How to use journaling as a tool for self discovery?

If there’s one thing that always works like a charm for me, it’s journaling. There’s something so soothing about sitting in a cozy corner at the end of the day, pen in hand, letting thoughts pour out like gentle rain. It feels like talking to myself—rewinding the day like a movie, scene by scene, and seeing it from different perspectives.

Sometimes, journaling is like a brain dump—it helps me let go of everything I’ve been holding inside. Imagine consuming loads of food without a way to digest or release it. Wouldn’t that be uncomfortable? If we can’t keep everything we take in, how can we expect to carry unspoken thoughts and emotions without release? Wouldn’t that be suffocating too?

There were years when I didn’t journal, despite knowing its benefits. But this year, I made a conscious effort to write every day. To stay consistent, I created a tracker. Every time I journaled, I’d tick it off or color-code it, which gave me a small sense of joy and motivation to keep going.

Of course, there were days I didn’t know what to write:

• I’d try narrating events chronologically but wondered—what’s the point?

• I explored reflective prompts from websites or journals.

• Some days, I’d just express my emotions, moods, or challenges.

Eventually, I found my own style—a mix of all these approaches. I added more structure to the process to keep it fun and purposeful. That’s when I introduced elements like a Monthly Journal Cover and a Mood Tracker.

Monthly Journal Cover

At the start of each month, I’d design a page with the month’s name, a small calendar, some sketches or stickers inspired by Pinterest, and maybe a new tab. It made me look forward to journaling and gave each month a unique flavor.    

Mood Tracker

Using color codes, I’d sketch each day based on how I felt:

Pink — Happy, Green — Calmness, Red- Angry/Sad, Orange — Tired, Purple — Anxious, Grey- Nothing to define.

This visual representation helped me understand how my emotions fluctuate through the month.

How Journaling helped me process Life one day at a time —

• As someone prone to anxiety, tough days often overwhelmed me. But journaling gave me a structured way to look back and realize that I had survived hard times—and would continue to do so. It reminded me: “After every storm, there is a calm.”

• By the end of each month, I wasn’t just moving blindly through time. I could look back and say—“Ah, this was a month of growth,” or “This was a tough one, but I got through.” It gave meaning to the chaos.

• As journaling became a part of me, I added more layers—like a Reading Tracker, Meditation Tracker, and a Relationship Zone—to reflect different areas of my life.

These elements helped me notice patterns and gently realign when I drifted off track.

Making It Fun

Journalling is easy. But there is nothing more intimidating like a blank white paper absolutely staring at you, asking-“What are you even gonna fill me with” and have no answer to it. So to make it a little fun and to make the journal aesthetically appealing —

• I drew doodles.

• Added stickers, colors, and washi tapes.

Searched “Doodle Ideas for Journaling” on Pinterest when stuck.

Eventually, I realized it wasn’t just about writing. I had crafted a whole experience—one that I looked forward to. Journaling no longer felt like a task, but a comforting ritual.

That’s when I truly understood: Journaling is like viewing your life from a third-person point of view. Watching your day unfold like a movie—seeing what you love, what you’d change, and what you missed. You become a witness to your own journey—and discover things you hadn’t noticed before.

Want to Start Journaling?

If you’re unsure where to begin, here’s a simple roadmap:

1. Get a journal you love – Try Amazon, Kimey’s Korner, or Insta stores.

2. Start with a Monthly Cover – Draw, decorate, personalize.

3. Break the blank page fear – Begin with simple doodles. Use Pinterest for ideas like “Easy doodles + theme (e.g., Travel, Movies, Hobbies).”

4. Color them in – Add your personality to the page.

5. Create a vibe – Plug in your favorite song, find a cozy spot, and let your thoughts flow. Even 2 lines are enough.

6. If you needs prompts– Google “Journal Reflection Prompts” and pick any topic that resonates.

   
   

There are some bad days in life when you feel alienated from everyone, every being, entire world & beyond. On those days, at least you should feel home with yourselves. And that’s the kind of beautiful experience Journalling would give you!

The Question is “Are you ready to Receive?”

You can follow me on Instagram @poet.without.a.pen