How do you organize your journal while you are writing it? My pages are a jumbled mess looking like a rough draft, it can be hard to follow when looking back.

For me, the most important part of the journal is writing- as in, the freedom of not having to structure it in any way. I write sideways, back to front, upside down... Whatever the most comfortable way of writing may be at the moment. Even the sentences I write may not be complete, just fragments of thoughts. The only structure that I have is consistently writing the date before I begin journaling. The freedom and non-judgement of writing in whatever way I see fit that day allows me to focus on putting down the thoughts and feelings, which gives me a sense of clarity, peace, and allows me to understand better what gives me purpose and motivation for the day.

I use an app so I can write and put pictures, of course if you want some more privacy you can always use a big notebook and make every page a day, mark the page with the date so is easier to be organized.

I try to organise by month but other than that I don’t organise at all. I find the more rules and order I put towards journaling, the less personal and helpful it actually is. I date the entries but that’s all I do just now.

I organise my journal by the day and time I write and usually go on a quick summary of the day or goin in detail about a specific activity of the day.

Try not to view it as a mess, but an expression of where your head was that day. Unless you’re going to polish your journal, it IS a rough draft. Remember this is just for you, (unless you want someone to read it). Even if it’s a mess, it still demonstrates you-- and aren’t there days for everyone when we’re a mess? Don’t worry about that. Just keep writing ✍🏻 .

I make a format that I use every time like a worksheet. It keeps everything predictable and makes it faster to fill out, which keeps me motivated to write in it every day. It took me awhile to find a format that worked for me, so don’t give up!

Well it is important to date your page before you begin writing. I simply write my ideas and thoughts. I know people who use bullet points when they are trying to make a point or title their page. It is important to have an idea of what you’re going to write before you begin and organize your self before writing and to thuroughly think through your words before putting them to paper.

Different. Only some words. Even one, when I have nothing in my mind. But it is for me very important. I try to stop and to think.

I actually use a digital journal with daily prompts to help me keep my writing organized and purpose driven. The app I use is called Jour and it’s a wonderful alternative to a paper journal if you are inclined to journal digitally. I use it first thing in the morning to reflect on the previous day and instill purpose into the current day. I hope this helps!

I make one page for each day and set up little sections for each thing like my to-do list, a reflection, and a mood tracker. If this isn’t up your alley try buying a planner instead!