One Journaling Tool To Help You With Consistency
From The Pen's Nib: Edition 8
Topic: Journaling Tools
Journaling is a difficult habit to create. Habit implies consistency.
You have the basic tools—a notebook and pen, maybe an online platform—and a time carved out. However, consistency continues to elude you.
Reasons vary from not enjoying the act of writing to being bored by what you write or not knowing what to write.
I started free journaling five months ago. Somedays, my journaling is nothing but mindless dribble (there is nothing wrong with that). I wanted deep reflection on a regular basis.
Journals with prompting questions didn’t solve my problem. The questions were too broad, repetitive, or not applicable.
I decided to reread The Daily Stoic and write a reflection on each day’s Stoic insight. My prompt was how does the reading relate to my life? I began on January 1st. Thoughts to journal came easier.
Then I picked up Leo Tolstoy’s A Calendar of Wisdom. Like The Daily Stoic, one page a day presents wisdom to ponder. It became a good way to prompt reflection.
Everyone has deep thoughts. Sometimes, we just need some inspiration.
The writing of others inspires me. Suddenly, deep thoughts for journaling are easier.
Any book written in a daily reading format can be used to help you write meaningful journal entries.
Religious devotionals or texts
Thought of the day
Daily readings
Daily affirmations
After reading, write some reflections on how it relates to you. Are there actions you can take? Are there areas needing improvement? Your daily reading habit can encourage your daily journaling.
If you journal, try this prompt:
What habit am I most consistent with? Why?
I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment, and let’s start a conversation.
Thank you for reading.
Until next time,
✍️ Susan
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Items of interest:
📸I love adding a visual interest to my journal. The same is true for my newsletters. Each week will feature a picture I have taken corresponding with the month the edition is published unless otherwise noted. I’ve taken daily pictures since 2020. I have many to share!
📰From The Pen’s Nib is my second newsletter. My first, Pen to Paper, is about gratitude and the good in life. If you haven’t seen it, check it out. It may be for you.
Always interested in what you have to say on journalling Susan as I struggle to put pen to paper every day. My sister also suggested the Stoic quotes. Her advice was to start at number 1 and just write instead of scanning for an interesting one.