Dear Beginner Journaler: From One Lifelong Writer to You

I've been journaling for over 30 years now (wow, that makes me sound like a wise old sage, doesn't it?), and let me tell you, my journal has been everything from my therapist, to my cheerleader, to my grocery list companion. I don't follow a set of rules. I don't have a formula. I write freehand, most days. I write what's on my mind. Sometimes I write what I'm planning to do that day. Other times, I scribble future dreams. Drawings and stick figures are encouraged. I talk about my health and my weight (hello accountability!), I work through problems, I note the good stuff, and I always try to end with something I'm grateful for - even on the crummy days.

It's not fancy. It's not structured. But it's mine. And that's the beauty of it.

Your journal should be a safe haven. A little bubble where you get to be completely yourself: raw, unfiltered, uncensored. It's not for Instagram. It's not for an audience. It's not even for your future self to cringe over (although…let's be honest, that happens too). It's yours. A sacred little vault where your thoughts get to stretch out and be seen, even if only by you.

That's why I always tell people: journal with ease and flow. Let it pour. Don't try to make it neat or perfect. Some days will be messy. Some days will be half a sentence. Some days will be pages long. But every time you open that book, you're showing up for you. You're giving your mind and heart a safe place to land. That's powerful.

The Benefits? There are many:

It clears mental clutter (think of it like tidying up your brain).

It helps you work through emotions.

It gives you perspective and insight you didn't even know you had.

It creates a beautiful record of your growth.

It builds self-awareness.

And, most importantly, it's calming. Like a little exhale onto paper.

And because one of my lovely readers (that's you!) asked how to begin, here are a few gentle prompts to get your pen moving:

5 Journal Prompts for Newbies (or anyone who needs a nudge):

1. What's one thing on your mind today? Let it all out, no editing.

2. How does your body feel right now? Is there anything it's trying to tell you?

3. Write about a moment that made you smile recently. Big or small.

4. If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing in your life right now, what would it be? Why?

5. What's one thing you're truly grateful for today and what makes it meaningful?

You don't need fancy notebooks or glitter pens (though I'm not against either). All you need is you, a pen, and the willingness to meet yourself on the page.

So go ahead, journaler. Crack open that notebook. Let your thoughts spill out in whatever way they come. This is your space. Your private, precious, personal space. Not rigid. Not curated. Just real. Just you.

And I think you are worth writing about.

With love,
Lizzie 🩷