Hi everyone! I’m Nina (@diarybynina) from the Archer and Olive Ambassador Team (@archerandolive), and today I want to give you an easy guide for the easily-distracted, the overthinkers, and the “I swear I’m starting this time” lovers.
Starting a journal when consistency isn’t exactly your superpower can feel… intimidating. Like, “how am I supposed to turn this into a habit if I can’t even finish the show I started two months ago?”. But wait, seriously, this truth is way more freeing than you think: you don’t need to be a consistent person to start a journal.
You just need one page, one thought, one feeling. Aaaand, that’s it.
So welcome to this space where journaling is far from an obligation, it's your little refuge.
Supplies
Remember you can use my code: NINIS10 to get 10% off!
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Notebook
You can use any size of journal. In my case, I used an A5 notebook. -
Stamps, pens, stickers, etc.
Feel free to use any decorative elements that help you express the best version of your journal.
Let’s be honest: consistency is kinda overrated
We grow up thinking that if we don’t do something every single day, then it “doesn’t count.” Work, exercise, drinking water, taking care of our health, everything feels like a checklist. But real life doesn’t work like that. There are busy days, tired days, anxious days, and days where you just… don’t want to do anything at all.
Thankfully, journaling doesn’t need perfection or a flawless streak (yes, I’m looking at that app we’re not going to name). All it really needs is for you to come back when you can.
Every time you open your journal, even if it’s been a week, a month, or two, that is emotional consistency, sweetheart. That’s self-love. That’s you choosing yourself.
Start slow. Like, REALLY slow
If keeping habits is hard, starting huge is literally the formula for quitting.
So let’s go with the absolute minimum: one line, one word, one doodle, a quick list, a phrase you heard and liked, a tiny moment of reflection or anything you feel like putting on paper.
If you write that and close your journal, you already won. A small ritual is still a ritual.
Imagine it like a long path, and every word is a tiny step. It might feel like nothing at first, but when you turn around, you’ll realize you’ve come so far. So, never underestimate the power of a single word on a page, okaaay?
Don’t treat it like homework, make it a cozy moment for you
If you see it as a duty, trust me, your brain will run. Try seeing it as your own ritual instead.
A candle, a playlist, your favorite drink, and your journal. You don’t need anything else, just a cozy vibe that tells your mind: this moment is yours.
Actually, I made a whole blog post about this if you want to check it out later:
“Journaling for Mental Wellness: A Self-Care Ritual.”
You can go read it right after this one.
Let your journal be a beautiful mess
Are you on Pinterest? Nope.
So you don’t need perfect handwriting or spreads worthy of a picture frame. Your journal is entirely for you, not for the internet.
Some days you’ll write a full page. Other days it’ll be a doodle and goodbye. Both count. Both matter. Both are self-care.
Messy can still be progress. Always.
When writing feels impossible, use the Emergency Guide
A tiny lifesaver for the days writing feels heavy, your mind feels foggy, or you simply don’t know what to say. It includes super easy prompts like:
- “Right now I feel…”
- “Today drained me because…”
- “One small win from today:”
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“I need…”
Zero pressure. No need to overanalyze. Just let it flow.
When things stop feeling like an obligation, you’ll start enjoying these moments for yourself naturally. At that point, you won’t need a routine… you’ll already be living it without even noticing.
Make it fun, like actually fun
Sometimes the reason we don’t stick to a habit is because… it’s SO boring.
So let’s fix that, okay?
If stickers make your inner child scream? Use them.
If you love cute stationery, pastel pens, stamps, washi tape, sparkly things, bring it ALL.
Your journal doesn’t have to look minimal or serious unless you want it to. Make it playful, colorful, messy, loud, soft, whatever lights you up.
To be honest, decorating your pages isn’t about being aesthetic, it’s about making the process enjoyable so your brain goes: “Oh, wait, journaling is actually fun.”
And when something feels fun?
You come back to it without even thinking.
So yes, buy that sticker sheet that called your name.
Yes, use that pen that makes your handwriting look cute.
Yes, make journaling a space that feels like you.
Final reminder, from one friend to another
You don’t have to be a “consistent person” to journal. You just have to show up sometimes. A little moment for you.
When life feels loud, your journal can be a quiet room. When everything feels messy, it can be your soft landing place. Aaaaand when you get lost, come back to this blog, I’ll help you return to yourself, okaaay?
If you decide to use the printable, I would love to see your cozy pages. And check out the accompanying video:
Tag @archerandolive and @diarybynina, it makes my heart so happy to see your rituals come to life.
#AOshare #archerandolive
In this video, you will find inspiration
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