Getting started

Maternal Journal is about creating something for you. We are all creative and our journaling guides introduce simple tools and techniques to help you produce something meaningful in a short space of time. 

If you’re wondering where to get started, here are some of our top tips. 

1. Find time & space to journal in a way that suits you

Keep your journal close at hand, and use it whenever there's an opportunity. Some people find a regular time for journaling that works with their busy lives, like first thing in the morning or just before bed. But finding a few minutes during a baby’s feed or on the bus can work too!

2. Carry supplies

Fill a small pouch or bag with pens, paints, pencils, stickers etc and carry it with you. This way, if you find an opportunity to journal during the day, you’ll be ready to go. 

3. Choose a favourite style

Our journaling guides introduce you to lots of new techniques to help you record, reflect and think about your everyday experiences and memories in words & images.

Find out which techniques & guides work best for you. If you like a particular style, try working through the same guide again to see if you get a different outcome or focus.

Once you’re comfortable with the format, try building on your ideas to make something new.

4. Build layers in your journal

It can be hard starting with a blank page. If you’re stuck, you could paint a whole page one colour or stick down pictures from a magazine. Gradually build up layers, which can feel less daunting than setting out to complete an entire page or guide.

5. Find inspiration

Look around you throughout the day (and night) and try to note down whatever moves you — snippets of conversation, images or inspiring quotes. You could collect physical and meaningful objects to store in your journal — stick down shells from the beach, leaves, feathers or anything that catches your eye. There are also plenty of creative resources to look through on our website.

6. Record how you feel

A journal is also a tool for reflection — try to capture moments you want to keep in whatever form you like. Your journal is a creative outlet for recording good or bad experiences and memories or personal challenges and achievements.

7. Doodle

Add to your journal with small drawings and pictures. You don’t have to be an artist to do this — line drawings, dots and squiggles are all fine. You could draw a map of somewhere special, your house or a place you have lived or visited, anything you have seen that day or what’s right in front of you. You could even copy some images as a starting point.