Journaling is one of my favorite things to do, and I have noticed a growing popularity within the last few years (especially within my generation). It is so nice to be able to go back and read what you were going through at a certain time, or re-experience events you attended.
However, I know that beginning a blank journal can be a little overwhelming. Therefore, I have come up with my top 5 things to include in your journal entries, including pictures from my past journals as inspiration for y'all!
1. Pictures/Polaroids
Pictures are one of the easiest things you can add to a journal, but they make a huge difference in the look of your journal. Personally, I used polaroids quite often, but even just purchasing prints from Walgreens does the trick.
Alongside writing, pictures really set the scene of an event you attended or a trip you went on. Pictures showcase the beauty of scenery and how much you have changed over the years; they are so fun to look back on!
2. Concert Tickets/Movie Tickets
Whether you are a movie lover or a concert goer, tickets are a great thing to include in your journal. It is nice to have something you can physically touch from that event, and they don't take up much room either (so that's a plus if you prefer lightweight journals).
3.Quotes!
Ever been feeling something but don't know how to put it into words? A quote is the perfect solution! My favorite place to search for them is on Pinterest, but of course you could always just use Google. Quotes are able to eloquently put into words feelings that we cannot always describe in the moment. They really come in handy!
4. Lists
Rushed for time but still want to journal about your day? Compose a list! Bulleted lists are perfect for those busy days, or days when you just don't feel like writing very much. Some ideas for lists include: the best things that happened to me freshman year, current favorites, favorite memories with friends, etc. The possibilities are endless!
5. Letters from friends/family
The writing included in your journal does not always have to be your own necessarily. Mix it up! Ask one of your friends to write a letter in your journal prior to a big life event or change, or simply tape one in that someone sent to you! These are my favorite things to look back on, they instantly plaster a genuine smile on my face, and take me back to that point in my life for a few short minutes...
Overall, journaling is pretty simple! I hope this article gave you some ideas on how to be more creative with journaling. And if you are more of a traditionalist, simply write! Writing is journaling at it's core! So grab a journal -- or make your own -- and express yourself; that's what journaling is all about!