🥣Oatmeal for breakfast and other things to write about
Your journaling doesn't have to be profound every day
It doesn't matter WHAT you write. It matters THAT you write.
Especially when you're building the habit.
There are so many ways to journal, and you can get on at the ground floor.
Start small.
And keep it simple.
What does this look like? You can try something like this:
✍️ Assign journaling a spot in your routine. (I like to journal in the morning, but you may like to do it at bedtime, or lunch, or at exactly 2:33 in the afternoon. They're all good!)
✍️ At that time, open your journal and put some words on the page. It doesn't matter how many words. A solid sentence can even do for starters. But let's shoot for three. You can write three sentences!
✍️ You can write about anything you want to write. It doesn't have to be deep. Start by writing about what you had for breakfast. Or what you're most looking forward to today. Or what you are most grateful for. Or what surprised you most.
✍️ When you're done writing, close your journal. (There really isn't a need to even read what you've just written unless you feel like you need to. I seldom do.)
✍️ Come back tomorrow at your designated time and place, and write in your journal again.
Don't judge yourself for what you're writing. Your journal isn't judging you, so you shouldn't judge yourself either. You are building a habit here and what you write isn't as important as that you keep showing up for yourself.
Today you'll write a sentence or three. And it may look like that for the first week or two or six.
But before you know it, you'll be filling a page.
You'll move on from what you ate to how you felt as you ate. And then to what you want out of life and how you'll get there. And you'll detail all the wonderful parts of your life and the fantastic people and how grateful you are for them. And you'll talk about how life is hard, but how you're moving forward.
Or whatever you feel like you'll need to write about that day.
The most important thing about building a journaling habit is that you build it so it's here for you when you need it.
I reached for my journal when my husband told me he'd be happier not being married to me.
That simple act changed the trajectory of my life and put me on a course for better because it allowed me to see what good I did still have in my life.
And it was there for me because I had built the habit.
I've reached for my journal when I'm so sad and down that I don't know what to do.
And I've reached for my journal when I'm so happy and grateful that I'm fit to burst.
And I've reached for my journal on regular ordinary days when I don't have much to say so I talk about my oatmeal and how I made it special with a sprinkle of cardamom and a splash of heavy cream.
(It was really good oatmeal!)
Build your habit now so it's there for you when you need it.
We’d love to journal with you!
Our Journaling for Growth Community is growing!
If you’re interested in using journaling as a way to grow in self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-love, this could be for you.
In July, we’re focusing on Celebration & Ritual - finding and bringing the magic to everyday life.
Join us on this adventure as we blend blend of solo reflection using curated journal prompts and magical group journaling sessions.
Learn more and register here. Have questions? Send me an email.
This week’s journal prompts:
Use these prompts as written or as inspiration to uncover what you need in your life this week. And know that I’m always here to support you and answer questions you have along the way!
What unspoken expectations do you have for yourself and your journaling practice?
What habits have you had success building by starting small?
How can starting small when you’re establishing a habit help you?
Happy Journaling!
Your articles always encourage me to simply write. Thank you!!
Such great advice on the process of journalling, Amanda - super post!