How Should You Choose What to Write About in Your Journal?

Have you ever sat down to journal and just stared at a blank page? 

A new journal can feel like a great opportunity to try something new, write something profound or keep memories alive. Writing that first thing can feel really challenging, though, since it seems to set the tone for the journal itself. The good news? It doesn’t have to be difficult! The beauty of journaling is that it’s personal, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Plus, the right journal can help guide your thoughts and make the process a lot easier. 

So, let’s dive into some fun and simple ideas for what to write about in your journal!

Understand Your Why: Why Are You Journaling?

So, the very first thing to think about is why are you journaling. If you’re not sure, ask yourself a few things:

• Are you self-reflecting?

• Are you wanting to be creative by writing stories or drawing?

• Are you tracking goals?

• Are you preserving special memories?

• Are you trying to de-stress?

Or maybe it’s something else entirely. To stay on track with any type of goal, you need to understand your “why.” Asking yourself this will help you start out on the right foot and be able to set realistic goals for yourself.

Consistency in Journaling: Keeping a Schedule

One of the keys to making journaling a regular habit is consistency. Now, that doesn’t mean you need to journal every single day to be successful. However, you do need to find a routine that works for you! It can really help keep the habit going. So, if you’re wondering how to journal daily, here’s a tip: try picking a time of day that’s easy for you to stick to. Maybe it’s first thing in the morning with your coffee or in the evening as a way to wind down before going to sleep. Whatever works best for you—just try to make it a time of day that’s not going to overwhelm you.

It’s also important to note that you’re in charge of how much or little you write! There is no need to write tons if you don’t have much to say! So, we’d suggest starting small—just five or ten minutes of a journaling session can make a big difference. And if you don’t feel like journaling one day? That’s totally okay. Life gets busy, and sometimes you need a break. When you don’t feel inspired, try just writing down one important thing. Even a small entry counts and helps keep the habit alive.

Use Journaling Prompts to Get Started

If you’ve ever stared at a blank journal page and wondered what on earth to write about (like we talked about above), journaling prompts can be a total game-changer. What is a journaling prompt, though? A journaling prompt is a question or idea that helps spark your thoughts and guide your writing. It’s like having a little nudge to get you started, especially when you’re not sure where to begin.

Why are prompts so helpful? Well, they take the pressure off you to come up with something right away. Instead of stressing about what to write in a journal, you just answer a simple question, and it leads you down a path of self-reflection or creativity. It’s a great way to explore your feelings, set goals or even document your day-to-day life.

Here are some easy prompts to get you started for general journaling purposes:

• "What are three things you’re grateful for today?"

• "What’s one thing you want to improve this week?"

• "How did you overcome a challenge today?"

These are great for personal journaling and can help you think more deeply about your day-to-day life, your growth or your goals.

If you’re looking for more structure, themed specialty journals like Engagement Journals, Legacy Journals and Travel Journals are awesome because they often come with built-in prompts. For example, in one of our travel journals, you’ll find prompts like: "Where did you stay? Would you recommend it? Why or why not?" These prompts help you capture every little detail, so your memories stay fresh and organized.

Almost all of our journals include prompts to help you get started journaling and keep going. 

No Right or Wrong Way: Just Write!

So, the biggest thing to know about journaling is there is no wrong or right way to journal! Seriously! If you’re wondering how to start journaling and feel a little unsure, that’s totally normal and okay. The beauty of journaling is that it’s personal to the writer. You get to make it your own, so don’t stress about doing it "perfectly." There’s no rulebook.

If you're feeling stuck, just start with something simple like, "What’s on your mind today?" It can be as basic as jotting down what’s happening in your day, your thoughts or even what you're feeling right now. From there, you can build on it or just let your thoughts flow.

Also, keep in mind that your journal isn’t just for writing long entries. It’s a space for creative expression, too. You can write poems, make lists, sketch or doodle. It’s all about what feels right for you. So, don’t worry about having a "perfect" journal. Just start writing, and let it evolve however it wants to.

Ideas for Journals Based on Your Lifestyle

Your journal can be whatever you want it to be—especially if it’s tailored to your lifestyle and interests! Whether you're tracking your goals, preserving memories or diving into creative writing, there’s a journal for just about every need.

1. For all the bookworms out there, a Reading Journal can be a great way to track what you’ve read, jot down thoughts on your favorite books or keep a list of recommendations. 

2. If you love the food your family cooks and want to pass down family favorites, a Family Recipe Book could be a fun and practical way to keep your culinary treasures organized for years to come.

3. For those who want to preserve family history or share meaningful moments, Legacy Journals are a beautiful option. They’re perfect for documenting family stories, milestones and personal reflections to pass down for generations. It's a wonderful way to keep the memories alive.

Getting started with journaling—or sticking with it—can be so much easier when you have the right tools. That’s why a journal from Duncan and Stone can make all the difference. With easy-to-follow prompts, the process feels both simple and special. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to keep your journaling routine going, our journals are designed to guide and inspire you every step of the way.