Have you ever had so many thoughts swirling in your mind that you didn’t know where to even begin sorting them out?
Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed.
Maybe you're craving deeper connection with God.
Maybe you just need a quiet space to hear your own heart again.
Maybe you're craving deeper connection with God.
Maybe you just need a quiet space to hear your own heart again.
That’s exactly where I was when I first discovered the power of journaling. And if you're new to it, or if you've tried journaling before and felt stuck, I want you to know: you’re not alone. And there’s no “right” way to start. Today, I want to share a few simple tips to help you begin—and a little bit of my own story to encourage you along the way.
My Journey with Journaling: How Gratitude Opened the Door
My Journey with Journaling: How Gratitude Opened the Door
I started journaling during one of the most painful seasons of my life. In the fall of 2015, my husband and I received heartbreaking news that we would not be able to conceive our own children. A dream I had carried in my heart since I was a little girl was shattered in a moment. I found myself in a deep season of grief, wrestling with God, and feeling like my dreams didn’t matter anymore. During that season, someone gently encouraged me to try gratitude journaling - writing down three things I was thankful for each day. At first, it felt impossible. I didn’t feel thankful. I felt broken.
But I committed to trying.
At first, my lists were simple:
A warm cup of coffee.
A verse that brought peace.
A hug from my husband.
A warm cup of coffee.
A verse that brought peace.
A hug from my husband.
Little by little, something shifted.
Gratitude opened my heart to hope again. Journaling helped me process the grief I was carrying. And it gave me space to hear God's voice again. That small beginning with gratitude journaling became a healing lifeline - and it’s a rhythm I continue to carry today.
5 Simple Tips for Beginning Your Journaling Journey
Gratitude opened my heart to hope again. Journaling helped me process the grief I was carrying. And it gave me space to hear God's voice again. That small beginning with gratitude journaling became a healing lifeline - and it’s a rhythm I continue to carry today.
5 Simple Tips for Beginning Your Journaling Journey
If you’re ready to start (or restart) your journaling practice, here are 5 simple, beginner-friendly tips:
1. Start with Just 5 Minutes a Day
1. Start with Just 5 Minutes a Day
You don't need an hour or a fancy notebook. Start small. Set a timer for 5 minutes and simply write whatever comes to mind. No pressure. No performance. Just presence.
Try this:
→ Write one sentence about how you’re feeling today.
→ Or jot down three small things you're grateful for.
2. Create a Cozy Space That Feels Inviting
→ Write one sentence about how you’re feeling today.
→ Or jot down three small things you're grateful for.
2. Create a Cozy Space That Feels Inviting
Environment matters. Find a cozy spot - maybe with a candle, your Bible nearby, and a cup of coffee or tea. Let your journaling time feel like a soul-nourishing invitation, not another item on your to-do list.
3. Use Gentle Prompts When You Feel Stuck
3. Use Gentle Prompts When You Feel Stuck
One of the easiest ways to get started is by using journaling prompts. You don't have to come up with everything on your own.
Here are a few prompts to try:
- God, today I’m feeling _______________.
- A small blessing I noticed today was _______________.
- A prayer I want to lift up today is _______________.
4. Release the Need for "Perfect" WordsYour journal isn't meant to be a polished piece of writing. It’s a place for honesty, heart conversations with God, and processing life as it comes.
Misspellings, messy handwriting, incomplete thoughts—none of it matters. Just write.
5. Invite God Into the Process
The most powerful part of journaling isn’t just what you write - it’s Who you invite into it.
Ask God to meet you on the page. Write your prayers. Pour out your heart. Leave space to listen. Journaling can become a sacred dialogue—a place where healing, direction, and deep connection happen.
Final Thoughts: Your Journal Is Your Safe Space
Final Thoughts: Your Journal Is Your Safe SpaceYou don’t have to wait for the “perfect” moment to begin journaling.
You don’t have to be a writer.
You just have to show up.
You don’t have to be a writer.
You just have to show up.
Start small. Start messy. Start real.
God can do beautiful things with even the simplest offerings we bring Him.
Want Guided Journaling Prompts to Help You Start?
God can do beautiful things with even the simplest offerings we bring Him.
Want Guided Journaling Prompts to Help You Start?
If you’re ready to dive deeper into faith-fueled journaling, I’d love to invite you to download my Faith-Fueled Growth Journaling Guidebook.
It’s packed with prompts, Scripture reflections, and encouragement to help you partner with God in both your personal and business journey.
It’s packed with prompts, Scripture reflections, and encouragement to help you partner with God in both your personal and business journey.
You are not alone. You are seen. And your words - no matter how simple - are sacred.
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