Whenever I’m going through a lot of stress or just want a moment of reflection, my favorite thing to do is write in my journal. It’s fun to look back on my entries from years ago and know exactly how I was feeling and what was going during that time in my life. Plus, it’s a great way to meditate and gain clarity. 

We’ve talked before about why you should keep a journal. However, many people don’t do it because the task can seem daunting, they don’t know where to start, or they think that they have to write every day for it to be effective. 

Luckily, there are tons of guided journals on the market that make journaling more fun and less intimidating. Below, I’ll list the three best guided journals to get you started in the journaling habit.

Table of Contents

1. Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration by Meera Lee Patel 

With its beautiful, hand-painted watercolor illustrations, inspirational quotes, and creative writing prompts, Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration has quickly become one of my favorite ways to reflect on where I’m going in life and where I’ve been. 

Some of the prompts (seen above) are fun and simple, like drawing the people you love, while others require you to delve a bit deeper, like reflecting on what you learned from a difficult experience. 

With every entry I feel a little bit more in tune with myself, and for that reason I highly recommend this guided journal to all of you.

2. 52 Lists for Happiness: Weekly Journaling Inspiration for Positivity, Balance, and Joy by Moorea Seal

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in life and forget to take a moment to appreciate what you have. With 52 Lists for Happiness, I always find time to remember the simple things that help me find joy in my busy life.