I feel like there are so many folks out there advertising journaling programs these days - for healing, for personal growth, for... whatever focus they choose. All of them have a purpose, and I don't doubt that there is value to someone in every single one of them.
That said, I also think there is some discernment to be done when starting out journaling. These are my suggestions of things not do to when you're starting out.
Don't get hung up on having the perfect journal.
Any composition book from the dollar store is going to work as well as that super pretty $40 journal from a higher-end retail store. I've sometimes felt uncomfortable starting to write in a fancy book out of some silly fear that I'll "ruin" it. Find something comfortable for you.There is no one right way to journal. Ever.
You don't even need to stick to one style in the same book!
Write/draw/create how and when you want for however many pages or however many minutes work for you. Sometimes I only write for five minutes. Other times, I've filled ten pages and written for an hour.
Try all sorts of styles - some will resonate more than others. And you might like a little bit of everything, depending on what's going on in your life.Try free communities before you drop any money on courses.
There are some interesting ones on Substack, YouTube, and Skool for free if you feel you need some inspiration and community to get you started.
(quiet plug - Journal Party and Artist Morning are the two where I've found very cozy community).Don't feel bad if a book goes dormant for a while - or permanently.
I have a journal I started when I went to visit my dad during his last three weeks. It's sat mostly untouched since then - but eventually I'll add more entries to it with memories of my dad. I'm just not in that frame of mind right now.
One thing to do? Enjoy connecting with yourself.
Make your journaling time a special date with yourself.
Whether you choose to do it daily or weekly - pick a time where you can devote time to relax and unwind to let your thoughts and emotions flow.
You can be curled up on your couch or tucked in a booth at a coffee shop - however and wherever you decide to write, make your journaling session a cozy, comfy event to look forward to will encourage you to want to do it more.