How to Start Journaling + 25 journal prompts for personal growth

Today we're talking about how to start a journaling practice including what journaling is, the benefits, and the many writing approaches you can take.

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Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and does not substitute or replace medical advice. All opinions expressed are my own. This description contains affiliate links, which means that if purchases are made when clicked, I’ll receive a small commission. Thank you!

Meghan Livingstone, CNP
Certified Holistic Nutritionist

[Daya_]

This is the way I journal: the prompt I go with is usually: how are you, really? And then thoughts just come up, maybe I'm doing fine but have some things on my mind, I'd write them down. Maybe I'm feeling super sad, then I'm writing down why I feel sad etc. BUT the best thing is (and the thing I would recommend to everyone is): journal when you're feeling GOOD! And then you write WHY you're feeling so good. For me most times it's because I've been spending time with friends, I've been dancing, I've been cooking some new stuff that turned out great, etc. Just write it all down. And the thing is!!! Whenever you're sad, you flip back to the happy pages and you get reminded about the stuff that makes you feel good! And you're reminded of the positive energy you had when you were writing the happy stuff. The thing is: you really believe it because it is YOUR handwriting and you're reminded of YOUR feelings and the fact that you CAN be happy and how good it feels! Really, It's awesome!

[hannahreatorres]

I usually journal when I’m reading my Bible. I love storytelling on what happened to a particular story that I read and then process it by journaling. I also write down thoughts that bothers me and the things I want to deal with. It helps, really.

[aboutfeddy]

Yes, I love journaling!
- I go through all the ideas you talked about, date, place and I start writing 🙂
- It helped me to deal with grief, thoughts, problems, but also set on paper happy times, beautiful days or funny events in a chronicle/essay style or even just few words 🙂
- I write down things happening in the world, opinions, things big or small happening in my life, memories, things I'm enjoying.
- I journal also about projects I have, dreams. Even the dreams I have at night, as often they're film like and very curious 😄
- When things get too long, I title them, so I don't forget the main focus.
- I apologise to my journal if I write after a long time 😅
- It's lovely to read back what I wrote in the past. It's like going through a photo album and it's like looking at me in a different perspective, making me realise how I change in time 🙂
- I also like to think that someone in the future will find my journals. A niece or nephew maybe or even an archaeologist, who'll wonder about how much language and things have changed and how weird the authour could be at times 😉

Yes, I definately love journaling ☺💖

Edit: it's so lovely to see the approach of everyone to journaling. Be safe people and take care of yourself and of your mind 💖

[pattyrileywu]

I could never get into journaling until I tried Future Self Journaling. It was the style that really resonated with me. Figuring out the person I want to be in the future and what I could do to become that person here and now. It’s my favorite!

[RH-qxwm]

I’ve been journaling for about 11 years. I actually journal the same way you do. Journaling is the absolute best thing I ever started doing for myself. Discovered your page to journaling prompts and such. I am so grateful that I found your channel today. Thank you so much for all your videos...I’ve watched 3 in a row now. I can see my life getting better and better. 💕

[melanielester]

This is Many people don't 'write' (literally!) anything anymore, everyone is on mobile phones, laptops, I-pads etc. Children aren't focusing on actually learning to write at school as much as they used to as they do a lot on computer. Bring back the art of 'writing' I say! Best wishes from the UK. X

[ahnieves]

Megan I have been with you since the beginning when you use to make your monthly favorites videos years ago. Every time I squeal, my husband knows my Canadian girlfriend has posted a new video. This couldn't have come at a better time. I am a 3rd grade teacher and my job has been effected greatly from covid to the point of great depression and having to get on antidepressants. However, I finally said f it and put my self care first and what has been helping me the most has been journaling at night before bed to check on my feelings, my body and what I need. So thank you for all the journaling ideas.

[hanaequine]

I love these kind of inspirational, healthy, active youtubers, so im subscribing

[miharu]

Loved this video ❤️ i really like writing. About stream of consciouness: i also find that usually, while i'm doing it, i write something and i surprise myself, like "what?? Is that, the problem?" or "it was this that i was worried about??". I aknowledge things WHILE i'm writing 😆 really eye-opening and useful

[sarahecho]

One way I like to journal is by writing a letter to an imaginary friend, sort of like "Dear Diary". The imaginary friend is non-judgemental, but she listens and helps me look at things in a new way.

[temmietaft]

Your videos always make me feel so happy 😀

[aurielashley]

I’ve found journaling to be such an amazing tool for self awareness and personal growth. And I love these prompts!

[marysiciliano]

Thank you I enjoyed the video I will start journaling, gave me the tools. I have so many thoughts that are so negative about myself. Food is always on my mind Thank you.

[bethany]

I recently began embarking on a journey of self care, something I found was considerably lacking in my life. Journaling/Gratitude are practices I have used for a few years and would like to take them to the next level. Thank you Meghan! Downloading your Journal Prompts for further reflection.

[whiteflower]

I have just found you... good for that thank you i really wanted to start journaling but i dont know how. NOW it is clear thank you

[crookedpages]

I can watch you all day. Anything about journaling.

[pohyokelo]

One of the best how to journal videos and articles out there. Thank you.

[dlife]

I loved this video! Thanks girl ! Dani Dee Journals on Amazon are cute and cheap! They're about dreams and gratitude!

[johnsonbrandon]

I just started journaling and I really in joy writing about what happened that day. Thank you for the inspiration.

[girliecastillote]

Oh my gosh. It's been months since I last wrote in my personal journal! It's a blessing to have seen this today, Megan. Thank you for inspiring me to write again. Yes to journaling! <3 <3 :)