Journaling starter Kit
for Beginners
Who Is Writing This Guide?
I have already introduced myself on the About page, so I won’t take up too much space in this guide.
My name is Sara, I come from an Italian island and have been living in Australia for several years now. English is not my first language, and occasionally, you might find some silly mistakes. I appreciate your understanding if my English occasionally sounds unusual.
I’ve always kept a diary or written about my inner thoughts since I can remember learning to write. But I started a my formal practice of journaling about 8 years ago.
My journal setup has evolved with me over the years. I have experimented with techniques, formats, paper, and pens; I’ve read books and articles, watched hours of videos, and explored other areas such as productivity, time and goal management and psychology.
What I’ve noticed in my research is that the vast majority of online resources about journaling focus on the aesthetic and artistic aspect rather than on the practice of journaling itself. This leads many aspiring “journalers” to believe that, to start this practice, one must possess or aspire to certain artistic skills to engage in journaling.
Online, you can find countless beautiful setups, covers, and stunning monthly pages that, personally, I would never have the time, patience, or ability to create.
What was missing for me was practical resources on the actual practice of journaling, with references to scientific studies on the benefits it brings to mental health and the overall well-being of a practicing journaler.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that decorating and making your journal a piece of art is a bad thing. The beauty of journaling is also this: everyone creates a journal that works for themselves.
So, that’s what I did. I created my own extremely flexible practice to support my personal growth, closely tied to my Purpose.
And I decided to share it, so that other people, similar to me, can benefit from it.
People who love personal growth, organization, and introspection at the same time.
As I mentioned on the About page, I started journaling during a delicate moment. My mental health was very fragile, I had just moved back in with my parents after an heavy breakup, and my life was completely stalled both existentially and professionally.
I needed “something” to help me put the pieces back together and support me in my journey of introspection and rebuilding.
This was my initial Purpose that pushed me to start practicing journaling.
NOTE: It’s very important to mention that during this period, I also began therapy. If your mental health is under stress, please take care of yourself and consult a professional.
5 chapters away from becoming a “Journaler”
Hello and welcome to my Journaling Starter Kit for Beginners!
I’m so happy you’re here, and I hope this guide helps make your journaling journey a little smoother.
I’ve put this together because I want to share a simpler, more practical approach to journaling—a way that doesn’t get bogged down by aesthetics or perfection.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your existing routine, this guide is about supporting your personal growth and exploration, just like journaling has done for me. My goal is to provide a straightforward, flexible method that you can truly make your own.
Let’s dive in together!
Chapter 1: Introduction to Journaling
In this chapter, I want to set the stage and talk about what journaling really is—beyond the pretty pages and fancy pens.
Journaling is a tool for personal growth, and it’s okay if your journal isn’t a work of art!
To help you get started, I’ve outlined the Three Pillars of Journaling that guide my practice: Purpose, Flexibility, and Personal Growth. These are the building blocks of my approach.
I also know that many beginners get discouraged by things like not knowing where to start, feeling their journals look “ugly,” or thinking it’s too complicated.
But trust me—it doesn’t have to be perfect or overwhelming. Your journal is meant to serve you. Let’s ditch perfection and make this practice work for you!
Chapter 2: Core Essentials for Journaling Now
Okay, so what do you really need to start journaling? Honestly, just a notebook and a pen. That’s it!
I want to keep things simple, so you can focus on the essentials: an Index, a Year Calendar, and the most important part—your Purpose.
I’ll walk you through how to set up each of these, step-by-step. For example, your Index will help you find key pages without flipping through your whole journal, and your Year Calendar gives you a big-picture view of time.
But defining your Purpose? That’s where the magic happens. Whether it’s to express yourself, track habits, or process your thoughts, your Purpose is what will keep you coming back to your journal day after day.
Chapter 3: Essential – Day-to-Day Management
Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about day-to-day journaling. The heart of it is your Daily Page—a space for jotting down reflections, planning your day, or just getting your thoughts out of your head and onto paper. The beauty of this is that there’s no one right way to do it. You can write every day, or you can skip a week.
I also suggest trying out Monthly Calendars and Weekly Pages if you want a bit more structure, but keep it simple. You don’t have to create elaborate spreads in advance.
Your journal is there to serve you, not the other way around! As you go, you’ll naturally figure out what feels right and what doesn’t. I promise—start small, and let your practice grow with you.
Chapter 4: Custom-Built: Special Pages
Here’s where things get fun—you can start building Special Pages for anything you want! Do you have a specific goal in mind? Let’s turn that into a concrete plan using a Goals Page, Project Planner, and Goal Tracker.
I know from experience that breaking big goals into smaller steps makes them feel so much more achievable. The secret is to focus on one goal at a time and track your progress along the way.
Remember, the purpose isn’t to create a rigid system but to give yourself a map to follow. Each goal becomes its own little journey, and your journal will help guide you through it.
Chapter 5: Your journal is at your service.
Now let’s explore some other Special Pages that can add depth and personality to your journal.
Want to keep a list of all the books you’ve read? Create a Library of the Year page!
Looking to capture memorable moments? Try a Memorable Moments page, where you can jot down events or highlights from each month.
One of my favorites is the Brain Dump—a page where you can scribble out all the chaos in your mind. Use these special pages as tools to help you stay organized and inspired. Remember, you don’t have to create every page at once.
Start with one or two, and see what resonates with you. Your journal is a reflection of your life, so let it be as unique and dynamic as you are.
Let’s start your Journaling Journey!
See you there!
Sara 🙂
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