Journaling Methods.. Find What Works For YOU!

There are many people who are incredibly passionate about journaling, and their journaling methods, why is that? Journaling is a versatile tool or practice that can be used for many things; including processing hardship, expressing your creative side, documenting memories, you name it!

It is like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time.

Mina Murray

The versatility of ‘journaling’ is what prompts such an abundance of journaling methods. Here you will find 15+ different journaling methods that you can explore anytime. Share and bookmark this page for whenever you need inspiration.

You can also read the many benefits of journaling here..

Journaling Methods

Free Writing

This is the most common method of journaling, with nothing prompting the creative style other than your own thoughts. Free writing is all about putting pen to paper and seeing where the journey takes you. Often times people use a timer, or a theme. Although, free writing is all about being free to where your journal takes you.

Writing is a voyage to the interior.

Christina Baldwin

Gratitude

Reflecting in gratitude is a sure fire way to turn your mood around. Gratitude journals can manifest in many ways. Start by writing a list of what you are grateful for, you can then also dive deeper by explaining why.

It is not happiness that brings us gratitude. It is gratitude that brings us happiness.

Unknown

Goal Setting

Whether you keep a daily journal or not, documenting and tracking goals is very common. Plus, it’s something we all should do! It not only commits you to a pseudo mental contract, it also allows you to get clear on your goal; create a plan to achieve it, track your progress, and commit to deadlines.

If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan.

Jim Rohn

Dream Journal

People often start dream journals when they desire to remember more of their dreams, or they start to see patterns of themes, characters, etc. Dream journals offer a safe space to process our nightly visions. Often kept on a bedside table for quick access in the first few moments of waking.

Yet it is in our idleness, in our dreams, that the submerged truth sometimes comes to the top.

 Virginia Woolf

Letter Writing

There is something incredibly therapeutic in writing the unspoken words you wish you had said. Letter writing, also known as the ‘unsent letter’ is a journaling method which allows you to get something off your chest and address it to a specific person (or yourself) without ever having to send the letter.

Letter writing is an excellent way of slowing down this lunatic helterskelter universe long enough to gather one’s thoughts.

Nick Bantock

Dialoging

Dialoging is a productive form of journaling when you are looking to prepare for a conversation, or even process a conversation that has already happened. The use of multiple points of view can allow a more in-depth understanding of others.

Good conversation is the equivalent of shared emotion. 

Marty Rubin

Bullet Points

Bullet journaling is a popular method compiled of lists or simple bullet points of thoughts; even emotions. Yes, it’s as simple as that!

Keeping a journal of what’s going on in your life is a good way to help you distill what’s important and what’s not.

Martina Navratilova

Manifestation / Law of Attraction

My personal favorite.. Manifestation journals are filled with dreams and aspirations, often written as though they have already happened. Using the power of written word to help shape your future can go beyond writing goals. Allow descriptive writing to narrate the future you want.. It is believed to help attract just that.

To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.

Anatole France

Heartsong

A heartsong journal is filled with things that bring you love, happiness, and light. It is thought to be your heart on paper, whatever this may mean to you. From inspirational quotes, to prayers, mantras, song lyrics, you name it.

Go find your joy. Whatever that is, go find your joy.

Sandra Bullock

Memories / Snapshot

Whether it be a picture, or the written word, taking a snapshot of a memory can be more valuable the gold. Reflecting back on the memories filled with love and happiness brings joy to the present moment. Snapshot journals can be filled with the moments of today, or looking back to the moments we want to forever cherish.

Happiness isn’t something you experience; it’s something you remember.

Oscar Levant

Life History

There is no doubt as life moves on we begin to forget the past. Using the written word to document moments of your life, including dates of events, etc. you are able to reflect back on these important moments in time. Not only will you have something to look back on, it is also proven to increase your ability to remember these events.

Take care of all your memories. For you cannot relive them.

Bob Dylan

Reflection

Introspection is examining your own conscious thoughts and feelings, a reflection journal is those thoughts and feeling written out. Utilizing a pen and paper to turn inward and dive deep into emotions, dreams, personality traits, etc. This can be incredibly beneficial when working to change undesirable habits or traits.

Without reflection, we go blindly on our way.

Margaret J. Wheatley

Intuitive Resonating

This journaling method is a way of giving a voice to your subconscious thoughts. When your mind starts to wonder, follow these thoughts and write them down. That this journaling method is often the birth of many creative ideas. It is also commonly used when people discover undesirable thoughts when they allow their mind to wonder. It allows a space to process, understand and reflect.

The possibilities of creative effort connected with the subconscious mind are stupendous and imponderable.

Napoleon Hill

Perspective Shift

Taking a shift in perspective is something I sing praises of on a daily basis. Being that a simple perspective shift changed my life, as our quality of life is based on our own perspective. There are many benefits in using a pen and paper to shift perspective, whether that be first person (your own view point), second person (the view point of another), or third person (the view point from someone outside the situation). Taking a moment to view a situation from the eyes of another, leaving behind the emotional connection, grants you a deeper level of understanding.

That is the strangest thing about the world: how it looks so different from every point of view.

Lauren Oliver

Doodles

Who doesn’t love a good doodle? Letting your pen flow on paper is an incredible creative outlet to emotions. Whether that be in the written word, or in doodles, drawings, painting, etc. Let yourself be free, see where it takes you.

What is possible in art becomes thinkable in life.

Brian Eno

Be sure to check out my post on implementing new habits if journaling is new in your routine.

You can also check out these journaling prompts, be sure to follow us on Pinterest for more.

Join the conversation, what is YOUR favorite journaling method?