The other day, I counted all my journals, and I have 22. They’re all stacked in a bin in the garage, except for my current journal. I’ve been journaling mostly on Sundays at church. I was writing down a recap of my previous week. Sometimes, though, I sit there and stare at the blank page. What’s stopping me from diving in? Deciding what to write about can be a considerable challenge, but the writing groove kicks in with creativity and the right approach.
In this post, I’ll explore five ways to help get that pen moving to overcome blank page syndrome and spark your creativity. Let’s dive in!
1. Engage in Dialogue with Your Inner Self:
My journal is not just a jumble of words. It’s a haven for self-care and mental well-being. Try this:
- Pen a Letter to Your Future Self: Imagine yourself a year from now – wiser, stronger, and more accomplished. Pen a letter to this future version of yourself. Share your dreams, aspirations, and the challenges you’re currently facing. You are the author of your journey. This act of self-reflection is therapeutic. When you revisit this letter in the future, you’ll see how far you’ve come and gain insights into your growth.
- Engage in a Dialogue Between Different Aspects of Your Personality: Talk with yourself in your journal. Create a dialogue. The confident adventurer, the introspective philosopher, the nurturing friend. Allow these facets to interact, sharing their thoughts, concerns, and perspectives. Acknowledge fears and desires within the pages of your journal, too. This accentuates your self-awareness and becomes a form of self-care. It’s not weird or woo; it’s your journal. Write what you want.
2. Embrace the Power of “What-if” Scenarios:
‘What if’ is a powerful tool. It’s fun to expand your creative horizons and unearth the hidden depths of your imagination. Try this:
- In a World…: Imagine a world where reality is blurry and the constraints of everyday life melt away. What if you embarked on an adventure to an uncharted land or multiverse? 🙂 What if you could speak to your dog or cat? “Where have you been?” or “More Treats, Please.” That would be so cool.
- Make Time for Creative Exploration: “What if” scenarios offer more than just creative escapism – they also present an opportunity to reflect on the choices you make and the paths you follow. What if you allocated a dedicated hour each week to journaling? This would allow you to recharge and connect with your inner creativity. Think ‘Choose Your Adventure Books’. Those were fun, huh?
3. Dive into Thoughtful Word Play:
Words have power. They kindle emotions and spark memories. Journey through thoughtful wordplay and witness your journal pages come alive with layers of depth and reflection. Try This:
- Igniting the Flame: Select a word that resonates with you, like- Illuminate. This word could capture a feeling, an experience, or an aspiration. Let it guide you throughout a journaling session, igniting a flame of inspiration that will fire up your thoughts and musings.
- ABC Writing Game: To infuse fun and spontaneity, consider playing an ABC Writing Game. For each letter of the alphabet, write down a word that relates to your chosen focus word. For instance, if your chosen word is “serenity,” your ABC list might include words like “tranquil,” “zen,” “peace,” “quiet,” and “harmony.”
4. Seek Inspiration from Unconventional Sources:
Dive into a world of unexplored inspiration by venturing beyond the obvious. Your journal is not limited to your thoughts alone. Document things. Try This:
- Add Art & Ephemera: Insert old postcards, photos, movie tickets, or candy wrappers. These ‘artifacts’ carry personal significance to you. Add them in so you don’t forget them.
- Collect Favorite Quotes, Scriptures, and Advice: Set aside a section in your journal to collect your favorite quotes, scriptures, and pieces of advice. This is my favorite thing to do in my journal. I love quotes and little words of wisdom. Add a splash of color too.
5. Explore Personal Experiences:
When your path seems unclear, there’s no need to look far – your experiences are a treasure chest of stories, emotions, and insights waiting to be unlocked. Try This:
- Tapping into Everyday Moments: The seemingly mundane, small moments can pack a punch. Write down your observations about something happening at work or how you want to remodel the kitchen.
- Reflecting on Triumphs and Challenges: Reflect on the hurdles of making it through another work week. How you’ve overcome and the ways you celebrated. Share the journey behind these experiences – the struggles, the epiphanies, and the outcomes.
What are some of your blank page hacks?
I want to challenge you to let your thoughts flow onto the page. Creative journal writing is fun, inspiring, and offers a good dose of self-discovery. Your unique stories will fill up your journal pages with authenticity. Share in the comments below; I would love to hear about how you write in your journal. And, to sign off, I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes. Happy Journaling!
