So you want to keep a journal, but don't know where to start? Here are some tips to get you started and inspired.

1. Use your journal anyway you feel comfortable with. Make it yours, decorate it, and own it. It doesn’t matter what it looks like on the outside or the inside, it is your’s and no one else’s. Spelling and grammar shouldn’t matter either especially when your story is flowing.

2. You might ask yourself, what do I write about? Write about what is important to you at the time. It is a good idea to keep your journal handy so that when things pop into your life you can jot them down.

3. It is not the amount of what you write; it could be a word, sentences or pages. Whatever you write is just the right amount for you and the day. Remember you own the journal not the journal owning you.

4. If you seem to have run into a wall on what to write about in your journal a good place to go is what you are thankful for this day. Start by saying, today I am thankful for ... and you fill in the blank.

5. Another good journaling tip is to remember that part of being a journaler is to write when you want. This means it is ok to skip a day or more. I’ve skipped months before and that was ok too.

6. You can also write in your journal with whatever suits your fancy for that day. Pen, pencil, calligraphy pens, crayons, anything at all.

7. Another good tip is to find the right book for your journal. What size would be good for you? If you write big, a larger journal may be your best bet. If you are a small writer, look at the smaller journals. Do you want lined paper? Unlined? How about colored paper? A good thing to keep in mind when selected colored paper is to find one that is easy on the eyes.

8. Find a place that you are comfortable in to write in your journal. My favorite place to journal is in my office, as this is my secret place and I feel more secure here.

9. Are you a morning person? Than you might want to journal in the early hours of the day. Are you an afternoon person? Journal on your lunch hour than. Evenings are better for me after the kids are all tucked in bed.

10. One thing that has inspired me to journal was the fact that I made my journal private. I set some guidelines about my journal. But you might have to hide it or lock it away from prying eyes. If you know your thoughts, dreams are secure you will be more apt to journal.


Here are some product links to help you get started journaling too: