Look at us, equipped with all sorts of tablets, laptops, mobile phones, and other high-tech equipment, yet we still lean on the good ol’ reliable pen and paper. Much like classic novels, Moleskine notebooks, and .5 G2 pens, journaling is another timeless thing that is here to stay. This might be because the many scientifically proven benefits of journaling overwhelm the inconvenience of not always having a notebook and pencil on hand.
Yet, the main problem holding people back from keeping a journal is what to journal about. Often, individuals keep a journal for those chance “brain blink” moments to note a random idea that popped into their heads. However, that’s just one of the purposes of journaling. Journaling ideas are literally as vast as the ocean. Anything you can think of can be noted down on paper. And although creative journal ideas can be found literally within your current sight (even with your eyes closed), the hard part is dissembling those thoughts and then piecing them back together. But that’s what we are here for—we do the hard part, you keep the fruits. So if you’ve ever thought of keeping a journal but kept backing off because you lacked things to journal about, fear no more—we’ve got you covered for a good while.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of fun journal ideas and random journal entry ideas to write about to keep your thoughts documented in black and white. Or whatever color pen you plan on using. Did you like any of the below ideas for journaling? Let us know by giving them an upvote. Also, any other cool journaling ideas we should have mentioned? Share them in the comments. Also, let us know whether you keep a journal or are planning on starting one!
#1
Write a letter to someone.
In your diary, you can write a letter to someone you want to get back in touch with, share your affection with, or have a disagreement with. Then, you can copy and paste it into a real message, type it out by hand, mail it, or keep it to yourself. Don't forget that the recipient of the letter can also be you.
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#2
Write in “stream of consciousness.”
The journaling style known as “stream of consciousness” involves writing down your thoughts, ideas, and experiences as they occur to you, without any sort of organization or structure. You just write down your ideas exactly as they sound in your mind.
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#3
Write about how you’ve grown this year or what has changed.
What exactly about this last year has changed for you, and to what extent? Focus on your internal changes and personal advancement rather than the circumstances and changes everyone else is going through.
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#4
Write about the top three priorities in your life right now.
As long as you list your top three priorities, you can be as vague or precise as you wish. Then consider how (and whether) you give them daily priority. What routines help you maintain your priorities, and which ones hinder you?
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#5
Start a commonplace book.
A commonplace book is a sort of notebook that has been around since the Renaissance. It is a compilation of quotes, passages, observations, and other material compiled from numerous sources and put into one book to give the writer a personal resource where they may look back on the concepts, ideas, and inspiration they’ve accumulated through the years.
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#6
Keep a dream journal.
Dream journals can include any observations on the dream’s importance or meaning, as well as the thoughts, feelings, and visuals experienced throughout the dream. Keeping a dream journal may also help examine your inner self and subconscious mind.
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#7
Create an entry about a person you've been thinking about recently.
Write about someone on your mind for whatever reason, such as someone you miss, who upset you, or even someone you'd like to get to know better. You may write about why this person is on your mind or create a screenplay for a hypothetical encounter with them and what you would like to tell them.
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#8
Write about something that scares you, yet you must do it anyway.
The famous line attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt states, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Suppose you've ever caught yourself saying, "I hate driving at night," "I'm awful at small talk," or "I'm worried about what people will say." In that case, you already know why you avoid certain things and activities. Write about whatever comes to mind, and then construct some empowering self-talk to get you through anything that (you believe) isn't in your natural element and hinders your progress.
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#9
Create a mind map.
A mind map is a graphic representation of concepts and data frequently set up in a branching, non-linear fashion. Making a mind map can assist you in coming up with new ideas, connecting seemingly unrelated concepts, and getting a broader perspective on your thoughts and emotions.
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#10
Journal about your vision for the future.
Where do you envision yourself in three years? Once again, concentrate on the key components of that vision. Although it's OK not to know where you'll live or which chocolate bar will be your favorite, what is this vision's broader context?
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#11
Write about what you would do if a genie granted you three wishes.
Imagine you purchased an old oil lamp from an antique shop, and after rubbing it a bit with your polishing rag, a genie appeared and granted you three wishes. What would you do with them?
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#12
Track your habits.
Because it enables you to keep a record of your progress, reflect on your experiences, and make modifications as necessary, journaling may be a powerful tool for tracking habits.
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#13
Create an “I forgive…” journal entry.
This likely makes you think of someone you find hard to forgive. But even if you're not over it, put down, "I forgive [name], and I desire only what's good for him/her." Not for them, but for you, so you can finally move on.
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#14
Answer the question, “What would I love?”
This is a good one to have fun with. Still, you must be mindful not to ask yourself, "What's the point of even trying to write this since my circumstances are unlikely to make it possible?" Chill, trust the law of attraction!
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#15
Describe a challenge you’re currently facing or one you’ve recently overcome.
What obstacles have you overcome in your career, relationships, or personal growth? What accomplishments have you made? What impediments still hinder your progress and hold you back? Identify them.
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#16
Write your vision for this day and your intentions.
How will you wish to have spent this day after it is all over? Or on what three things, in particular, do you want to concentrate today? How will this day help you achieve your long-term goals?
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#17
Write a “note to self.”
A morning note to self is a reminder for oneself to do something meaningful that day. For example, you may write a message about something you want to remember from today, perhaps strive to learn something new about yourself or note something you want to change by the time the night comes.
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#18
A creative character sketch.
Create a character based on you or someone you know in a creative diary post. Or build an entirely fictitious character with particular quirks or a dreadful secret! This diary entry might serve as the idea for a future book or short fiction. Who knows?
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#19
Write about something absurd.
Start with an absurd observation, such as "the sky is the perfect hue of a cinnamon roll glaze," or something even more outlandish and see where it goes. It might lead you somewhere. Also, it might not. Creativity and absurdity know no boundaries.
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#20
Express how your day is going.
Write about how your day (or your day thus far) has gone, what has happened, and what you are grateful for.
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