The 4 Items You Need In Order to Start a Journaling Habit That Sticks

Do you journal? Or do you tell yourself that one day you’ll pick it up, knowing in all honesty that day may never come? Yeah, same…

Or rather, I WAS the same until I got myself to actually commit to journaling with my self-curated starter kit!

For about a month now, I’ve been steadily writing in my journal almost every day, even if it is just a single line. This is a huge improvement from old me, who started dozens of journals that always ended up in my daughter’s art basket to be filled with scribbles and plastered with Paw Patrol stickers… RIP to all those journals and notebooks, you’ve served us well.

SO, if you feel like you could use a little more mental clarity and self care without the price tag of a massage or therapy session, give journaling a(nother) go!

(If I can do it, I know you can.)

Here are the items that I used to get started:

1. Classic journal

Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Plain pages, Black (5″ x 8.25″ $10.97)

I wanted something classic and classy that made me feel like an actual adult when I use it. Not a cheap spiral bound, lined pages notebook with 50 pages that bleed and donuts on the cover – that just wasn’t the vibe I was going for. If price had been the issue, I would have picked a standard composition book over the donut book. Whatever the journal, it has to feel like a deliberate choice that reflects you and where you want to be in your life.

I use the classic black hard cover 5″ x 8.25″ lined Moleskine (that I think all the real professionals and aesthetic bloggers use). I got mine from Office Depot but you can also purchase it on Amazon for $15.42 (click the image or the link below).

2. Reliable Pen

Paper Mate Gel Pens, Medium (0.7mm), Black (2 Count, $6.53)

I didn’t think this mattered so much before, but now that I’ve found a pen I love I can’t go back. Pens (or whatever writing utensil you go for) are deeply personal items, so what resonates with you may be different from me, but in general I’m looking for smooth black ink that glides smoothly and doesn’t skip (usually gel); solid weight; and a comfortable grip. I’m also partial to the kind of pen that clicks open (not one with a pen cap).

I use this Paper Mate gel pen in black ink. It’s everything I like in a pen and I like how it’s simple and no fuss. (I just want to point out, the product description says “0.5 mm” but the pen says “0.7” on it – whatever it really is, it’s good.)

(Side note: At first I called this the “luxe” pen category – but realized Paper Mate pens probably don’t qualify as “luxe.” But honestly, the thing is, you don’t have to be a super fancy, expensive, “extra” person to get powerful results. I love what I love, and I love this pen. It works for me! And maybe I just don’t know what a truly luxe pen is – but I’ll write about it here if that changes.)

3. Decor

For me, my decor of choice as of late has been crystals! I like the energy they bring to raise my vibe, plus the aesthetic alone makes me feel like more of a put-together human. But flowers, plants, artwork, even the coffee mug you use – all of those are great options to spruce up your space and get into your writing zone!

I’m still getting into crystals, but lately I’ve been loving my selenite wand. Selenite, sometimes called “liquid light” (so Google tells me), is believed to clear negativity and is used to bring in happy and peaceful vibes to a space. It’s also just beautiful and elegant and adds a gorgeous touch to any space.

Selenite Healing Crystal (approximately 2 inches long, $4.30)

Other great “starter” crystals are clear quartz, rose quartz, and rutilated quartz.

Clear quartz is great for clarity, focus, and amplification – amplifying your intentions, manifestations, even your other crystals! If you’re getting started with crystals, clear quartz would usually be a good one to start with as you’re starting to see how you feel with metaphysical objects.

Healing Stone Wand of Clear Quartz Crystal (1.2 – 2.2 inches, $11.99)

Rose quartz is my daughter’s birthstone so it has a special place in my heart. It’s good for opening your heart (opening your heart chakra, if you’re open to believing that) and enhances feelings of love and peace. It is also a good crystal for healing, and I feel like it helps me receive and embody my feminine power.

Rose Quartz Healing Crystal Wand (2 – 2.8 inches, $11.99)

Rutilated quartz is a new crystal for me that I just discovered the other day when I was wandering through a metaphysical store. I’ve been trying to initiate big changes in my life and welcome transformation, and that is exactly what this stone is supposed to be good for. You can read more about it online (which is the main way I learn about crystals!) but rutilated quartz is also said to be good for grounding, strength, and clarity, as well as lifting depression (a huge benefit!) I also love holding my rutilated quartz up to the sunlight and turning it over, catching rainbows and pink reflections. It’s gorgeous and so soothing on the eyes and mind.

Rutilated Quartz Tumble Stone (20-25mm) Single Stone (.75 – 1 inches, $4.24)

I’ll be honest, I don’t have fluorite, but I definitely feel this is one on the horizon for me! Fluorite is green – my favorite color – which is a good reason to like it, because it makes me happy when I see that color. Fluorite is also good for decision-making and clarity, which are great areas to get a little boost in when you’re trying to move your life forward with purpose.

Natural Fluorite Healing Crystal Stone Wand (2.6 – 4 inches, $11.99)

4. Scent

I’ve been using incense just because we have so many around my home, but I’m also a huge candle lover. The point is, I like to have my space smelling sweet to get in the mindset. It’s also a bit of the ritual to get into writing – light or burn something, clear my mind with the smoke, let the fragrance soothe me, and get to it.

I like these Japanese Sandalwood incense that have no core. My family uses them for prayer and other random things around the house (I’m learning from them, since they’re my in-laws so a lot of this stuff is new to me). I like that there’s no core and that the whole thing burns clean (except I can never get the last little nub at the end to burn down, so I’m always left with a little leftover… but I don’t mind).

Nippon Kodo Kayuragi Incense Sticks – Sandalwood (40 sticks, $11.55)

I actually have a random assortment at home and I pick a different one based on how I feel that day. It’s just nice to have some options. If you want a little selection for yourself, you could also try a pack for a little variety.

Nippon Kodo Morning Star Incense Bundle – Jasmine, Gardenia, Lavender (3 boxes, 50 sticks/box, $10.99)

And I use a basic incense holder that’s in the shape of an origami crane. There are a bunch of them around the house in different colors, but I’m just linking this blush colored one below. It’s probably from Daiso. I love it. I also have one that’s shaped like a little sakura (cherry blossom) flower in another room. Functional but so absolutely cute, these little things just make me happy when I spot them around the house.

Crane Nippon Kodo Incense Holder – Pink (2 1/4 x 1 1/4 x 2 inches, $6.70)

The same piece is also available in white, light green, light blue, dark blue, red, and black. I already have the light green and dark blue and love them (the light green is my favorite).

Hongma Ceramic Sakura Incense Holder (1.75 inch diameter, $2.99)

When it comes to candles, this is the last one that I really loved. I bought it at Whole Foods and apparently they’re not sold on Amazon, but here’s the direct link to their online product store. I love the blush scent – it’s citrusy and sweet, but clean, clear, and uplifting – not cloying and artificial-smelling. The wick is too low for me to actually light it anymore, but I still smell the leftovers sometimes for a little pick me up.

Enlighten Blush: Citrus Blend candle in glass tumbler (12 oz, $28)

I’ve also found really good and affordable candles at Target! I actually just picked up this candle earlier tonight while I was browsing around (as we all love to do…) I’m burning it now and it smells like tropical fruit punch, put into candy, put into candle form. Juicy and delicious, I love it.

Opalhouse Wild Hibiscus Sangrai candle in printed tin (4.8 oz, $5.99)

And that’s it!

I guess the true starter kit is a paper and a pen/pencil, but the extra amenities are the things that carried me through the past month to establish a habit. It made journaling something enjoyable for me to look forward to. It became a self-care habit.

I’ll write another post another time about how I journal and what I write about, but in general I just write what I feel like needs to come out – reminders I don’t want to forget; problems I need to work through; quotes and encouragements; random ideas… and whatever else comes to me!

My point is, journaling is a personal thing but whatever you feel called to write is up to you, and is the right thing to write.

So with that… go forth and journal! I wish you well 🙂