Do you want to start journaling, but feel like you wouldn’t know where to start?
Using a guided journal is a fantastic way to get started in this mindfulness practice, but aren’t really sure where to start.
Instead of worrying you’re doing it wrong (You can’t!) and staring at a blank piece of paper, the guided journal will prompt you in different directions until you get the feel for it.
I’ve journaled for many years, and looking back, it’s wonderful to see the growth I’ve achieved along my life’s journey.
Over the years, the journaling niche has absolutely exploded! From bullet journaling to guided journals, there’s something that appeals to most anyone.
Sometimes we can be spoiled for choice, so I’ve put together five of my favorites to get your started in your own guided journal practice!
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What is a Guided Journal?
Guided journaling is my favorite way to journal.
What is a guided journal?
It’s a journal that offers questions, or prompts, that get you thinking. You simply reflect on the questions and jot down your answers.
One thing I love about guided journals is that there are ones that cater to different areas of life, such as:
- self-love
- self-care
- shadow work
- inner child healing
- wealth
- health
- relationships and more
Just doing one guided journal is wonderful, but I challenge you to try various ones by different authors.
The following are some of the best guided journals that I’ve found. There are more, or course, but these I can vouch for.
Looking for Journal Prompts? Watch this next!
5 Best Guided Journals to Help You Grow Personally & Emotionally
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1. A Year of Zen: A 52-Week Guided Journal (A Year of Reflections Journal) by Bonnie Myotai Treace
Even if you’re not into Zen, this guided journal can be helpful in bringing you into more peace and joy.
Beginning in the season of spring, the questions will help you reflect, contemplate, and do some digging into your mind to see areas that are blooming and areas that could use some tender loving care.
As you journal, you’ll likely enjoy a sense of peace and a growing feeling of contentment.
You can find A Year of Zen: A 52-Week Guided Journal here.
2. Shadow Work Guided Journal for Beginners: 365 Journal Prompts to Become More Self-Aware, Heal & Reclaim Your Wholeness by Dominica Applegate
This guided journal is great for doing some digging into the mind and facing negative thoughts, mindsets, or old wounds that have been hiding.
You’ll find an introduction to shadow work as a tool to gain more self-awareness, self-care, and self-love.
There are 365 journal prompts, allowing you to dedicate a full year to this type of inner healing work if you desire. If you’re new to inner healing work or exploring your mindset, this is the perfect guided journal to start with.
It’s divided into six sections that help you gain insight and clarity:
- Self-Care
- Self-Love
- Relationships
- Meaning/Purpose
- Spirituality
- Digging Deeper
As the author of this guided journal, I can say that it’s a helpful tool to get to know yourself better, begin digging up and healing inner wounds or negative emotions, and increase your self-care and self-love!
You can find the Shadow Work Guided Journal for Beginners here.
3. A Standard of Grace by
This is a guided journal that inspires peace, joy, and simplicity.
In a world where it seems we get busier and busier, this journal points you in the direction of slowing down, creating dreams, and appreciating all the good in your life.
I find the journal prompts easy to understand, as well as easy to answer. This would also make a great gift for others. The journal also includes various Scriptures and inspiring quotes.
You can find A Standard of Grace here.
4. Anxiety Journal: Beautiful Journal for Anxiety Sufferers by Hannah Peters
If you struggle with anxiety, this is a great little journal that can help you manage or decrease it.
What I enjoy about this is that it includes:
- worksheets
- mood trackers
- a place where you can log any symptoms
- and it can also help you identify various situations that may trigger your anxiety
This is great for anyone who likes to track their emotions and fill out worksheets. There aren’t as many prompts as other journals, but plenty of lined pages where you can journal whatever you wish. You will also find gratitude prompts, quotes, and illustrations.
You can find the Anxiety Journal here.
5. The 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: Give Thanks, Practice Positivity, Find Joy by Sophia Godkin PhD
There is power in offering gratitude regularly.
With this gratitude journal, you’ll be able to exercise your gratitude muscles every day. There are several prompts that you can answer daily that will only take you about five minutes.
It may seem like it’s repetitive, but when you get into the habit of living in a grateful state, it can change your life for the better.
Give it a try and watch how much more positive and grateful you become as you habitually offer gratitude for everything in your life.
You can find The 5-Minute Gratitude Journal here.
Guided Journals: Are They Worth It?
Yes!
Guided journaling has become very popular in recent years because those who put pen to paper answering the prompts admit that the insightful work helps them.
The benefits truly are worth the effort, whether it’s becoming more:
- self-aware
- confident
- peaceful
- insightful
- spiritual
If you haven’t tried guided journaling yet, give it a try for yourself!
You may even find guided journals that will make great gifts for your family or friends.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published Jun 17, 2022 and has been updated to improve reader experience.
Photo by Jay-r Alvarez
