what not to do when journaling

fine print journaling: what not to do when journaling

There are so many great articles and blog posts out there about how to journal, including ours. If you’re anything like us, though, you could read (and write!) all the articles out there on the subject and still have trouble getting started. We’re the kind of people who hesitate to write in a brand new journal because we worry that whatever we write won’t be good enough. But really, good enough for who? So, we decided to take a couple deep breaths and jump in. Through this experience, we’ve pulled together five things NOT to do when journaling.

  1. Overthink: Journaling isn’t about perfection. Journaling is about yourself. And know what you’re not? Perfect. Perfect is boring. Perfect is predictable. Don’t be scared to write the wrong thing because there is no wrong thing. Your journal is for you and only you. If you can’t be your truest self when you’re alone, then when can you be? Don’t overthink. Write truthfully. You’ll be amazed at what you find.
  2. Rush: This is a process that takes time. If you’re new to journaling, it’s going to feel weird writing your morning pages for the first time, or answering the prompt of day, or writing in whatever kind of journal feels right to you. Make time to write. You’ll find that being honest with yourself gets easier every day.
  3. Force yourself: If you pick up your pen and find that you have nothing to say, that’s okay. Don’t cheat yourself by giving half-hearted answers. If you’re laying down to go to sleep and realize you haven’t written anything for the day, don’t make yourself get up and write if you don’t want to. While journaling is a great way to look inward and process your day and actions, it’s an extremely flexible exercise. If there’s a day when writing is hard, you can accept that it was hard that day, and move forward into the next day.
  4. Stick to the prompt: Following the idea that journaling is a flexible practice, don’t be afraid to stray from the prompt if you’re using one. For example, if the prompt asks you who your style icon is and you find yourself writing about your favorite shirt from when you were in grade school, that’s okay. It is not a requirement to answer the prompt. The prompt is there to inspire you and if that inspiration leads you to writing about something completely different, that’s great! Go with the flow.
  5. Try too hard: If you love the look of super artsy journals, but can’t draw a straight line, don’t feel like you have to make your journals look like the fancy ones you see on Pinterest and Instagram. The point of a journal isn’t to have a super photogenic product. The point is to be yourself so don’t try to impress anybody. Remember, the only person you’re writing and creating for is you.

There you go! The five most important things NOT to do when writing in your journal. Remember, as long as you stay true to yourself, you’re doing it right.

Feel free to let us know some lessons you have learned while writing daily! Happy journaling!

fine print journaling: what not to do when journaling

xxoo,
c&r