Do you want to start journaling, but feel like you wouldn't know where to start?
Using a guided journal is a fantastic way to get started in this mindfulness practice, but aren't really sure where to start.
Instead of worrying you're doing it wrong (You can't!) and staring at a blank piece of paper, the guided journal will prompt you in different directions until you get the feel for it.
I’ve journaled for many years, and looking back, it’s wonderful to see the growth I’ve achieved along my life’s journey.
Over the years, the journaling niche has absolutely exploded! From bullet journaling to guided journals, there’s something that appeals to most anyone.
Sometimes we can be spoiled for choice, so I've put together five of my favorites to get your started in your own guided journal practice!
4 Journaling Tips for When You Actually Don't Know How to Journal
Guided journaling is my favorite way to journal.
What is a guided journal?
It’s a journal that offers questions, or prompts, that get you thinking. You simply reflect on the questions and jot down your answers.
One thing I love about guided journals is that there are ones that cater to different areas of life, such as:
Just doing one guided journal is wonderful, but I challenge you to try various ones by different authors.
The following are some of the best guided journals that I’ve found. There are more, or course, but these I can vouch for.
Looking for Journal Prompts? Watch this next!
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission when you click the link and finalize a purchase (At zero cost to you.). We participate in programs like these to keep providing our readers free daily motivational content.
Even if you’re not into Zen, this guided journal can be helpful in bringing you into more peace and joy.
Beginning in the season of spring, the questions will help you reflect, contemplate, and do some digging into your mind to see areas that are blooming and areas that could use some tender loving care.
As you journal, you’ll likely enjoy a sense of peace and a growing feeling of contentment.
You can find A Year of Zen: A 52-Week Guided Journal here.
This guided journal is great for doing some digging into the mind and facing negative thoughts, mindsets, or old wounds that have been hiding.
You’ll find an introduction to shadow work as a tool to gain more self-awareness, self-care, and self-love.
There are 365 journal prompts, allowing you to dedicate a full year to this type of inner healing work if you desire. If you’re new to inner healing work or exploring your mindset, this is the perfect guided journal to start with.
It’s divided into six sections that help you gain insight and clarity:
As the author of this guided journal, I can say that it’s a helpful tool to get to know yourself better, begin digging up and healing inner wounds or negative emotions, and increase your self-care and self-love!
You can find the Shadow Work Guided Journal for Beginners here.
This is a guided journal that inspires peace, joy, and simplicity.
In a world where it seems we get busier and busier, this journal points you in the direction of slowing down, creating dreams, and appreciating all the good in your life.
I find the journal prompts easy to understand, as well as easy to answer. This would also make a great gift for others. The journal also includes various Scriptures and inspiring quotes.
You can find A Standard of Grace here.
If you struggle with anxiety, this is a great little journal that can help you manage or decrease it.
What I enjoy about this is that it includes:
This is great for anyone who likes to track their emotions and fill out worksheets. There aren’t as many prompts as other journals, but plenty of lined pages where you can journal whatever you wish. You will also find gratitude prompts, quotes, and illustrations.
You can find the Anxiety Journal here.
There is power in offering gratitude regularly.
With this gratitude journal, you’ll be able to exercise your gratitude muscles every day. There are several prompts that you can answer daily that will only take you about five minutes.
It may seem like it’s repetitive, but when you get into the habit of living in a grateful state, it can change your life for the better.
Give it a try and watch how much more positive and grateful you become as you habitually offer gratitude for everything in your life.
You can find The 5-Minute Gratitude Journal here.
Yes!
Guided journaling has become very popular in recent years because those who put pen to paper answering the prompts admit that the insightful work helps them.
The benefits truly are worth the effort, whether it’s becoming more:
If you haven’t tried guided journaling yet, give it a try for yourself!
You may even find guided journals that will make great gifts for your family or friends.
Editor's note: This article was originally published Jun 17, 2022 and has been updated to improve reader experience.
LATEST
CATEGORIES
Wake up to dailymotivation!
Get Motivational Quotes, Affirmations, and insightful content delivered to your inbox every morning!
Session expired
Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.
Sincerely, I do not have the best words to thank you for all the guidance your blog posts have had on me. Now, this is yet another piece from you.
God is good...
Thank you Moses! We love hearing from you 🙂
Thank you for writing this! I am so honoured to be in the club. I wrote the journal, "Bloom; the body edition" and am adding to the series. I'm so glad to know that they are helpful for people. I know how much they have helped me.
Thanks Anita! SO happy you enjoyed it and we'll have to check out your journal too. Wishing you well on your journey!
So happy to hear this!
Another great article Dominica!
Thank you as always your blogs are the best. 🙂
Thank you for your support Olinda, we're so happy you are enjoying them 🙂
Thank you! I scribble what ever comes up and how I react so that I can remember and reflect upon what has happened, Maybe one of these will help me to expand the understanding of Me in an more orderly fashion.
Sounds like a good idea Roni, let us know how it goes! Wishing you well 🙂
Just curious, how and where to find guided journals listed above? Can the listed guided journals be found in any book store such as Barnes & Noble?
I would love to try writing journal daily if there are prompts to give ideas as what to write. That would be awesome!
Hi Anne, so happy you enjoyed the article! All of the guided journals are available online - just click on the blue highlighted links in the article. Our own writer, Dominica Applegate, wrote this one -
I appreciate the breakdown of different ways to journal.
Could someone please direct me how purchase the anxiety & beginner books?
JUst saw the answer to Anne, so will try, Thanks
Hi Corinne, did you find the journals? Let us know how your experience was!