8-Step Process to Starting Your First Journal

Taking the first step is challenging, but it’s also the hardest part of starting any new habit. Once you start a journal, you’re on your way to becoming a more mindful person who is better equipped to handle stress and other challenges in life.

Watch the video below for some tips to help you get started. Remember, one step at a time. Don’t try to do everything at once. This will overwhelm you and make it harder to stick with the practice.

Start small. If you want to start with just one topic, that’s fine. If you want to start with three topics today and add another next week, that’s also fine. Whatever works for you is what matters most here. Be flexible and don’t get stuck on one idea or style if it doesn’t fit your comfort zone yet.

  1. Tree of Hearts Journal $9.99 $9.31 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/02/2026 06:03 pm GMT

  2. The 6-Minute Diary | 6 Minutes a Day for More Mindfulness, Happiness and Productivity $19.99 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/03/2026 12:06 am GMT

  3. Find Your F*cking Happy: A Journal to Help Pave the Way for Positive Sh*t Ahead $15.99 $10.89 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/03/2026 12:03 pm GMT

  4. PAPERAGE Lined Journal Notebook $9.99 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/02/2026 04:03 am GMT

  5. Soul Therapy: A 365 day journal for self exploration, healing and reflection $22.50 $20.00 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/03/2026 12:07 am GMT

  6. Tree of Life Journal (Vegan Leather Notebook) $12.99 $10.99 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/03/2026 12:07 am GMT

  7. Always Remember You Are Braver Than You Believe - Stronger Than You Seem & Smarter Than You Think Journal $8.99 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/04/2026 03:02 pm GMT

  8. Amazon Basics Classic Notebook $9.99 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/02/2026 01:07 pm GMT

  9. Hallmark Soft Cover Journal with Lined Pages (Scroll Bird, Teal) $12.95 $12.04 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/02/2026 08:02 pm GMT

  10. She Believed She Could So She Did Ruled Notebook/Journal $7.68 $6.29 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/02/2026 04:06 pm GMT

  11. EOOUT 3 Pack A5 Spiral Journal for Women Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

  12. Gratitude Journal" A Daily 5 Minute Guide for Mindfulness, Positivity, Affirmation and Self Care $14.99 $11.99 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/02/2026 06:02 pm GMT

  13. Self-Care: A Day and Night Reflection Journal (90 Days) $16.99 $15.83 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/02/2026 05:02 pm GMT

  14. Leather Journal Lined Notebook $35.95 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/02/2026 07:03 pm GMT

  15. Siixu Colorful Blank Personal Diary Journal $14.59 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/02/2026 03:03 pm GMT

  16. EOOUT 3 Pack A5 Spiral Journals Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

  17. Lined Refillable Vintage Writing Journal Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

  18. Embossed Leather Journal $19.99 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/02/2026 06:03 am GMT

  19. SETTINI Wildflowers Writing Journal $29.95 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/02/2026 02:06 pm GMT

  20. Inspirational Spiral Journal $9.99 $9.31 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/02/2026 05:03 pm GMT

  21. Vintage Leather Journal Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

  22. Moon Blue Lapiz Embossed Vintage Leather Journal $16.29 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/02/2026 11:03 pm GMT

  23. Deziliao Hardcover Journal $9.89 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/03/2026 12:06 am GMT

  24. Bullet Dotted Journal Kit $23.99 Buy Now Ashley Yeo earns a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/02/2026 09:03 am GMT

The post 8-Step Process to Starting Your First Journal appeared first on Ashley Yeo.

Keep Reading

© 2026 Ashley Yeo's Cozy Cafe Newsletter.
beehiivPowered by beehiiv