How to Start a Diary or Journal in 2024

Hey there!

Writing a diary about your day can be an amazing way to capture life’s little moments. This is a timeless practice that’s often overlooked in our fast-paced, ever-scrolling lives. The art of keeping a diary or journal is having a book filled with untold stories, unfiltered emotions, and intimate reflections.

 Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

In a world buzzing with constant notifications, where every moment competes for attention, the diary offers us something priceless: a sanctuary to collect our thoughts, pin down our emotions, and freeze those fleeting moments that make our lives unique.

I have been doing this for almost 10 years, although not every day but every chance I get to sit with myself, I feel a lot more relieved after I journal or fill up my diary.

Here’s what I usually do to get going:

I usually find myself in a cosy spot, whether it’s a nook in my room or a favourite café corner, grab a cup of something comforting, and settle in.

Jot down the date and maybe a catchy title, like “Adventures in So and So” or just the name of the place that I am in.

Then, I let my thoughts wander back through my day. I try to remember the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It will be personal, and I spill those emotions onto the pages — joy, frustration, contentment, or even a dash of sadness.

In my signature style, I’d dive into the details, painting a picture of what the day was like or how the future would be, and maybe even a touch of wistfulness would find its way onto the pages.

I’d spice it up with insights or lessons learned during the day, things that made me go, “Aha!” As I wrap it up, I’d sum up the day’s vibe or throw some gratitude out into the world. No rules here, one entry at a time.

My tips for someone who is starting to write their journal would be to:

• Try to describe the details, the nitty-gritty stuff that made your day special — what you saw, heard, smelled, tasted, and felt.
• Think about any cool lessons you picked up or insights you stumbled upon.
• Wrap it up by outlining the day or maybe conveying your thankfulness for the standout moments or people.

Remember, there’s no “right” way to do this; it’s all about making it your own.

Trust me, once you start, you’ll be surprised at how addictive it becomes!

#journal #productivity #diary