Journaling | My Journey & Favorite Resources

One of my goals this year is to journal more. Some days, I am not sure what I should write or I get “blank page syndrome”. I have realized, somedays, I just need to get words down on paper. It doesn’t need to be meaningful or groundbreaking – just a moment to sit with myself and write. Sometimes it can devolve into a rabbit hole of continuous thought – or evolve into a greater understanding on myself.

1. Experimenting with structure
   1. Notecard Method
   2. Junk Journaling
      1. Supplies
   3. Structured Meditation
      1. Journal #1
      2. Journal #1 (abridged)
      3. Journal #2 (learning more about faith & spirituality)
   4. Journal Structure | when I don’t know what to write
2. Questions & Reflections for Journaling
   1. Journal Questions (self reflection)
   2. Journal Questions (reflection: growth & identity)
   3. Journal Questions (next steps for growth & identity)
3. Resources for more information
   1. Shadow Work Journal
   2. Writing Prompt Sources
   3. Prompts for Gemini/ other LLMs:

Experimenting with structure

At one point in time I HAD to make all my journal pages look the same. Same title structure, formatting, color coordination and steps to work through my prompting structure. In that moment in time I needed that sort of structure. I have since adjusted my journaling to the needs I have now. The structure I had previously became a barrier of entry to doing what I loved. Below I will try to outline some of my favorite journaling methods and some resources.

Notecard Method

In the evening, I would sit down and glue the note card to my notebook and then write about my day. Some days – all I did was do the note card.

Junk Journaling

You must understand it is suppose to be messy and chaotic. This article refers it to “scrap-bookings chaotic cousin. It also forces you to think creatively and pull stuff that you already have. I sometimes pair it with blackout poetry cutouts as another form of creativity.

If you are interested in learning more about Junk Journaling, take a look at What Is Junk Journaling? Tips and Tricks for Beginners. Bilyana Ivanova talks you through what Junk Journaling is, how to get started, and some amazing tips & tricks.

Supplies

I was having a hard time with the glue – but I just bought these to try – scrapbook tape – and I am hoping it cuts back on my glue stick use.

Here are some additional links to some fun stickers / things I have found along the way. But sometimes I just put 3 stickers out there and then journal the rest of the page or hold my blackout poetry in there key some of my glue and surround with doodles. It is a pick your own adventure!

• 240PCS Vintage Motivational Quote Stickers
• Vintage Ephemera Scrapbook Stickers
• Knaid Vintage Scrapbook Supplies Pack (200 Pieces)

Structured Meditation

Sometimes I want to spend some time journaling with more intention + structure. I will write the date and then follow these “guidelines.”

Journal #2 (learning more about faith & spirituality)

1. Set intention: explore a general theme
2. Gratitude list
3. Reflections on prayer / meditative practices
   • Choose a prayer / meditation on each day
   • How do did you feel while engaging in this practice?
   • What did you learn about yourself?
4. Mindful Moments
   • Record moments of mindfulness throughout the day.
5. Prayer requests & answers
   • Track & reflect on how the prayer & meditative practices influence your requests.
6. Free writing
7. Affirmations

Journal Structure | when I don’t know what to write

More recently, my day-to-day reflections are less structured. I also have a hard time deciding what I want to write. I don’t always want to do self-reflection & meditation. Sometimes I want to just write and be still. When I want to do this, I will:

1. “Word of the Day” – Merriam Webster, Oxford Dictionary, ask Gemini
2. Quote – Brainy Quote, The Free Dictionary, ask Gemini
3. I will go over the weather; temperature, sunrise/set, moonrise/set, cloud type, precipitation, UV, pollination, etc.
4. I will list the things around me; do a 5 senses exercise
5. I also highlight things I find or read about. If I see a word or hear it in a new context, I try to jot it down to do some research on it. Check the news, TV shows, books, and Reddit are a few of my favorite places to do so.

Questions & Reflections for Journaling

With the various ways to structure or think about journaling, I wanted to add some of questions I have come across in my research for journaling. If you have any below you would like to add, comment below! I would love add to this list.

Journal Questions (self reflection)

1. Values & beliefs
   • What are my core values?
   • What principles guide my decisions and actions?
   • How do my values align with my current life style?
2. Strengths & Weaknesses
   • What are my greatest strengths?
   • What areas do I need to improve?
   • How can I leverage my strengths to achieve my goals?
3. Passions &. Interests
   • What activities make me feel most alive and fulfilled?
   • What hobbies do I want to explore further?
   • How can I incorporate my passions into my daily life?
4. Challenges & Self-Concept
   • What challenges have shaped my identity?
   • How can overcoming current challenges contribute to my growth?
   • How do I want to define myself through these experiences?
5. Relationship & Growth
   • How do my relationships influence identity?
   • How can I grow within?
   • What kind of person do I want to be in my relationships?
6. Future Self & Identity?
   • Who do I aspire to be in the future?
   • What steps can I take to align my current self with my future self?
   • How can my growth journey reflect my evolving identity?

Journal Questions (reflection: growth & identity)

1. How did I stay true to my values today?
2. What did I learn about myself?
3. How did I grow as a person today?
4. What actions reflected my true self today?
5. What can I do tomorrow to continue the growing and staying true to myself?

Journal Questions (next steps for growth & identity)

1. Personal mission statement: core values + passions + growth goals
2. Set identity aligned goals
3. Regular check-ins
4. Mindful practices: meditation + journaling + walking
5. Seek feedback

Resources for more information

With journaling, no matter if I am feeling like I want to be creative. I want to be expressive. Below are two additional resources that I utilize for finding prompts and varying the content in my journals.

Prompts for Gemini/ other LLMs:

1. Can you make me a few writing prompts that are [insert genre] themed.
2. Can you make me a visual writing prompt that is [insert genre] themed.
3. Can you help with with a Shadow Work writing prompt that highlights [what you are working on or want to highlight]

---