How to Start a Journal Entry (Journal Writing for Beginners)
Let’s be honest: the idea of starting to journal entry can feel a little awkward. You sit down, pen in hand, ready to spill your soul — or at least jot down something insightful — and suddenly your brain goes blank. The page stares back at you like an unblinking white void, and you’re not sure if you should start with “Dear Diary” or dive straight into the meaning of life. The good news? You’re not alone. Almost everyone who’s ever picked up a notebook wanting to write has had that same moment of panic.
Here’s the comforting truth: journaling isn’t about being poetic or profound. It’s about being present. You’re simply giving your thoughts and feelings a place to land. The beauty of journaling is that there are no rules carved in stone, no grammar police hiding in the margins, and no grades at the end. It’s just you, your pen, and whatever’s bubbling inside your head. Anyone could write, you just have to start a journal entry.
If you’ve never written before, think of your journal as a quiet conversation with yourself. Some days it might be deep and reflective; other days, it might just be a list of things you’re grateful for — or mildly annoyed about. What matters is that you show up. In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how to start your dream journal, why it sometimes feels hard, and simple steps to make it easier. We’ll also peek at an example entry and talk about how to make journaling a gentle, daily habit that feels natural (not like another task on your to-do list).
And yes, by the end, you’ll have more than enough ideas to fill those blank pages without breaking a sweat — or your spirit.
Table of Contents
Why Starting a Journal Feels Hard (and Tips on Journal Writing Practice)
Step-by-Step: How to Start Journaling as a Beginner
Step 1: Create a Welcoming Space to Start a Journal Entry
Step 2: Choose the Right Journal and its Tools
Step 3: Set an Intention — Journal Writers are not Rule Setters
Step 4: Start Writing with a Journal Prompt or a Feeling
Step 5: Write a Journal Entry Without any Judgement
Step 6: End with Gratitude or a Small Reflection
Example: What Your Personal Journal Entry Could Look Like
Make Writing in a Journal a Gentle Daily Habit
Final Thoughts on Keeping a Journal
Want to Start Using Journal Prompts?
FAQs
Why Starting a Journal Feels Hard (and Tips on Journal Writing Practice)
Here’s a secret most people don’t say out loud: the hardest part of journaling isn’t what to write — it’s starting. There’s something intimidating about that first word. You might feel pressure to make it sound “right,” or fear that what you write will seem silly later. Maybe you’re worried your handwriting isn’t neat, or that you’ll reread an entry one day and cringe at your younger self’s thoughts. But here’s the thing: those fears are actually proof that you care. They show you’re already engaging thoughtfully with your own story.
We often put unrealistic expectations on journaling. We imagine it should look like those Pinterest-perfect spreads with color-coded tabs and flawless calligraphy. But in truth, journaling is meant to be messy, personal, and freeing. Your journal isn’t a performance — it’s a reflection. No one’s judging it but you (and you’re learning to be kinder to yourself, right?).
To make starting easier, lower the stakes. Instead of aiming to write something meaningful, aim to write something. Anything. You can begin with how your day went, what you ate for breakfast, or how you feel about the weather. The act of writing will naturally open the door to deeper thoughts.
Also, give yourself permission to start small. A few lines are enough. Over time, journaling becomes less about filling pages and more about clearing mental space. You’ll begin to crave that quiet moment with your notebook, not dread it.
When journaling feels like a safe, judgment-free space rather than a test, you’ll find yourself writing more often — and more honestly.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Journaling as a Beginner
Now that we’ve shaken off the pressure, let’s get into the good stuff — the how to start a journal entry when you want to start journaling. Below is a simple, practical roadmap to get you started. This will take you from staring at a blank page to writing with flow and comfort. Each step builds on the last, and together, they’ll help you form a sustainable journaling experience.
Step 1: Create a Welcoming Space to Start a Journal Entry
Environment matters. You don’t need a candle-lit desk straight from an aesthetic Instagram reel, but you do need a spot that feels calm. Maybe it’s your kitchen table in the morning light, a cozy corner of your bed, or your favorite park bench. What matters most is that it feels yours.
Try to clear away distractions. Silence your phone or put on your favorite Spotify playlist — try ours here! Take a few deep breaths before you open your notebook. You might even set the mood with a warm drink — tea, coffee, or whatever comforts you most. The small ritual of creating a welcoming space signals to your mind that it’s time to slow down.
If you’re someone who struggles with routine, don’t overthink it. You can journal anywhere — a bus seat, a waiting room, or even in your car during lunch break. The key is intention. Treat journaling as a small act of self-respect, like brushing your teeth or stretching your body.
Once you make the space inviting, your thoughts will feel more welcome too.
Step 2: Choose the Right Journal and its Tools
Let’s talk tools. Picking your journal is more important than most people think — especially if this is your first journal. The wrong one — too small, too plain, too stiff — can make writing feel like a chore. Find a journal that feels inviting in your hands, something that makes you want to open it. Maybe you like a hardcover notebook, maybe you prefer softbound pages that bend, choose a journal that fits you. There’s no wrong answer. It doesn’t need to be a new journal, sometimes, the perfect journal is an old bullet journal that you never finished.
Likewise, your pen should glide easily across the page. A pen that skips or smudges can frustrate you and interrupt your flow. Go for one that feels smooth and comfortable. You don’t need luxury stationery to write beautifully, but a good pen can make the process feel more enjoyable. You can also choose stickers and accessories to make your journal yours — create a personal journal that reflects your personality and moods.
This small physical pleasure — ink on paper — helps anchor you in the present moment. It becomes a mini mindfulness practice. And once you associate journaling with comfort rather than effort, your brain will look forward to it.
Think of your tools as your allies. They don’t just record your thoughts — they make the experience of expressing them smoother and more natural.
Step 3: Set an Intention — Journal Writers are not Rule Setters
Here’s where many people get stuck: they set rules like “I must write daily for 20 minutes” or “I must write regularly and can’t skip a day” Then life happens, and when they miss a session, guilt sneaks in. But guilt has no place in journaling. Instead, set an intention.
Ask yourself what you want to get from the practice today. Maybe it’s clarity, calmness, or simply to vent. That intention will gently guide your writing without making it feel forced. For example, begin writing a small line at the top of your page like, “My intention today is to slow down.” That’s enough to create purpose.
Rules create resistance. Intentions create flow.
When you free yourself from “shoulds,” you’ll naturally feel more motivated. And ironically, the more forgiving you are about journaling, the more consistent you’ll become.
Step 4: Start Writing with a Journal Prompt or a Feeling
If staring at a blank page makes you freeze, prompts are your best friend. They give your thoughts a direction. Try writing with simple ones like:
- “Right now, I feel…”
- “Today I learned…”
- “Something I’m grateful for is…”
- “If I could change one thing about this week, it would be…”
You can even respond to quotes or questions that resonate with you. The goal isn’t to write a perfect answer — it’s to get your mind moving.
Another easy trick: try writing from your emotions. If you’re sad, frustrated, or excited, write in your journal. Emotions are natural story-starters, use your journal to write about how you feel. Write as if you’re talking to a friend who really listens.
For more advanced writers: you can practice stream of consciousness writing. If you are not sure where to start, choose a topic that inspires you write and start with writing down whatever comes to mind without stopping.
Remember, your journal doesn’t need structure. It just needs truth.
Step 5: Write a Journal Entry Without any Judgement
This is the golden rule of journaling: let it flow, write whatever comes to mind. Don’t censor, don’t edit, and don’t worry about grammar or spelling. You’re not writing for an audience — you’re writing for understanding. Some of your entries might be messy, emotional, or full of scribbles. That’s perfectly fine. In fact, that’s beautiful.
Journaling can help decluttering your mind. You wouldn’t judge a messy drawer as you’re cleaning it — you’d just take everything out, look at it, and decide what stays. Writing works the same way.
Give yourself permission to be honest, even brutally so, without judgement or self-censorship. This is your space to say what you can’t say elsewhere. You might be surprised by the clarity that appears once you stop worrying about how your words sound.
Step 6: End with Gratitude or a Small Reflection
Before closing your journal, take a minute to reflect. End your journal entry on something that leaves you feeling grounded. It could be a note of gratitude — something small that brightened your day — or a quick summary of what you’ve realized while writing.
This step matters more than it seems. Ending with gratitude helps your brain associate journaling with positivity. Even on tough days, there’s usually something — a kind word, a cup of coffee, a moment of peace — that deserves acknowledgment.
Keeping a gratitude journal subtly shifts your mindset. You’ll carry that small sense of balance into the rest of your day.
Example: What Your Personal Journal Entry Could Look Like
Here’s a peek into what a simple journal entry might look like:
Date: November 6
Intention: To check in with myself.Today felt busier than usual, but not bad. I caught myself scrolling too much this morning and felt frazzled. I realized I use my phone to avoid starting tasks. Once I noticed it, I put it down and took a short walk. That helped a lot. I want to remember that small reset next time I feel overwhelmed. I’m grateful for the cool air and the sound of leaves under my shoes.
See? Nothing fancy. No grand declarations or perfect sentences. Just honesty, awareness, and a little gratitude. You can write freely and decide when and how often you want to journal and write — it can be daily journaling or once a week, writing sessions can take you thirty minutes if you want to sit down and dive deeper or it could be a five minute journal…
Make Writing in a Journal a Gentle Daily Habit
Building a journaling habit doesn’t mean forcing yourself to write daily without fail. Instead, think of it like watering a plant — you don’t need to drench it every day, just give it consistent attention.
Here are a few gentle ways to start and to build a writing habit:
- Pair journaling with an existing habit. Write after your morning coffee or before bed.
- Keep your journal visible. Leave your journal where you’ll see it often. Out of sight usually means out of mind.
- Be flexible. Some days, you might write three pages; other days, just a sentence. Both count.
- Celebrate small wins. Each entry is proof that you showed up for yourself.
Over time, journaling becomes less of a task and more of a comfort — a safe place to return to when life feels chaotic.
Final Thoughts on Keeping a Journal
Starting your journal entry doesn’t have to be complicated. All it takes is intention, honesty, and a willingness to show up as you are. Remember: your journal isn’t asking for perfection — it’s offering you permission. Having a journal can help you reflect and align with your emotions and feelings. And you don’t even need a regular journaling practice for that!
Want to Start Using Journal Prompts?
If blank pages still make you hesitate, consider using our Prompted Journals. Guided journals provide gentle questions and themes to help you reflect without overthinking, making the process even easier. Whether you’re exploring daily thoughts, travels, or personal growth, journaling prompts can help you start with confidence — and keep going with joy.
FAQs
1. How often should I write in my journal?
There’s no strict rule. Write as often as feels natural — some people choose to journal daily, others weekly. The key is to use a journal consistently, not frequently.
2. What if I don’t know what to write?
Start small. Writing about your current mood, what you did today, or one thing you’re grateful for is a great way to start. Prompts are also great for overcoming writer’s block.
3. Can journaling really improve mental health?
Yes! Studies show that keeping a journal allows to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance self-awareness. Journals help you process emotions in a safe, private space.