Are you new to journal writing and feeling unsure how to start? Don’t worry because I’ve got you covered! Journal writing is an excellent way to express your thoughts, feelings, and emotions and can be a powerful tool for self reflection and growth. However, I understand it can be intimidating to do something new, including keeping a journal. In this guide, I’ll provide you with some examples of journal entries that you can use as a starting point to begin your journal writing journey. So, grab your favourite pen and let’s get started!
Journal writing format
There is not a right or wrong way to write a journal entry. Journaling is personal and should reflect your own voice and experiences, so you decide what works for you, and mix it up as much as you want. How do you prefer to write? Do you prefer the length to be a few sentences, a page or multiple pages? Whatever you pick is okay.
However, there are two points I suggest you consider including:
- date (and time) — this will help you find a specific post if you want to in the future
- location — this can give context to your entry if you read it back in the future.
I date the first entry I write in a session and say whether it is morning or evening. I write the location when I change location instead of adding it to each entry.
If you are using a digital journal app you may find the format is provided to you, but it may add the date and location automatically for you.
Journal entry examples
There are many different types of journal entries you can write, and you can use as many as you want. You can also combine different examples to create your own personal journal entry template.
You can see in my journal flip through that I usually use simple journal entries, but I also use ones where I use headings or write in different directions.
Freewriting or Simple journal entry
I start this with the date and possibly the location, and then I just write whatever is in my head. Sometimes it is a thought in my head. Other times it is a struggle to write anything and in those cases I actually write “I don’t know what to write”, or “I’m writing in my journal” to see what comes out. Once I get the pen moving the thoughts flow.
List entry
You can use lists for all types of different topics:
- things to do today / daily goals
- things that happened today
- things you’re grateful for
- goals
- places you want to travel
- questions you want to know the answer
When I write a list I simply use a bullet point or number and then write each item. Depending on the size of my list I will use multiple pages. Longer lists help you go deeper inside so it good to do a multi page list for things such as ideas for goals.
Journal prompt / Structured entry
Journal prompts are generally one or a series of questions or statements which you respond to in your writing. I make it clear what the prompt it either by using a different colour ink or writing it in all caps. I then write my thoughts below.
You’ll notice from my own writing that I sometimes write in a structure, such as going around the page or using a grid. I don’t need to do this, I could simply answer the questions going down the page, however I’ve found having a structure helps my thought. For example, when I write around the page it is because the prompts are taking my thoughts on a journey and rotating the page helps me on my way.
Letter entry
Writing in a letter format can be a good way to collect and clear your thoughts. You could write
- to your future self
- to your past self
- from your future self giving yourself advice
- to someone who has hurt you or you hurt
- to a role model
- to part of your personality
The focus is on the content and not formatting it as a proper letter, so I suggest starting with Dear … and getting writing. The intention is to use it to structure your thoughts and not to create a letter you’ll post (but you can if you want). If the letter is to someone who you still see you may want to do it on paper instead of in your journal, so you can decide to destroy it.
Round up post
This can be good to reflect on your week or month, and to capture any details from the week that you missed (because you don’t have to write every day).
You could
- summarise what happened each day
- write about different themes you notice in the week
- look at how you’ve worked on a goal
- write a list of everything you’ve achieved or the highlights
- capture the things you’ve learnt
- discuss what you may change the coming week
I write to clear my head. I haven’t incorporated a roundup in my practice. However, I have started looking back on my posts from 30 years ago and recording my thoughts on video.
Mindmapping post
Mindmapping is a combination of drawing and writing. You start with one central idea and draw lines outwards for each sub idea, and then more lines and more lines, until you’ve captured all your thoughts. I don’t often use this type of post in my journal, but have when I’ve got lots of things I want to capture quickly because it is quicker than writing in paragraphs or even a list. I remember doing it one busy Christmas Day. I suspect that was the central idea and the lines that came off could have been people, what we did, food, presents.
Mindmaps are excellent when you have lots of ideas, but they feel jumbled. As the structure develops as you capture ideas you don’t need to know the structure before you start, unlike a list. I use them often at work for example structure a presentation.
Creative writing post
This is definitely an example where there is no defined template to follow. Write what you want. Or try something new to push your creative thinking. It could be a short story, a poem or maybe even a play. If you’re struggling to get started you could use a prompt.
Art / Decorated post
Continuing with the creative style post, remember you don’t have to write. You can draw, paint, doodle and stick things in your journal. Let your creativity flow and see what happens.
For years, I only wrote in my journal, but was introduced to stickers and washi tape a couple of years ago and I love it. Firstly it has become a mindful activity for me to go through my collection and choose what I want to use and secondly it makes the pages so much more enticing to look back on. I have a mini scrapbook in my journal. I have also tried drawing, but didn’t enjoy it as much, but I think that is because I’m still learning how to draw. I’m sure with practice I’ll get better.
Conclusion
Journaling is a great way to keep track of your thoughts and feelings, whether that is releasing pent-up emotions, organising your to-do lists or documenting your daily activities and events. I hope these journal entry examples have been helpful and inspired you to start your journaling journey. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to journal, so experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you.