the art of journaling

Anyone can be a writer in their own way...

For as long as I can remember, writing has been my place of self love, self care, and self awareness. The written word is my safe space where I can be honest with the darkest parts of myself, and the pen is my therapist, allowing me to take weight off my shoulders and leave it forever trapped within pages. Since I was a little girl, I've collected hundreds of notebooks, all overflowing with ink and pressed flowers and photographs, and I feel so much peace of mind knowing that my own history is etched and stored somewhere safe.

While I know only a few people who also practice the art of journaling in their own lives, I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a bit more reflection, gratitude, mindfulness, clarity, and quality time with your thoughts.

But how do you start?

be free

Love letters to yourself, messy doodles, your favorite movie quotes, grocery store lists, ripped pages from magazines, family recipes, polaroids, flower petals, to-do lists... just be free.

I know a big book with hundreds of empty, white pages may be intimidating, but I'll let you in on a little secret — anyone can explore the art of journaling, and that's because there is no right or wrong way to do it. It's a practice (yes, practice) that is just for your eyes, a sacred space to experiment and forego the need to be a perfect speller, and a time of deep (or not so deep) healing and release.

Whether it's a single word or a full page, take some time each day to put pen to paper.

or, be prompted

When I'm feeling a bit low on inspiration, or simply need a reason to write, I often turn to easy monthly challenges — like writing a short poem a day for a full month, for example, or writing a list of things I'm grateful for each morning as I drink my coffee. Creating a small daily ritual that's easy to maintain makes all the difference, and more than anything, is a low-maintenance tool than anyone can harness.

Another powerful tool for any writer is to seek a bit more guidance in order to unlock your own creativity. Often, a simple prompt or question to answer is all you really need for those long-form journal entries, allowing you to think deeply on a topic you may never think to cover. For example — write about your idea of the perfect morning.

If you're ever in need of some inspiration, follow my Instagram page, @inkblushrose. Not only do I post journal prompts here and there, but I share my own poetry, unique content, beauty reviews, and a whole lot of aesthetic for your feed.

Happy writing, beauties.

xx