Journaling for Beginners: 5 Simple Tips to Get Started
There’s something powerful that happens when we slow down, grab a pen, and begin to put our thoughts on paper. Journaling isn’t just for writers or creatives—it’s for anyone who’s navigating life, business, and faith and wants a simple way to process, pray, and grow. For me, journaling started during one of the hardest seasons of my life.

It was the fall of 2015, and my husband and I were walking through the pain of infertility. A dream I had carried since childhood—to become a mother—felt shattered. I was grieving, questioning, and feeling so lost. Someone suggested I start writing down three things I was grateful for each day. At the time, I didn’t feel like I had much to be grateful for. But I tried it anyway.


Little by little, I started to notice small things again: 
A comforting cup of tea.
A verse that calmed my anxious heart.
A walk with my husband under golden fall leaves.


That simple act of gratitude journaling became the seed of something much deeper. It helped me reconnect with the Lord, soften in the grief, and begin to heal. That’s the power of journaling. And I’ve carried it with me into every new season since. Whether you’re grieving, growing, or just trying to hear God more clearly, journaling can be a lifeline. And if you’re just getting started, I want to share a few simple tips that can help.



1. Start Small (Like, Really Small)
You don’t need a fancy journal, perfect handwriting, or an hour of free time to get started. In fact, it’s better to start with something simple, like 3–5 minutes in the morning or before bed.

Try this:
→ Write one sentence about how you feel today
→ Jot down 3 things you’re grateful for
→ Or simply start with, “Today I want to talk to God about…”
No pressure. Just presence.

2. Create a Cozy, Distraction-Free Space
Your journaling time doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect, but creating a cozy space can help you stay consistent and look forward to it.

Light a candle. Play soft worship music.
Grab your Bible, coffee, or tea.
Let it be a sacred pause in your day—not another to-do.


Over time, this space will begin to feel like a holy invitation, not a task to check off.

3. Use Guided Prompts When You’re Not Sure What to Write
One of the biggest barriers to journaling is not knowing where to start. That’s why I love using guided prompts - especially ones that connect my faith and goals, just like I created inside my Faith-Fueled Growth Journaling Guidebook. 

Here are a few you can try:
  • God, here’s what’s heavy on my heart today…
  • What do I need to release from this week?
  • Where am I resisting rest, and what would it look like to surrender?
  • What’s one small way I saw God’s faithfulness recently?
 If you’re in a dry or foggy season, prompts can gently lead you back to His voice.

4. Let Go of the “Right Way” to Journal
There’s no wrong way to journal. You don’t need perfect grammar, profound insights, or Instagram-worthy pages. Your journal isn’t for performance—it’s a place for honesty, connection, and growth. Some days you might write a full page. Other days, it might be a single sentence or a verse that speaks to you. That’s okay. What matters is that you showed up. God doesn’t need your perfection. He just wants your presence.

5. Invite God into the Process
Journaling isn’t just personal - it can be deeply spiritual. It’s a space where you can process with God, write out your prayers, and tune into His voice in a noisy world.

Ask Him to meet you on the page. Write down your prayers, your questions, your dreams. Record what you sense Him speaking - through Scripture, through reflection, or through the stillness. Some of my most tender moments with the Lord have come not through answers, but through the simple peace of writing in His presence. 

And if you ever find yourself wanting more guidance or encouragement along the way, I created a mini course called The Joy of Journaling that lives inside Kingdom Alliancethe faith-based business community I’m part of. It’s a beautiful resource for women who want to experience journaling as a rhythm of renewal and connection with God. You can even explore the full course (and other resources inside Kingdom Alliance) with 24-hour free access if you’re curious.



Closing Thoughts: Just Begin
If you’ve felt the nudge to start journaling, take this as your permission slip. You don’t need to wait for the “right” season. You don’t need to know what to write. You just need a notebook, a pen, and a willingness to show up. Even if all you write today is, “I’m here, God,” - that’s enough. And don’t underestimate what He can do with your honesty and a blank page.

Want More Faith-Fueled Journaling Prompts?
If you’re ready to go deeper in your faith and personal growth through journaling, check out my Faith-Fueled Growth Journaling Guidebookpacked with prompts, Scriptures, and simple insights to help you partner with God in your personal and business journey. Click here to download the guidebook and start journaling with purpose and peace.



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