How to begin a Journal + 20 prompts to start 🤍

Journalling is an incredibly useful tool for self-reflection, healing, shadow work and self-development. When used consistently, it has shown to have a profound effect on one’s mental health and way of life.

Here are my tips to beginning a reflective journal:

1. Select your writing tools, I always suggest a physical journal with paper and pen. This is because science shows that when writing with pen and paper, it actually increases the brain's ability to recall and increase thoughts.

2. Choose what you wish to write about:

• Daily reflection

• Manifestation

• Limiting beliefs

• Aspirations

• Situational reflection ect

1. Create an environment which allows you to be free from distraction. Find a quiet place and sit comfortably. I like to play meditation or frequency music softly.

2. Set a 20-minute timer and use the journal prompt to begin.

3. Write without re-reading and editing, just let it flow. It doesn’t have to make sense, it's just to unload the brain and body of what you suppress and don’t process.

4. If you get stuck or have a brain block take some deep breaths. Start by breathing in through the nose, inflating the stomach, breathe in for 3 counts, hold for 3 and breathe out for 4. Repeat 3 times and then re-read your journal prompt.

5. Once the timer has ended either continue going or you can end it there.

6. You can now choose to re-read your entry or leave it. I just leave mine or re-read it and that triggers me to continue writing.

Journal Prompts I use and Love:

1. What would I do if I didn’t fear judgement?

2. What would I do if I knew I couldn’t fail?

3. What would make your life better and why do you believe it will make it better?

4. What are 5 things you do really well?

5. How do I want to feel today?

6. Who do I want to show up as?

7. What would the ideal version of myself include in her daily life?

8. How could I make someone feel loved and worthy today?

9. How do I define myself?

10. What am I scared of?

11. What am I holding onto that no longer is serving me?

12. What am I accepting that I don’t deserve?

13. How am I honouring myself today?

14. What do I value in life?

15. How can I better myself today?

16. Where do I see myself in 6 months?

17. Today I choose to let go off….

18. Things that bring me joy and happiness

19. Things that make me feel sad and unworthy

20. My 5 favourite qualities of myself are...

If you are wanting to begin these are some super helpful tips and prompts to get started.

Some extra tips I think are important:

1. Set a routine surrounding the habit of journaling and create a reminder

(ie. At 6 am every morning after I’ve made my bed and a warm drink I will journal for 20 minutes alone in the quiet)

1. Do it consistently. I think you will see and feel the power of journaling quicker if you do this practice regularly.

2. You can find so many journal prompts online if you’re searching for more. Simply search “Journal prompts for ______” and then add in keywords such as “self-love”, “shadow work”, “inner child trauma”, “self-doubt”, “anxiety”

I hope you find these helpful x x x