Journaling Tips From Friends of An Organised Life
One of our favourite ways to put pen to paper is through journaling and we love the different approaches that people have to journaling, so we asked three friends of An Organised Life their journaling tips…
Jordan Turner @mrturner
What is your go-to journaling prompt?
There are so many incredible resources on prompting questions to ask yourself when it comes to journaling, and I think it comes down to why you journal.
The reason I journal is to recount a day or process certain happenings. Sometimes I write about a whole moment and it'll take up a page or two, or sometimes it'll be a thought process or small circumstance in a few sentences.
I know that one day I would love to write a book, I don't necessarily know what about yet. What I do know is that many of my favourite books feature beautiful lyrical and poetic writing that stems from an author's real experiences. My journals remain to exist as I might one day need to revisit moments of joy and/or suffering to piece together a literary work.
How do you journal?
I journal whenever I experience something worth writing down, and I could journal anywhere. I've been in a Starbucks in Paris next to Gare du Nord watching a bus pull away with a beautiful advertisement - it was a small moment that made me happy that I had to record. I've also been lounging on a sofa whilst renting an apartment in West Village, NYC, journaling that I'm living on the same road as Carrie Bradshaw and that I had been making daily visits to Magnolia Bakery around the corner.
Needless to say, time and place have no effect on me - I just make sure I always have a pen.
How does journaling benefit you?
It's almost like setting aside some time for you to internally and critically process things that you want to. The keyword here is free therapy!
I usually enjoy journaling about moments of complete happiness or overwhelming feelings - like love, loss, new experiences, and visiting new places. This reflection and critical thinking of my feelings and situations often also overflows as symbolism in my work. Most of my editorials mean more than what you may see and it's the themes that I take away from processing things by journaling that make that happen.
Alison Rice @alisonlarsenrice
What is your go-to journaling prompt?
My journaling style has evolved alongside my own growth and evolution. I used to love writing Morning Pages. These days my version of journaling is rewriting knowledge I’ve learnt – predominantly from the Vedas.
How do you journal?
I used to journal in the late evening when I was winding down. I had a baby in January so now I journal in the pockets of time she sleeps in the afternoon or early evening. I keep my Dreamer notebook in the lounge room, light some incense or a candle and sit with a glass of red wine to reflect on my notes and see what jumps out at me.
How does journaling benefit you?
I find writing out the snippets of wisdom that have touched my heart helps me to fully embody what each one is trying to teach me. Rereading and rewriting takes me out of concept and into action. I’m always asking myself: Is my life a conscious example of this knowledge?
Jess Molina @jessmolina
What is your go-to journaling prompt?
I have a very specific way of journaling in the morning that I've been doing for years. I find that it sets me up for the day and I really notice the difference when I don't do it! Basically I start with a quote - it could be a song lyric in my head or my latest affirmation. Just a line that inspires me on the day! Then I have three prompts I like to answer: I am..., I have..., Grateful for... . These sit on the same page as my to-do list for the day so it's very visible to me throughout the day! I also find that I'm constantly adding to my gratitude list as the day unfolds and I start honing in on the little things that make me feel grateful.
How do you journal?
Over my morning coffee while listening to music! I even do this on the weekend although I'm a bit more relaxed then and just journaling from bed. Sometimes if I have a high energy playlist on, I like to have a little dance party by myself and get my groove on! It helps me get in the zone and helps me clear my head. I also try and do a bit more journaling in the evening just to reflect on my day and process some thoughts. It's such a healthy way of dealing with stress and I think of my journal as the safest place I can keep what goes in my head.
How does journaling benefit you?
As a writer, I've always said that writing was the way I made sense of the world and the things happening around me. Journaling helps me check in with myself and process my own thoughts. It's been so beneficial in not just clearing my head but being a powerful tool that helps me maintain good mental health too. Journaling has helped me become a better writer and a better person who can show up for herself and others too.