Journaling for me is like sitting down with a best friend at the end of the day. We go over the highs and lows, the things I loved, the random thoughts I needed to process, and yes, sometimes, we have a whole session dedicated to that one person or situation that got under my skin. Other days, it’s a deep dive into a personal revelation, a quick list of memorable moments, or simply a gratitude entry. And let’s be honest—there are days when I just need to talk some sense into myself about something I said (or didn’t say) and that perfect comeback that thankfully stayed in my head!
But What If Someone Reads My Journal?
I know this is exactly why some people avoid journaling altogether. What if someone finds it and reads my deepest thoughts?
Well, here’s how I see it: If someone snoops in my journal, that’s on them. If they read something about themselves, they’ll have to deal with the self-inflicted wound. If they decide to publish it? That says more about their character than it does about me. They might end up carrying more resentment or, ironically, find a new level of understanding about how I feel. Either way, life goes on.
Why Not Just Keep It All in My Head?
Because journaling isn’t about them—it’s about me.
Think about carrying a sick, crying child for hours. The moment they finally fall asleep—even if it’s just for two minutes—that sigh of relief is everything.
Does it cure the sickness? No. Will they wake up again? Probably. But in that moment, you can breathe. That’s exactly what writing in a journal does for me. It doesn’t erase the day, but it gives my thoughts a place to rest. Some days, the act of writing itself brings clarity, makes a thought feel real, or magnifies my gratitude.
My Simple Journal Writing Method: The 1-2-3 Format
Over the years, I’ve experimented with different journaling styles, but this year, I’ve stuck to one simple method that keeps me focused and consistent: the 1-2-3 Journal Writing Method.
It’s just one page a day. That’s it. Everything I want to capture has to fit on a single page. At first, it felt like pressure, but like anything in life, the more I did it, the easier and more natural it became.
Here’s how it works:
- One thing: The standout moment of the day—the unexpected event, a lesson learned, or something I just need to process.
- Two things: Two different people, moments, or highlights from my day that deserve a mention.
- Three things: Always gratitude. I never end my journal entry without acknowledging something I’m thankful for.
Examples of My 1-2-3 Journal Entries
For the one thing, I choose whatever stood out most:
- One thing that surprised me today…
- One thing I’m glad I heard today…
- One thing that distracted me today…
For the two things, they don’t have to be related. Just two moments worth remembering:
- Dez made me pepper soup when I was sick.
- Had to fill my son in on the audiobook I was reading because he got invested in the story!
For the three things, I always wrap up with gratitude:
- I’m grateful for…
- Thank you, God, for…
- Things I appreciated today…
Inspired by Atomic Habits
I got the idea for this format from James Clear’s Atomic Habits newsletter. His writing is simple but packed with insight, and I love using the Atomic Habits app to track my journaling habit—one of the very reasons you’re reading this blog today! (More on that in a future post.)
Ready to Start Journaling?
Whether you’re on the fence about starting a journal or just looking for a way to stay consistent, I can’t recommend it enough. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just one page. One thing, two things, three things.
Want to give it a try? Let me send you my list of 30 gratitude prompts for kids (which, honestly, work great for adults too!) or a printable 1-2-3 journal page to help you get started.
And if you’re interested in building a habit of gratitude, stick around—I’ll be talking more about it on the blog this week!
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