised by earlier commentators with giving your writing an argumentative edge. Questions, problems, revisions, pronouncements and storytelling in the service of argument -- all these rhetorical acts arise from the intersection between your distinctive take on your object of study and the takes of previous commentators. Consequently, regardless of your particular strategies, your introduction should orient your audience to the general intervention your essay wants to make in the scholarly conversation. Are you intervening by saying “yes and,” “yes but,” “no” or some combination of those responses?
• Help provide what Gordon Harvey calls a “motive,” which underlies and drives your argument. To put it another way, the strategies push you toward answering the “So what?” question. A strong introduction will signal to your readers that you’re aware of what’s at stake in your argument and why it matters. Although you can work with problems, questions, revisions, pronouncements and storytelling without addressing the “So what?” question, you are more likely to address it, at least implicitly, by pursuing the first two purposes. By pursuing all three, you are more likely not only to have your essay accepted but also to have it make a difference in your field.

Applying the Strategies

In practical terms, the main challenge of writing effective introductions is finding the sweet spot in which you properly balance your presentation of others’ work with your own ideas. We have two main suggestions for hitting that spot. The first involves a general approach to the challenge, and the second builds on it with more specific advice.

First, think of your introduction as needing both “a hook and an I,” a precept that becomes clearer when you think of introductions that have only one of those components. The “all hook and no I” introduction has paragraph upon paragraph (or even page upon page) describing how other scholars have viewed the issue the article addresses with little indication of how the author’s thesis fits into this conversation. Conversely, “the no hook and all I” introduction immediately launches into the author’s argument without establishing the current scholarly conversation that makes it meaningful.

This advice about avoiding the no hook and all I introduction may initially seem to run counter to the bold-pronouncement strategy we outlined above, but a closer look reveals that it is a distinctive variation, a “first I and then hook” progression. The strategy involves moving from your arresting assertion to the context that sharpens its stakes. At the same time, this possible objection helps clarify the situations in which it makes sense to employ the bold-pronouncement strategy: those in which readers of the journal will immediately recognize the striking quality of the thesis, the ways it seeks to take the scholarly conversation in a substantially new direction.

Why might authors go for just the hook or just the I? You might opt for the all-hook intro because you want to demonstrate up front your mastery of a body of relevant scholarship. A noble rationale, but one that often has the unfortunate effect of suggesting to readers that you are so immersed in that scholarship that you haven’t figured out your own point of view.

You might opt for the all-I intro because you want to give your readers credit for knowing a lot about the relevant scholarly conversation rather than rehearsing points you believe they are already familiar with. Another honorable justification, but one that often has the unfortunate effect of suggesting that you are actually not familiar with what other scholars have said.

We also want to note that using the hook and an I approach is ultimately less a matter of sheer quantity -- X number of sentences or paragraphs to others, and Y number to your ideas -- than of argumentative quality. Good introductions do not just repeat what other scholars have said; they analyze it and find an opening in it for their contribution.

Effective uses of the hook and an I can create that opening in numerous ways: they can point to significant aspects of your object or objects of study that previous work has overlooked; they can indicate how previous work explains some phenomena well but others less well; they can point to unrecognized but valuable implications or extensions of previous work; or they can begin to make the case that previous work needs to be corrected. The list could go on, but the key point is that you want to make your audience see the same opening you do and pique their interest in how you propose to fill it.

Consequences

This approach to introductions has ripple effects on the larger activity of writing an effective essay.

Introductions and abstracts. We often find that authors use their first paragraphs for their abstracts. We do not recommend this tactic, because, as we have discussed in a related article , introductions and abstracts have different purposes. As we say, abstracts are spoilers not teasers, because they give your audience a condensed version of your whole article: what your claim is, why it matters and how you will conduct your argument for it. Introductions, by contrast, are teasers that soon stop teasing. The tease comes with the hook, the construction of the opening for your argument, and ends with the full expression of the I, the articulation of your thesis statement or statements.

Order of composition. We have all heard the advice that one should write the introduction last. But as with most rhetorical matters, one size does not fit all. “Intro last” can be good advice when you’re writing an argument with many moving parts, and you need to write in some detail about all the parts before you are ready to craft your hook and I. “Intro first” can be good advice when you recognize that you need to do for yourself the kinds of things that we’re recommending your introduction needs to do for your reader. Beginning to write by constructing the opening you want to fill and how you want to fill it can be a productive way to guide your whole argument.

Two-way traffic between the introduction and the rest of the argument can also be an effective strategy. In such cases, the draft of the introduction guides the conduct of the argument, and then the details and directions of the argument lead you to revise that draft. And so on for as many rounds as you need to make everything as clear and compelling as possible.

Choosing a strategy. As for the issue of how to choose among viable strategies, again we say that there’s no one right answer. In other words, for most scholarly arguments more than one strategy can be adopted in the service of a strong introduction. Thus, you can try out different strategies in order to decide which one will be most likely to help you to convince your audience of the significance of your answer to the “So what?” question.

Introductions are often difficult to write. Some of the difficulty comes with the territory: writing an effective introduction requires you to have a thorough grasp of your own argument and why it matters for your audience. But we hope we can lessen that difficulty: our ideas about the underlying purposes of introductions and about the various ways to achieve those purposes aim to show you that good introductions are neither random nor mysterious. There are principles and patterns to follow, even if there’s no magic formula. We hope that your work with those principles and patterns can help you construct introductions that both you and your readers will regard as strong and appealing.

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How to write and structure a journal article

Sharing your research data  can be hugely  beneficial to your career , as well as to the scholarly community and wider society. But before you do so, there are some important ethical considerations to remember.

What are the rules and guidance you should follow, when you begin to think about how to write and structure a journal article? Ruth First Prize winner Steven Rogers, PhD said the first thing is to be passionate about what you write.

Steven Nabieu Rogers, Ruth First Prize winner.

Let’s go through some of the best advice that will help you pinpoint the features of a journal article, and how to structure it into a compelling research paper.

Planning for your article

When planning to write your article, make sure it has a central message that you want to get across. This could be a novel aspect of methodology that you have in your PhD study, a new theory, or an interesting modification you have made to theory or a novel set of findings.

2018 NARST Award winner Marissa Rollnick advised that you should decide what this central focus is, then create a paper outline bearing in mind the need to:

Isolate a manageable size

Create a coherent story/argument

Make the argument self-standing

Target the journal readership

Change the writing conventions from that used in your thesis

Get familiar with the journal you want to submit to

It is a good idea to choose your target journal before you start to write your paper. Then you can tailor your writing to the journal’s requirements and readership, to increase your chances of acceptance.

When selecting your journal think about audience, purposes, what to write about and why. Decide the kind of article to write. Is it a report, position paper, critique or review? What makes your argument or research interesting? How might the paper add value to the field?

If you need more guidance on how to choose a journal,  here is our guide to narrow your focus.

Once you’ve chosen your target journal, take the time to read a selection of articles already published – particularly focus on those that are relevant to your own research.

This can help you get an understanding of what the editors may be looking for, then you can guide your writing efforts.

The  Think. Check. Submit.  initiative provides tools to help you evaluate whether the journal you’re planning to send your work to is trustworthy.

The journal’s  aims and scope  is also an important resource to refer back to as you write your paper – use it to make sure your article aligns with what the journal is trying to accomplish.

Keep your message focused

The next thing you need to consider when writing your article is your target audience. Are you writing for a more general audience or is your audience experts in the same field as you? The journal you have chosen will give you more information on the type of audience that will read your work.

When you know your audience, focus on your main message to keep the attention of your readers. A lack of focus is a common problem and can get in the way of effective communication.

Stick to the point. The strongest journal articles usually have one point to make. They make that point powerfully, back it up with evidence, and position it within the field.

How to format and structure a journal article

The format and structure of a journal article is just as important as the content itself, it helps to clearly guide the reader through.

How do I format a journal article?

Individual journals will have their own specific formatting requirements, which you can find in the  instructions for authors.

You can save time on formatting by downloading a template from our  library of templates  to apply to your article text. These templates are accepted by many of our journals. Also, a large number of our journals now offer  format-free submission,  which allows you to submit your paper without formatting your manuscript to meet that journal’s specific requirements.

General structure for writing an academic journal article

The title of your article is one of the first indicators readers will get of your research and concepts. It should be concise, accurate, and informative. You should include your most relevant keywords in your title, but avoid including abbreviations and formulae.

Keywords are an essential part of producing a journal article. When writing a journal article you must select keywords that you would like your article to rank for.

Keywords help potential readers to discover your article when conducting research using search engines.

The purpose of your abstract is to express the key points of your research, clearly and concisely. An abstract must always be well considered, as it is the primary element of your work that readers will come across.

An abstract should be a short paragraph (around 300 words) that summarizes the findings of your journal article. Ordinarily an abstract will be comprised of:

What your research is about

What methods have been used

What your main findings are

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements can appear to be a small aspect of your journal article, however it is still important. This is where you acknowledge the individuals who do not qualify for co-authorship, but contributed to your article intellectually, financially, or in some other manner.

When you acknowledge someone in your academic texts, it gives you more integrity as a writer as it shows that you are not claiming other academic’s ideas as your own intellectual property. It can also aid your readers in their own research journeys.

Introduction

An introduction is a pivotal part of the article writing process. An introduction not only introduces your topic and your stance on the topic, but it also (situates/contextualizes) your argument in the broader academic field.

The main body is where your main arguments and your evidence are located. Each paragraph will encapsulate a different notion and there will be clear linking between each paragraph.

Your conclusion should be an interpretation of your results, where you summarize all of the concepts that you introduced in the main body of the text in order of most to least important. No new concepts are to be introduced in this section.

References and citations

References and citations should be well balanced, current and relevant. Although every field is different, you should aim to cite references that are not more than 10 years old if possible. The studies you cite should be strongly related to your research question.

Clarity is key

Make your writing accessible by using clear language. Writing that is easy to read, is easier to understand too.

You may want to write for a global audience – to have your research reach the widest readership. Make sure you write in a way that will be understood by any reader regardless of their field or whether English is their first language.

Write your journal article with confidence, to give your reader certainty in your research. Make sure that you’ve described your methodology and approach; whilst it may seem obvious to you, it may not to your reader. And don’t forget to explain acronyms when they first appear.

Engage your audience. Go back to thinking about your audience; are they experts in your field who will easily follow technical language, or are they a lay audience who need the ideas presented in a simpler way?

Be aware of other literature in your field, and reference it

Make sure to tell your reader how your article relates to key work that’s already published. This doesn’t mean you have to review every piece of previous relevant literature, but show how you are building on previous work to avoid accidental plagiarism.

When you reference something, fully understand its relevance to your research so you can make it clear for your reader. Keep in mind that recent references highlight awareness of all the current developments in the literature that you are building on. This doesn’t mean you can’t include older references, just make sure it is clear why you’ve chosen to.

How old can my references be?

Your literature review should take into consideration the current state of the literature.

There is no specific timeline to consider. But note that your subject area may be a factor. Your colleagues may also be able to guide your decision.

Researcher’s view

Grasian Mkodzongi, Ruth First Prize Winner

Top tips to get you started

Communicate your unique point of view to stand out. You may be building on a concept already in existence, but you still need to have something new to say. Make sure you say it convincingly, and fully understand and reference what has gone before.

Editor’s view

Professor Len Barton, Founding Editor of Disability and Society

Be original

Now you know the features of a journal article and how to construct it. This video is an extra resource to use with this guide to help you know what to think about before you write your journal article.

Expert help for your manuscript

Taylor & Francis Editing Services  offers a full range of pre-submission manuscript preparation services to help you improve the quality of your manuscript and submit with confidence.

Related resources

How to write your title and abstract

Journal manuscript layout guide

Improve the quality of English of your article

How to edit your paper

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How to Start a Journal

Last Updated: September 2, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Nicolette Tura, MA . Nicolette Tura is an Empowerment Coach based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through her work, Nicolette helps high achievers discover their true potential and grow personally. She recently founded the non-profit Celestial Wellness Network and started a musical project, The Feather and Stone. With over ten years of experience in nonprofit leadership and running her own wellness business, Nicolette combines her background in psychology, mindfulness, and psychophysiology to create profound change. Nicolette has hands-on experience as a Therapy Associate, and has worked with patients recovering from neurological disorders. She offers one-on-one coaching tailored to each client's needs, with options for short-term, transformative engagements. Her personalized coaching sessions help individuals break free from self-limiting beliefs and achieve their goals. She completed a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher certification and is a NASM Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master’s degree is Sociology from San Jose State University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 520,253 times.

In order to start a journal, you'll need a notebook, a writing tool, and a commitment to yourself. The first move is to write your first entry. Then, you can think about keeping up a regular journal! Use the journal as a way to explore your innermost thoughts and feelings – the things that you cannot tell anyone else.

Journal Entry Template

Preparing a Journal

• Choose between a lined or an unlined notebook. A lined notebook can be better for writing, while an unlined notebook might facilitate art and drawing. Think about how you prefer to set down your ideas, and choose a notebook that inspires you to fill it.
• If you plan to carry your notebook with you (in your purse, pack, or pocket,) make sure to use a notebook that is small enough to conveniently pack around.

• Consider numbering the pages. You can do this all at once, or you can gradually number the pages as you fill them. This can be a great way to keep track of what you write.

• Consider using a system that you can access with a password through a cloud or over the Internet. This way, you can open and edit your journal from any computer or device! Try WordPress , or even using your email client.
• For all the benefits of digital journal-keeping, you may miss the charm of a physical journal. Try it out, if you're curious. Consider keeping some notes in a physical notebook, and others in a drive on your computer.

Starting to Journal

• Write about what happened today. Include where you went, what you did, and who you spoke to.
• Write about what you felt today. Pour your joys, your frustrations, and your goals into the journal. Use the act of writing as a way to explore your feelings. Consider keeping a dream journal.
• Keep a learning log. Write about what you learned today. Use the journal as a way to explore and connect your thoughts. [4] X Research source
• Turn your experiences into art. Use the journal to write stories or poetry, to make sketches, and to plan out projects. Feel free to mix this in with your other entries.

• Imagine that you are talking to someone. Whether you are talking to a close friend or pouring your thoughts into a journal: you are putting them out into the world, and thus making them real. It can be hard to really get a grasp on what you're thinking until you make your thoughts real.

• If the timer goes off and you haven't finished journaling, then feel free to keep going. The point of the timer is not to limit you, but rather to spur you.
• This can be a great way to fit your journaling practice into the busy flow of everyday life. If you have trouble finding the time to write in your journal, then you may need to schedule it in. [9] X Research source

Keeping a Journal

• Carrying the journal around has the added bonus of keeping your words private. If you always keep your journal close, then it's less likely to fall into the wrong hands.

• Behind the books on your bookshelf.
• Under your mattress or pillow
• In the drawer of your bedside table
• Behind a picture frame
• If you do want to label it "My Journal" or "Private!" be sure to hide it well.

• Try scheduling journal time into your day-to-day flow. Some people journal before bed, or immediately after they wake. Some people journal during their daily commute or during their lunch hour. Find a time that works for you.

Community Q&A

Reader Videos

• Consider naming your journal. It might help you get into the writing mood if you feel that you are telling your story to someone. Instead of "Dear Diary," you could try something like "Dear Amanda," "Dear Julio," "Dear Puppy," etc. Thanks Helpful 22 Not Helpful 2
• Add personal information on the first page in case something happens to you and people need to know who to contact. This is also useful if you ever lose your journal. Don't add information that you aren't comfortable revealing, though. Thanks Helpful 19 Not Helpful 2

• Make sure to keep your journal safe if you don't want anyone to read it! Hide it where no one will find it: family, friends, acquaintances, or enemies. Thanks Helpful 89 Not Helpful 3

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• ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/30-days-to-a-better-man-day-8-start-a-journal/
• ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/mar/22/how-to-start-journal-writing-drawing
• ↑ https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/reflective-journals-and-learning-logs.shtml
• ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=4552
• ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1
• ↑ Nicolette Tura, MA. Empowerment Coach. Expert Interview. 23 January 2020.

About This Article

To start a journal, first find an empty notebook to write in. You can decorate the notebook with stickers, drawings, magazine clippings, or anything else you want to use to personalize it. Then, open to the first page and start the first entry by writing today’s date at the top. Journal about what happened to you today, how you’ve been feeling, what your goals are, what you dreamed about last night, or anything else that’s on your mind. Journaling can be a helpful way to reflect on your feelings, keep track of important information, or organize your goals and accomplishments. Try to set aside 10-15 minutes per day to write in your journal. Whenever you start a new entry, open to a new page and write the day’s date at the top. Remember to keep your journal somewhere safe if you don’t want other people to read it, like a drawer in your room or underneath your pillow. To learn how to pick a journal that’s right for you, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Examples of Reflective Writing

Types of reflective writing assignments.

A journal  requires you to write weekly entries throughout a semester. May require you to base your reflection on course content.

A learning diary is similar to a journal, but may require group participation. The diary then becomes a place for you to communicate in writing with other group members.

A logbook is often used in disciplines based on experimental work, such as science. You note down or 'log' what you have done. A log gives you an accurate record of a process and helps you reflect on past actions and make better decisions for future actions.

A reflective note is often used in law. A reflective note encourages you to think about your personal reaction to a legal issue raised in a course.

An essay diary  can take the form of an annotated bibliography (where you examine sources of evidence you might include in your essay) and a critique (where you reflect on your own writing and research processes).

a peer review  usually involves students showing their work to their peers for feedback.

A self-assessment task  requires you to comment on your own work.

Some examples of reflective writing

Social science fieldwork report (methods section).

Engineering Design Report

Learning Journal (weekly reflection)

Brookfield, S 1987, Developing critical thinkers: challenging adults to explore alternative ways of thinking and acting , Open University Press, Milton Keynes.

Mezirow, J 1990, Fostering critical reflection in adulthood: a guide to transformative and emancipatory learning , Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.

Schön, DA 1987, Educating the reflective practitioner , Jossey-Bass. San Francisco.

We thank the students who permitted us to feature examples of their writing.

Prepared by Academic Skills, UNSW. This guide may be distributed or adapted for educational purposes. Full and proper acknowledgement is required. 

Essay and assignment writing guide

• Essay writing basics
• Essay and assignment planning
• Answering assignment questions
• Editing checklist
• Writing a critical review
• Annotated bibliography
• How do I write reflectively?
• Examples of reflective writing
• ^ More support

Study Hacks Workshops | All the hacks you need! 10 Sep – 7 Nov 2024

• Journal Entries

Do you need a place to jot down your thoughts? Writing entries in a journal can help you to turn your thoughts into words. The topics that you write in journal entries can be a daily reflection, weekly gratitude or even an opinion that is stuck in your mind. Unlike micro-blogging on blog and in social media, the great thing about writing in a journal is that it is private. No one can see what you write in a journal!

So, what exactly are journal entries?

Journal entries are individual pieces of writing that forms your personal journal. They can be as short as a caption to as long as 500-1000 words entry. You can freely express each of the entry with thoughts, rants, reflections, and pour out feelings.

4 Tips for Writing Journal Entries

If you have decided what to write about, how to frame your entry, and determine when to write, you will find that you’ll have a much easier time writing a journal entry. However, sometimes you might find it difficult to start a journal entry due to writer's block . One way to overcome writer's block is through streams of consciousness writing . You are just jotting down the first thoughts that come into your mind, no matter how senseless they sound. This is an effective way to get started!

From gratitude journal entries, travel journal entries, to dream journal entries, here are some other creative ways to get you started.

1. Write a List

Lists are an easy way to get you started. You can write a to-do list of things you want to accomplish over the days or year. You can start an entry by bullet listing different things such as personal goals and things that you have achieved at that moment.

2. Use a Photo

Journey allows you to add pictures to your journal entries. If you find it difficult to write, you can add a picture and write about what it means to you. It can be a picture of a special moment, your loved ones, your pets or places you have visited. Use this image to get you started.

3. Reflect on an Inspirational Quote

Journey updates journal prompts in the app daily to inspire and motivate you to succeed. Take a moment to reflect on the inspirational quotes and write your thoughts in your journal.

4. Write a Memory

Write a memory that you find important and worthwhile to remember in the future. It can be something you think about often. Describe that memory and what it means to you. How did it make you feel at that time?

The best way to get started with your first journal entry is to download Journey and begin writing using this app. It is easy-to-use, private and secure. All your posts are dated and saved, so all you need to worry about it what to write. Use this list and get started today!

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Get access to your diary wherever you are – download the free Journey app for your all of your iOS and Android devices today!

Journal Basics

Understand what a journal is, and it's functions

Understand the essence of journal entries.

Your guide to understanding how you can benefit from journaling

Explore the various journal types to serve your needs

Your guide to starting your very own journal today

Journaling prompts to guide you along your reflection

Diary Basics

Your guide to understanding and starting a diary of your own

Record your life with a series of diary entries

Key differences between a diary and a journal

Tips and tricks to start your very own diary today

Your guide to the many diary types you can explore

Discover the benefits of diary and journal software

Get started with your very own digital diary

Simple and effective templates to help you start writing and reflecting

Ideas for Journals

Focus on the positive things in your live.

Write one line a day for the next five years.

A bible journal is one that holds your thoughts and reflections after a religion class and feelings that concerns life.

Record your dreams on a regular basis and keep track of the dream's themes and patterns.

Document your adventures, road trips, places that you have visited, and discoveries that you made along the way.

A self-reflective journal helps you to create your life with intention.

Cultivating inner strength and resilience using stoic journal.

Reignite your relationship, deepen communication, and strengthen your bond.

Write a personalized experience of your pregnancy journey.

Equip yourself with on a journey towards improving your sleep

Managing anxiety through structured journal reflection.

Secure, encrypted and private journaling technology.

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A guide to starting your very own school diary

Keep a log of all your daily meals to ensure a balanced nature diet.

Get motivated, organized and productive by journaling

Private journal secured with a lock for confidentiality.

A guide to starting your health and fitness journey

Streams of consciousness writing done first thing in the morning.

Journal Prompts

Inspiring list of over 100 prompts for enhancing journal creativity.

Prompts to guide reflection and gratitude entries in a daily journal.

Collection of prompts to inspire expressive writing for mental health.

List of 100 self-care journal prompts designed to inspire emotional wellness.

Healing through journaling guidance.

Invigorate your mornings with over 100 thoughtful and inspiring prompts.

Prompts inspire kids to write creatively about diverse topics daily.

Stay calm with 60 journal prompts for anxiety relief.

Explore beginner journaling with daily prompts for reflective writing practice.

Digital Planners

A way to organize your time and your life

Create your own faithful digital planning companion

Find the planner for you

Make every week your best week

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A faithful guide on your fitness journey

What is a Journal Entry? How to Capture Your Life and Memories

How to use a journal entry to capture and preserve your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at a particular moment in your life..

February 15, 2023

Home » Day One Blog » What is a Journal Entry? How to Capture Your Life and Memories

When it comes to keeping a personal journal, journal entries are like the building block of your self-expression and self-discovery. Each journal entry adds to the foundation of your story, painting a picture of your experiences, thoughts, and emotions. As you continue to journal, the entries accumulate, forming a rich tapestry of your life that provides insights into your growth and personal journey. Whether you’re exploring your feelings, recording important events, or simply reflecting on your day, journal entries are the key to unlocking the power of personal journaling.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the definition of what is a journal entry. We’ll also cover how journal entries can be used to capture the essence of life, from your memories to your thoughts and reflections. From the elements of a personal journal entry to examples of journal entries, we’ll explore all you need to know about how to use a journal entry as a tool for self-expression and reflection. Whether you’re a seasoned journaler or just starting out, we hope this post will give you the information and inspiration you need to start capturing your life and memories in a meaningful and authentic way through your journal entries.

What is a Journal Entry?

A journal entry is a record of personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences kept in a personal journal or diary. A journal entry is a single entry within a larger collection of entries, which is known as a personal journal . A personal journal is essentially a collection of journal entries, usually organized chronologically, that document your thoughts, feelings, experiences, and personal growth over time.

The length of a personal journal entry can vary greatly, depending on your writing style and the purpose of your journal. Some people prefer to write just a few sentences or bullet points, while others may write several pages. There is no set rule for how long a journal entry should be.

A journal entry is a record of personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences kept in a personal journal or diary. A journal entry is a single entry within a larger collection of entries, which is known as a personal journal.

What’s important is that you feel comfortable enough to express yourself in a way that feels meaningful to you. Some people may find it helpful to set aside a specific amount of time each day or week for writing new journal entries, while others may choose to write a new entry whenever the mood strikes.

In general, the goal of a journal entry is to provide a safe and private space for self-expression and reflection. Depending on what works best for you, a journal entry’s length and format can vary widely. Whether it’s just a few sentences or several hundred words, the most important thing is that a journal entry is an honest and authentic reflection of your thoughts and experience.

Telling Your Story One Entry at a Time: How Journal Entries Build Your Journal

Think of a journal entry as a snapshot. Just as a snapshot captures a moment in time and freezes it for later recollection, a journal entry captures and preserves your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at a particular moment in your life.

Your journal serves as a collection of these snapshots, offering a glimpse into your personal history and the evolution of your thoughts and emotions over time. Each entry provides a window into your soul and a record of the journey of your life as you tell your story one journal entry at a time.

As a result, journaling can help you reflect on your past experiences and understand your current emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a new way. The journal serves as a record of this process of self-reflection and growth.

“A good journal entry—like a good song, or sketch, or photograph—ought to break up the habitual and lift away the film that forms over the eye, the finger, the tongue, the heart. A good journal entry ought to be a love letter to the world.” — Anthony Doerr

Personal Journal Entry vs Journal Entry in Accounting

It’s also worth noting that there are two types of journal entries:

• A personal journal entry
• A journal entry in accounting

In accounting, a journal entry is a record of a financial transaction in a company’s books of accounts. These types of journal entries are used to track the movement of money in and out of a business, as well as to document changes in the value of assets and liabilities. Journal entries typically include the date of the transaction, a description of the transaction, the amounts involved in the transaction, and the account or accounts affected by

Unlike a financial journal entry, which focuses on monetary transactions, a personal journal entry is a form of self-expression and reflection. Personal journaling can serve as a therapeutic tool to process emotions and experiences, track personal growth, and reflect on life experiences. Personal journaling can also be used as a creative outlet to express thoughts and ideas in a private and safe space. The frequency and format of personal journaling is completely up to the individual, as some people choose to write in their journals daily, while others write less frequently.

How Journal Entries Help Capture Your Life and Memories

Capturing life and memories is an important aspect of journaling. A journal can serve as a time capsule of your experiences and memories, providing a record of your life that you can look back on in the future.

Writing down your experiences and memories in a journal can help you reflect on your life and cherish the moments that have shaped you. A journal entry provides a way to preserve memories and moments that may otherwise be forgotten, especially as memories start to fade.

Keeping a journal can help you preserve your life story and the memories that make up your personal history. If you choose to share your journals some day, family members and future generations can read about your life and gain insights into your personality, values, and experiences, providing a unique and personal connection to the past. In this way, capturing life and memories is not just an important aspect of journaling, but it’s also a gift to future generations.

20 Common Elements of a Journal Entry

The elements of a personal journal entry should reflect your preferences, writing style, and what you hope to gain from the journaling experience. Here are a few common elements of a journal entry:

1. Today’s Date

Recording the date of each journal entry can help you track you progress and reflect on your growth over time.

2. Thoughts

The core of a journal entry are your thoughts at any given moment or on any given topic. Thoughts can take many forms, including ideas, opinions, beliefs, images, feelings, and memories.

3. Reflections

Reflections refer to the act of considering or contemplating your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Reflection can take many forms, including introspection, self-analysis, and self-assessment. Reflections are often a central component of journal entries, as they allow you to process and make sense of their experiences

4. Gratitude

Many people choose to focus on gratitude in their journal entries, as a way to cultivate a positive outlook and focus on the good things in their lives.

5. Mood or Emotion

The writer may choose to document their emotional state at the time of writing, which can help them reflect on the connection between their emotions and experiences.

6. Positive experiences

Many people use journal entries as a place to document positive experiences, rather than dwelling on negative experiences or stressors. Regularly focusing on positive experiences can cultivate a more positive mindset and increase overall well-being.

Personal journaling can also be a space for setting and reflecting on personal goals, as well as documenting progress or setbacks as you work toward a goal. Here’s a bit more on journaling goals .

A journal entry can be used as a space for making plans for self-improvement.

9. Creative Writing

Some people use their personal journal as a space for creative writing, such as writing poetry, fiction, or personal essays.

10. Drawings or sketches

Some people incorporate drawings or sketches into their journal entries as a way to visually represent their thoughts and feelings.

Including photos in a personal journal can add a visual component to the written words, helping your remember and reflect on specific moments and experiences.

Videos can be a powerful tool for personal journaling, allowing the writer to capture the sights and sounds of their experiences, as well as their thoughts and feelings in the moment.

13. Audio recordings

Audio recordings can also be included in personal journal entries, providing a new way to capture thoughts and emotions. This format can be especially useful for individuals who struggle with written expression, or for those who prefer to express themselves verbally.

14. Weather info

Some people may choose to include information about the weather on the day of the journal entry, which can provide context and serve as a reminder of the conditions on that day.

15. Location info

The location info of a journal entry can be helpful for documenting your travels and your location as you write a new journal entry, reminding you of your environment or surroundings.

16. To-do List

While some people like to keep their to-do lists out of their journal, others embrace their journal as a place to keep track of their daily or weekly tasks.

Including quotes or lyrics that resonate with you can add depth and meaning to your journal entries, and serve as a source of inspiration or motivation. (Just check out these 101 quotes about journaling if you need inspiration.)

If you enjoy keeping track of your dreams, you may choose to include dream journaling as a component of your personal journal. Recording and reflecting on your dreams can provide insight into your unconscious mind and serve as a tool for self-discovery.

19. Mindfulness and meditation

If you practice mindfulness or meditation, you may choose to include reflections on your practice in your journal entries, documenting any insights or breakthroughs as you progress in your journey.

20. Physical sensations

Some people choose to include notes about physical sensations, such as hunger, fatigue, or pain, in their journal entries. This can provide a more holistic picture of their well-being, and help them identify patterns or connections between physical sensations and other aspects of their lives.

Journal Entry Examples

Having a few journal entry examples on hand can be a helpful resource if you’re needing more guidance on how to write a journal entry of your own. Perhaps these example journal entries can provide inspiration and guidance on what to include in your own entries, as well as how to structure and format your writing as you explore more journaling ideas .

Here are a few journal entry examples:

Traditional Journal Entry Example

This example journal entry shows a more traditional approach to journaling, recapping the day, how the writer felt, things they enjoyed, and other details from their day.

Today was a pretty good day. I woke up feeling well-rested and energized, which was a nice change from the past few days. I started the day with a cup of coffee and some time for reflection and meditation, which helped set the tone for a productive day.

At work, I had a meeting with my team to discuss our new project and things are really starting to come together. I feel confident in our abilities to succeed and make a difference with this project.

After work, I met up with some friends for dinner and we had a great time catching up and laughing. It was a much-needed break from the daily grind and it felt good to connect with them.

Before bed, I took some time to reflect on the day and write down my thoughts and feelings. Overall, I feel grateful for the opportunities I have and the people in my life. I am looking forward to tomorrow and all that it brings.

Templated Journal Entry Example

Using the common elements of a journey entry from above, here’s a more templated approach to a journal entry:

Date: May 5, 2022

Mood: Inspired

Today was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, and there was a light breeze. I went for a walk in the park and felt so grateful for the warm weather and all the beautiful sights and sounds around me.

Thoughts: I’ve been feeling really inspired lately, and I’ve been thinking a lot about my future and what I want to achieve. I’ve been feeling restless and like I want to make a change, but I’m not sure exactly what that change should be.

Reflections: Lately, I’ve been reflecting on my values, my passions, and what brings me happiness. I’ve been considering different career paths, and what kind of work would align with my values and give me a sense of purpose.

Gratitude: Today, I’m grateful for the beautiful weather, for my health, and for my family and friends. I’m also grateful for the opportunities that are available to me and the support I receive from those around me.

Positive experiences : Today was a great day. I got to spend some time outside, and I had a wonderful conversation with my friend over lunch. We talked about our dreams and aspirations, and it was so inspiring.

Goals: My goal for the next few weeks is to continue exploring different career paths and learning more about the opportunities available to me. I also want to focus on cultivating gratitude and finding joy in the little things in life.

Plans: My plan for the rest of the day is to read a book, do some yoga, and meditate. I also want to spend some time brainstorming and writing down my thoughts and ideas about my future.

Weather info: Today was a beautiful day, sunny and warm with a light breeze. I only saw a few clouds in the sky.

Location info: Today I went for a walk in the park near my home.

Today’s To-do list:

• Call Grandpa
• Fold the laundry
• Mail Chrissy’s Thank You note
• Work on essay for writing class
• Finish meal plan for the week

Gratitude Journal Entry Example

A gratitude journal is a type of journal that focuses on the practice of gratitude. Gratitude journaling simply involves regularly writing down the things you are thankful for, expressing appreciation for the good things in your life, and reflecting on how they contribute to your overall well-being. Here’s a simple example of a gratitude journal entry:

June 14, 2022

Five things I am grateful for today:

• The warm sun on my face as I walked to work this morning.
• The delicious breakfast I had with my family.
• The kindness of a stranger who complimented my new shoes.
• The laughter I shared with my coworkers during our break.
• The fact that I have a roof over my head and a bed to sleep in tonight.

It’s always easy to focus on what’s not going well. But taking time each day to reflect on the things I am grateful for helps me keep things in perspective. It reminds me that even on a difficult day, there are still many things to be thankful for.

Photo Journal Entry Example

Photo journaling is a journaling technique that utilizes photos as a way of documenting experiences. Many photo journals also include descriptions or captions of the photos, like in this example:

April 9, 2019

Today was a beautiful day and I wanted to capture some of my memories from it. I started the day by taking a walk in the park and it was so peaceful. The sun was shining and there were so many flowers in bloom. I took a few photos of the flowers and of the lake. The water was so still and it was the perfect place to sit and reflect.

After my walk, I went to have lunch with a friend. We had a great time catching up and I took a few photos of our food. We both love sushi, so we ordered a variety of rolls and they all looked so delicious.

In the afternoon, I went to a museum and it was so interesting. I took a few photos of some of my favorite exhibits, including one of the newer installations of digital artwork.

Before heading home, I took a walk through the city and I took a few more photos of some of the buildings and the people. It was such a busy and vibrant place, and I felt so lucky to be a part of it.

I’m so grateful for all of the experiences I had today, and I’m happy that I was able to capture some of them in photos. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring.

Travel Journal Entry Example

A travel journal is a type of journal that documents your travels, experiences, and observations as you explore new places. Here’s an example travel journal entry:

Date: August 10, 2022 Location: Paris, France Weather: Sunny and warm, with a high of 25°C

Today was my first full day in Paris and it was truly magical. I started the day with croissants and coffee at a quaint café near my hotel. The flaky, buttery pastries were unlike anything I’ve ever had before. As I sipped my coffee, I took in the bustling city and people-watched for a while.

Next, I headed to the Eiffel Tower. The iconic landmark was even more beautiful in person. I took the stairs to the top and was rewarded with breathtaking views of the city. I felt so small and humbled by the sheer size of the tower and all of Paris spread out below me.

After some more exploring, I stopped for lunch at a small bistro recommended by my hotel concierge. I enjoyed a delicious meal of steak frites and a glass of red wine. It was the perfect way to fuel up for the rest of my adventures in Paris.

Later in the afternoon, I visited the Louvre Museum. I was completely in awe of the masterpieces housed within its walls. From the Winged Victory of Samothrace to the Mona Lisa, I was constantly amazed by the talent and creativity on display.

As the day came to a close, I headed back to my hotel, exhausted but also exhilarated by all that I had seen and experienced. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings in this beautiful city.

Example Journal Entry: Using a Journal Prompt

Many people utilize journal prompts as a way to write in their journal. Here’s an example of a journal entry that uses an example journal prompt.

What is a memorable moment from my childhood?

As I sit here with my journal, I can’t help but think back to a memorable moment from my childhood. I remember it was a sunny summer day and my family was on vacation at the beach. We were playing in the water, building sandcastles, and having a great time. Suddenly, a big wave came and knocked me over. I was scared and started to cry, but my older brother was there to pick me up and carry me back to the shore. He hugged me and told me everything was going to be okay.

This moment has stayed with me for all these years because it was a defining moment in my relationship with my brother. He showed me that he cared for me and would always be there for me, even when I was scared. As I think back on this moment now, I am filled with gratitude for having such a supportive and loving family. I am also grateful for the memories that I have from this day, which I will treasure forever.

Example Freewriting Journal Entry

Many people find that freewriting in their journal is the easiest way to complete a new journal entry. Freewriting is simply the a writing technique in which you write continuously without stopping, without concern for grammar, spelling or punctuation.

October 17, 2018 – Wednesday

Today I woke up feeling refreshed after a long night’s sleep. I made myself a cup of coffee and sat down on the couch, ready to start my day. As I took my first sip, I couldn’t help but think about all of the things I wanted to accomplish today. I have a meeting with my boss, a doctor’s appointment, and I want to get some work done on a project I’ve been putting off. But before I dive into all of that, I just want to take a moment to write and let my thoughts flow.

I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately with all of the responsibilities I have on my plate. It seems like there’s always something that needs my attention and I find myself constantly rushing from one thing to the next. But in the moments when I slow down and take a deep breath, I feel like I can handle it all. I just need to remember to make time for myself and focus on what’s important.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what success really means to me. I used to think it was all about money and status, but now I’m not so sure. I think success is more about finding happiness and fulfillment in what you do, and making a positive impact on the world. That’s what I want for myself, and that’s what I want to focus on moving forward.

Well, time to get going. I feel a little more focused and at peace now that I’ve taken the time to write in my journal.

Digital Journal Entry Example

Some people find that keeping a digital journal is easier than writing in a notebook. A digital journal has several advantages, such as the ability to add video, audio recordings, photos. Digital journals can also be searched more easily as many journal apps like Day One have search and sort functionality. Your journal can also be accessed on multiple devices, such as your desktop computer and your mobile phone.

Here’s an example of a digital journal entry made in the Day One journal app :

Journal Entry Prompts

For your next journal entry, here’s a list of some common journal prompts to jumpstart your journal writing on a daily basis:

• What’s on my mind today?
• How am I feeling today? What emotions can I identify?
• How is my body feeling today?
• What am I grateful for today, and why?
• What happened today?
• What made me happy today, and why?
• What made me feel proud today, and why?
• What did I learn today? How can I apply that knowledge to my life?
• What challenges did I face today?
• What is one way to make today better?
• Who has made my life better recently?
• What is a memorable event from my childhood?
• What are my hopes and goals for the future?
• What am I looking forward to in the near future?
• What is one way I’d like to grow or change?
• What is something I’m curious about, and how can I explore it further?
• What are some of my favorite quotes, and how do they inspire me?
• What is something that I’ve been putting off, and what steps can I take to get it done?
• What is something I can do to show kindness to someone else today?
• What are three things I can do to take care of myself today?

Wrapping Up: Journal Entries and the Essence of Life

Keeping a journal is a meaningful way to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Whether you prefer to write about your gratitude, your goals, your travels, or just your day-to-day life, journaling can help you process and make sense of your journey.

With its many elements, techniques, and forms, there is no one “right” way to journal. The key is to find what works for you and to make journaling a regular part of your life. So go ahead, start capturing your life and memories today in your next journal entry!

Start Your Journal Entry Today in the Day One Journal App

The Day One journaling app makes it easy to build and maintain a daily journaling habit. Daily journaling reminders , writing prompts , and journaling streaks are designed to help keep you motivated and consistently journaling.

About the Author

Kristen Wright is the author of three books on journaling. With a passion for writing and self-reflection, Kristen uses her experience with journaling to help others discover the benefits of documenting their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In her role at Day One, she helps to promote the power of journaling so people from all walks of life can experience the transformative power of journaling.

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