Set the mood…
How do you keep journaling from being a chore and instead, something you love and look forward to? Set the mood! Make it a ritual. Create a cozy space to come to. Here are some ideas to make your journaling practice something you adore and excitedly come back to each day.
Designate a desk or other space exclusively to writing if you can. Keep your journal, pens, and anything else you use in your journaling practice together in this spot. Add images or objects that inspire you too! That way, when the inspiration or timing is right, you can just sit and write.
If you can’t designate a single spot for journaling, perhaps create a bag or basket to keep all your supplies together so you have everything you need in one spot. I keep a small bag for traveling or when I need a change of scenery and want to head to the local coffee shop.
Use a specific light or lamp that you turn on as you sit down to write and turn off as you finish your journaling session. This is a great physical trigger for dropping in to your journaling practice.
Similarly, create a ritual for writing by lighting a candle as you begin writing and blowing it out as you conclude.
Create a playlist that helps you feel inspired while journaling - perhaps you have one for different moods!
Consider a specific pen that is designated for journaling only. I have my favorites that don’t get used in the day to day, which makes journaling with them feel a bit more special.
Consider pairing journaling with another ritual you do already and let journaling flow naturally from that experience. Perhaps this is yoga, meditation, reading, tarot or oracle pulls, or even a bath.
Let me know if there are things you do to set the mood for your writing!
