I've carried a journal and pen with me for the last year. It's become a regular practice for me to write in it, but sometimes I feel stuck and I'm not sure what to write or how to go about doing it. Hannah Braime, found at Becomingwhoyouare.net, has written a fantastic book on how to go about journaling and how to get the most out of it. It's called The Ultimate Guide to Journaling. It is by far the best resource I've come across on the subject.
The book begins by going over the reasons for journaling and the methods to do it. Whether you prefer to journal with a pen and paper, on your laptop, or by recording your voice, this book will help you get the best out of it. This is a book that has an emphasis on journaling for self-knowledge. This is journaling that goes beyond just writing down what happened during your day. It involves digging deep into your thoughts, emotions, and history in order to understand yourself better.
The next part of the book offers a wide array of ideas to enrich your journaling practice. Writing with your non-dominant hand, keeping a record of your dreams, and making a gratitude journal are all examples of what she offers. Of course, she also gives you a great list of prompts. After that, she gives you an overview on how to include visual art in your journal. Pictures and drawings can be used to enhance your experience. She finishes off by offering a list of resources to continue your journey.
The book can be read front-to-back, or it can be used as a reference guide to read about whatever part interests you. The author is obviously very experienced with journaling and has a lot of wisdom to offer. I regularly return to it for inspiration. It is true that there are no actual "rules" to journaling, but if you want a good map to follow, it does a great job of providing it.
If you're interested in journaling for self-knowledge, this book is a must read.
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