If you’ve ever wondered how to begin this practice, this is an easy-to-follow and effective guide to help you start & continue with confidence.
Journalling can be intimidating for most people. Th every thought of the blank page and what to fill it with and quite frankly some people will tell outright that they’re not a writer.
Starting a journalling practice can lead to a lifelong hobby and in my opinion, it is such a worthy and honorable craft.
You really can make it into a unique experience for yourself and hopefully get to share your tips with other people too.
In this article, I’ll discuss what bullet journalling is, how it can help, how to get started, and tips for moving forward with it. Bear in mind, this is just a basic outline to help your start. It’s for everyone, but mainly targeted at beginners. There is so much more to journalling in terms of self-care, personal development, mindfulness, and spirituality and they all deserve articles of their own. So I will be dedicating more time to this by writing separate blog posts on those specific areas.
For now, let’s get into bullet journalling as beginners or as a refresh.
Journalling for healing in general
I can’t overstate the value of journalling every morning before you start the day and more importantly, before anything else happens. It’s okay if you struggle some mornings to get started. Sometimes you just want that cup of coffee or tea to set the mood first. That’s perfectly alright. Imperfection is always better than perfection.
Writing a few points (bullet points) down first thing is great for setting intentions for the day and practicing gratitude.
Saying a few words about what you’re thankful for when nothing else comes to mind, is the best and easiest way to start a bullet journal page.
You can practice gratitude any time of the day, be it in writing or simply with your thoughts – being thankful for what you have as it is right now.
Here’s bullet journalling id beneficial to you:
- It will calm your nervous system
- It will comfort and soothe you when you’re feeling fearful or insecure
Reasons to journal any time of the day:
- To unpack your dreams whether it was inspiring or distressing
- To give thanks for what you have as it is
- To be grateful for what you have right now when things are unstable, or when the future is uncertain
- If you’re feeling depressed
- If you’re feeling anxious
- When you’re feeling confused or uncertain and you need to clarify your thoughts
- If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your current circumstances
- When you need to self-soothe or need to be comforted but nobody is around to do that for you
- If you are a natural writer and have trouble expressing yourself in a traditional writing context
- If you have struggled with confidence/self-confidence
- Making a list of your thoughts and experiences is a way of actualizing and empowering yourself
- If you would like to start a self-care ritual and want journalling to be a part of that experience
- If you want to get clear on what you want about for example money, job, business, family, travel, etc
What does a traditional bullet journal look like?
Journals can vary from a blank moleskin journal, or blank artist sketchbook to a diary with printed lines. The decision as to what you write in will be up to you. It will be based on what you’re comfortable with.
If you live with a partner or family perhaps you need a journal with a lock and key. After all, these writings are meant to be private and for your eyes only.
To start with, it’s best to get a thick book with black or lined pages, one with no section dividers or anything fancy.
I prefer lined because it’s easier to write sentences that way and it takes the frustration out of trying to write neatly. You need to be as calm as possible, that’s always the objective – to be as calm, relaxed, and unhindered as possible. And this will make the process enjoyable.
What could your bullet journal look like?
It’s meant to be a thick wad of paper, that you can keep writing in without having to tear pages out. And that’s because the narrative is usually ongoing from page to page with no chapters as such.
However, you can title your pages as you want because the process is yours and the thoughts pertain to your life – that can help you.
So, if you feel inclined to write titles on your pages, by all means, go for it.
But, it’s not limited to titles only. People apply all kinds of nuances to it, to personalise the experience.
You could add motivational stickers, visual prompts such as icon stickers and more.
Can you write free-flow in your journal?
Yes, absolutely! That’s just another journalling style. It works well when you’re more of a novelist than a communications style of writer.
Conclusion
Now you know what this practice is all about and why people enjoy it and find it meaningful.
Follow along in Part 2 to find out if bullet journalling is actually right for you, personally.
Plus, discover a list of daily journalling prompts to help get started today. This section will give you the confidence to start immediately.
Disclaimer: The author of howtodesignideas.com and the articles hosted on this website, does not give medical or mental health advice. In the references to it, the phrasing is used to illustrate a point or give context to the information. It is not related to a specific condition or any specific individual. Always consult your healthcare professional for mental health or CBT advice. See our Legal Policies for more details.
