Okay so there’s not actually a list of 101 things, but here are some things to keep in mind if you are thinking about picking up journaling! Journaling can be anything you want it to be, don’t hold back anything but lay it all on the page! Compile your thoughts, prayers, dreams and anything else into ink and create away! Journaling is a great way to express yourself however you want with your own privacy! It’s also a great way to take notes on something you want to reflect on later, or just remember! It can be easy to write lists or something you want to remember on a napkin or a piece of paper and let it get lost within the day or even a span of a week, but by journaling, it is all in once place. Make it your personal time to escape the rest of the world and its demands and simply be in YOUR own world—yes, you have permission to be selfish and be in your own world while you journal!

1. You don't need to be good at writing

Whether you feel like you could write a novel, or you couldn’t even write a Hallmark card, don’t fret! No one has to read this but you! You don’t have to write perfectly, or even decently for that matter...or you can try to produce the best writing yet!

2. Add color

Or don’t if that’s what you want! Make decorated pages and phrases to express that day or keep a black and white theme! Match your color to express your personality of what you are journaling!

3. Doodle

It doesn’t need to be neat and tidy -- have messy pages or organized chaos if you please! Drawing is becoming a new trend in journaling! Drawing phrases or Scripture is difficult, and I am not one to argue with that. So just give it a shot—maybe you are better than you give yourself credit for! Pinterest is a great start to get an idea of where to begin!

4. Express yourself

Whether that’s a poem or a paragraph or bullet points, make this your own design. There is no correct way to write or to format a journal; pick your style and roll with it.

5. Decorate your journal

Decorate your journal cover with stickers or drawings! Make it your own and reflect you! Toss stickers and bubble letters all over it and layer color, or keep it neat and simple to really make it represent you! Have fun with it!

6. Use it for notes or a to-do list

Use your journal to take notes in church or use it for a to-do list! Side note: Lists are great to feel like you are accomplishing things of the day because you can list even the smallest things like brushing your teeth, and crossing it off makes it seem like you’ve accomplished so many tasks that day!

7. Make it personal

Feel connected with it -- be in your own world for a minute. Reflect on yourself, write about you, be vulnerable and honest. Your journal is yours! Not his, or theirs or anyone else’s: so write like it's for your eyes only! Don’t make up a pretend day to wish things went how you wanted, use your journal as an opportunity to see where things could change next time! This is a time where you get to be totally selfish and write about whatever you want, including yourself! This is one place where you can choose for it to be only centered around you if you please!

8. Document memories

Compile memories of trips by journaling daily, drawing your day out or even taping souvenirs like post cards, concert tickets, or even pictures in your journal! As cliché as it is, they say a picture is worth a thousand words right? So add a picture or write a thousand words on the immaculate adventure you just went on!

9. Highs and lows of the week

Journal about your highs and lows of the week! This gives you time to think and reflect! An important “you-time” that we don’t make time for anymore! A great way to see how you, yourself can make your week have more highs than lows when you reflect on your previous weeks!

10. Goals

Make goals and keep track of them! Rather than losing the goal you wrote on a sticky note, have a solid reminder and keep up with your goals! Use your journal to check in with your goals, or reflect how they are coming along; your journal gives you a great way see your progress along the way!

I hope you all start off the new year with intentional personal time whether it's mediation, journaling, or even just a cup of coffee and a fire place! Enjoy your journaling and branch out to try something new!