- And Why It Makes Me Happier
Have you ever opened a journal and thought, “I have nothing to write”? Or maybe you started journaling and gave up after a few days because it felt like all you were doing was logging daily routines. If that sounds familiar—you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. But over time, I discovered that journaling can be much more than a list of tasks. It can actually make you happier, more self-aware, and more connected to your life.
In this post, I’m sharing how I got into journaling and how I turned it into a joyful habit that continues to support my mental wellness every day.
1. Give Each Day a Theme
One simple shift that changed everything for me was assigning each day a small "theme" or highlight. Ask yourself: What’s today’s story? Try to capture it in one word or phrase and use that as your journal header.
For example, one day I cooked for myself (a rare occasion!), so I titled that page “Cooking Day” in bold letters. Another entry was called “Outing Day,” reminding me of a lovely little trip I took. These titles help me revisit the feeling of the day and make my journal feel more like a storybook than a to-do list.
2. Observe What’s Happening Around You
We often journal only about our own thoughts or actions. But life doesn’t happen in isolation—paying attention to your surroundings can deepen your sense of connection and presence.
Write about things like:
- The flowers blooming outside your window
- A favorite café that just closed down
- A colleague who shared something kind
- A small plant on your desk that sprouted a new leaf
These tiny details sharpen your sensitivity to everyday beauty and give you a stronger sense of belonging in your world.
3. Capture Small Thoughts and Feelings
Your journal doesn’t need to be profound. Even fleeting emotions and random realizations are worth noting down.
One day I visited a bookstore and picked up a teen novel—only to find I couldn’t enjoy it anymore. It reminded me of my childhood dream: “One day I’ll be able to buy any book I want.” That moment made me realize how desires change, and how what brings us joy evolves over time. Writing down these small revelations has helped me understand myself better.
So whether it’s a passing feeling, a memory, or a thought that seems silly—record it. It’s part of who you are, and that’s always meaningful.
4. Note New Learnings (Even Tiny Ones)
Did you discover something small that improved your day? That counts, too.
Maybe you made tomato scrambled eggs and realized adding more salt or a pinch of sugar makes it way better. Or perhaps you figured out a shortcut in your daily routine. These mini “aha” moments are signs of growth—and journaling them helps make them stick.
Over time, your journal becomes a map of personal wins, big or small.
Why Journaling Boosts Happiness
In short: journaling helps you notice life more deeply.
It builds awareness of what’s happening around you, and helps you process your thoughts with compassion instead of judgment.
Whether you’re reflecting on your surroundings, collecting your inner thoughts, or just noting what you had for lunch—every entry strengthens your relationship with yourself.
You don’t need fancy tools to begin—just a pen, a notebook, and the intention to show up.
Final Thoughts
Journaling isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.
It teaches us to observe, feel, and make peace with our inner world.
Let your next page be the start of something healing 💛
