Get Started

Journaling Styles

A journal may look the same on the outside, but inside it can be very different, shaped by the thoughts and feelings written within.

There are many journaling styles to explore, each offering a unique way to reflect, create, and connect with yourself.

Journaling is your space to experiment, express, and grow.

  • Storytelling journaling is about turning writing into a story. It can be about you, or it can be about a made-up character who feels a bit like you.

    You might write your day as a chapter in a book, invent an adventure, or change how a moment ended. There are no rules — just imagination, curiosity, and freedom.

    This kind of journaling helps you begin writing without pressure, explore feelings safely, and discover the joy of telling stories in your own way.

  • A check journal helps you keep track of your days using lists, symbols, and short notes.

    You can check in with tasks, goals, habits, and how you’re feeling, all in one place.

    It’s a mix of planning and reflection that helps you stay organised, notice patterns, and feel more in control of your time and energy.

  • A gratitude journal is all about noticing the good things in your life—big or small—and writing them down.

    By taking time each day to write about what you’re thankful for, you train your brain to focus on the positives instead of the negatives.

  • Write letters to yourself, a friend, or even someone imaginary. It’s a way to say things from your heart.

    This is a lot like a Classic Diary, one of the oldest and most recognizable forms of journaling, usually written in a dated format with “Dear Diary…” entries.

  • Mini journaling is about exploring one word—or a few words—at a time. Instead of writing lots, you slow down and think about what that feeling really means to you.

    You might jot down ideas, draw bubbles, or let your thoughts branch out on the page.

    Because it’s quick and simple, mini journaling helps build the habit of journaling while also helping you understand your feelings and find the right words for what’s happening inside.

  • Expressive Writing lets your thoughts, feelings, and experiences flow freely onto the page without worrying about grammar or structure.

    It’s a type of this happened, or, this might happen style of writing.

    Tune into your intuitive voice, vent, reflect, or explore memories and emotions to uncover insights and trust your inner voice.

  • A space for exploring power and control—both the strength you hold and the moments when it’s wiser to let go.

    Through writing, you can notice where you feel strong or powerless, reflect on your choices, and uncover patterns in your reactions.

    Over time, this journal helps you recognize when action is needed, when surrender brings peace, and builds self-awareness, confidence, and trust in your own judgment.

  • A Q&A journal is a practical way to think things through by asking yourself questions and answering them honestly.

    Instead of writing everything at once, you slow down and explore one question at a time—about how you’re feeling, what’s worrying you, or what you need next.

    Q&A journaling builds clarity, confidence, and trust in your own ability to make decisions and solve problems.

  • A grief journal is a gentle space for holding feelings around loss.

    Writing can help you let go of heavy thoughts, remember someone you miss, or say things that are hard to say out loud.

    You might write letters, capture special memories, or simply notice how your feelings change from day to day.

    This journal offers a quiet place to reflect, feel connected, and take small steps toward healing, at your own pace.

  • Slow down, notice your breath and feelings, and capture the present moment in words.

    Mindful writing is pausing to really pay attention—instead of rushing to fill the page, taking your time, so each word is a reflection of the moment you’re in.

    Mindful writing can feel like meditation and over time, it becomes a practice of presence.

  • A flexible approach where you combine different journaling styles depending on your mood or needs.

    One day you might make a gratitude list, another day you might write a letter, sketch a doodle, or reflect on your emotions.

    There are no rules—just the freedom to blend methods in a way that feels natural.

    This mix-and-match style keeps journaling fresh and adaptable, letting you create a practice that truly fits your life.

  • Most of the time, journaling is just for you—it’s inquisitive, creative, and helps you reflect on your day and process your feelings.

    But sometimes life gets really tough, and journaling can be part of healing. That’s where journal therapy comes in.

    Journal therapy is different from regular journaling because it’s used to support your mental and emotional health in a deeper way.

    This kind of journaling is intense and should be done with a professional counsellor or therapist, who can guide you and keep the process safe.

  • White cursive text reads 'a & A' on a blue background.

    Storytelling Journal

    (imagination, self-expression)

    Write your life, or a made-up adventure, as a story and see where it takes you.

  • A blue background with four white checkmarks inside boxes, arranged vertically in a list.

    Check Journal

    (organization, planning, reflection)

    Use lists, symbols, and notes to organize, track, and plan your life.

  • Illustration of two hands pressed together in a prayer or greeting gesture on a blue background.

    Gratitude Journal

    (noticing the positives, being thankful)

    Record what you’re thankful for each day to focus on the good.

  • A simple sketch of a paper airplane flying through the air with a dotted flight trail.

    Letter Writing

    (expressing emotions, heartfelt writing)

    Write letters to yourself or others to explore feelings and thoughts.

  • Icon of an hourglass on a blue background.

    Mini Journal

    (short entries, habit building)

    Explore one or two words and let your thoughts branch out from there.

  • A white line drawing on a blue background forming the shape of a heart with an arrow pointing to the right.

    Expressive Writing

    (flow, emotional release)

    Let your thoughts and feelings flow freely to release emotions.

  • Blue background with a white, jagged speech bubble outline.

    Power Journal

    (exploring power, control, and surrender)

    Reflect on where you feel strong or powerless and when to act or let go.

  • White outline of a leaf on a solid blue background.

    Q&A Journal

    (curiosity, problem-solving, self-trust)
    Ask questions and answer honestly to build trust in your own thinking.

  • A white outline of a water droplet on a blue background.

    Grief Journal

    (loss, memory, healing)

    Write about your loss, capture memories, or write letters to someone — to process and heal.

  • A pen drawing a continuous line that forms an abstract wave pattern on a blue background.

    Mindful Writing

    (present moment, meditative)

    Slow down and capture the present moment to build awareness and calm.

  • Simplified line drawing of two open books on a blue background.

    Hybrid Journal

    (flexible, mix & match)

    Combine styles using whatever feels right for you in the moment.

  • Line drawing of an armchair on a blue background.

    Journal Therapy

    ( professional support)

    A deeper form of journaling done with a professional to keep the process safe.