By Yarianna Rangel*
Journaling has become a form of therapy for me. Even though I sometimes procrastinate and don’t journal every single day, the moment I start writing, and even after I finish, I feel a sense of relief. It helps me understand my emotions more clearly. Some days, I don’t feel like talking or going deep into my feelings, but journaling gives me a safe space to release everything I’m carrying. Once it’s on paper, I feel like I’ve already said what I needed to say, which allows me to show up better in my classes and daily responsibilities.
I started journaling during COVID, a time when everything felt uncertain and overwhelming. At first, I was very focused on aesthetics. I followed templates I saw on YouTube and obsessed over making my pages look “perfect” or “cute enough.” On days when my journal didn’t meet that standard, I wouldn’t write at all. I was more concerned with colors and layouts than with what I was actually feeling.
Over time, I realized that journaling doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be honest. Now, I prefer a free-style approach: writing without rules, drawing when words don’t come easily, and letting myself express whatever I’m feeling in the moment. This shift completely changed my relationship with journaling.
One of the things I love most about journaling is being able to look back. On days when I feel down, reading past entries helps me understand my emotions with more compassion. It reminds me that feelings change, that I’ve gotten through hard moments before, and that my emotions deserve to be acknowledged.
College is a season of transition; of identity-building, self-discovery, and constant change. As a college student, especially being far away from home, it can feel overwhelming and lonely at times. But it’s also a powerful opportunity to truly get to know yourself and discover what you enjoy, value, and need.
For me, journaling connects deeply to the idea of “becoming you.” I believe the best way to stay true to yourself, and your values is by first understanding your mindset and emotions. Journaling allows me to do that. In my daily practice, I usually start by writing about the good things that happened and what I’m grateful for. Then, I reflect on what didn’t go well, how it made me feel, what I can change, and what I might need to accept. Sometimes, there’s no solution, and that’s okay. I don’t always need an answer.
This process helps me understand who I am and how I show up in different situations. It allows me to grow without pressure.
I love carrying my journal with me everywhere. It fits perfectly into my bag, ready whenever I feel the need to write. Journaling is such a powerful tool because it’s low-cost, portable, and flexible. I actually started journaling using one of my brother’s old college notebooks.
It didn’t matter if it wasn’t “cute enough.” What mattered was that it gave me space to be myself.
As you get started…
- Decide if you want to journal digitally or on paper.
- Remember, there’s no “right” way, rather only what feels authentic to you.
- Keep your expectations low and know that messy writing is welcome.
- Start with 5 minutes, not 50.
Once you’ve started, here are some tips for making your journaling habit stick.
- Tie journaling to an existing routine, such as your morning coffee or bedtime routine.
- If time is short, use voice‑to‑text or a notes app to capture your thoughts.
- Revisit old entries once a month to see your changing perspectives and growth.
Your writing style could range from free-flowing thoughts to more structured prompts and from every idea swirling around in your head, to focusing on a certain aspect of your life. If you get stuck writing, search the internet for journaling prompts.
Journaling isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. Grab a notebook, open a notes app, or write wherever you are, and give yourself permission to begin exactly where you are.
Yarianna Rangel serves as the Program Coordinator for our office.
