Journaling sounds simple—until you try to start.
You sit down with a fresh notebook, pen in hand, and… nothing. The blank page stares back. Maybe you write something, scratch it out, write again. Maybe you give up.
It’s easy to think journaling requires inspiration, or some profound inner wisdom waiting to spill onto the page. But real journaling? It’s not about being deep or eloquent. It’s about making space. For your thoughts. For your feelings. For you.
At Fleck, I believe journaling can be as grounding as breathwork, as accessible as a walk, and as healing as a deep conversation—with yourself. And yes, even if you “don’t know what to write.”
So, why does journaling work?
Let’s start with what the science says:
- Journaling improves mental clarity. Studies have shown that writing down your thoughts can help reduce rumination—those repetitive, looping thoughts that increase anxiety and stress.
- It boosts your mood. Expressive writing (the kind where you explore your feelings) has been linked to improved emotional well-being and even immune function.
- It strengthens self-awareness. Regular journaling helps you recognise patterns, clarify what you value, and make better decisions.
But here’s the thing: none of that happens if journaling feels like a chore. Which is why we need to ditch the idea of “doing it right.”
You don’t have to write pages for it to count.
One of the biggest myths about journaling is that you need to sit down for 30 minutes and write your heart out.
In reality, even one sentence can shift your perspective. Especially when you’re in a season of life that feels full—of responsibilities, noise, or just plain mental clutter. (If you’re a parent, we see you.)
When I had my second baby, I barely had the capacity to string a sentence together, let alone journal. But one night, I pulled out a few scribbled prompts on index cards. I chose one—something simple like “What do I need right now?”—and wrote a few messy lines. And something shifted. It wasn’t a polished piece of writing, but it was mine. And I felt lighter.
That small act of expression became a lifeline. Eventually, it turned into a ritual. And Fleck was born from that moment.
What if I don’t know what to write?
This is one of the most common journaling blocks—and the reason Fleck exists.
Prompts act like gentle nudges. Instead of a blank page, you get a question. One that’s open, grounded, and often surprisingly revealing.
Think of it like talking to a wise, kind version of yourself—the one who’s always known what matters, you just needed to give her a moment to speak.
Try this one:
What’s one thing I’m carrying today that I don’t need to?
Don’t overthink it. Just respond with whatever comes up. Even one word is enough.
The Fleck philosophy: no pressure, no polish
You don’t need to journal daily. You don’t need a fancy notebook (though we’ve got one if you want one). You just need a moment of quiet and the willingness to listen inward.
At Fleck, we created a deck of 50 prompts to help make that moment easier to find. Each card is designed to meet you where you are—whether you’re feeling scattered, stuck, overwhelmed, or just ready to reconnect.
Some are practical. Some are playful. Some are the journal equivalent of a deep breath. And they all work, even if you’ve never journaled before.
Real people, real reflections
We’ve heard from so many people who’ve found unexpected comfort in the act of journaling—even when they only had a minute to spare:
“I started journaling during my toddler’s nap. At first it was just venting. But now I actually look forward to that time. It’s mine.”
— New mum, WA
Ready to try?
Start where you are. No pressure. No polish. Just presence.
Here’s a simple exercise to get you going:
- Set a timer for one minute. (Seriously, just one.)
- Write down this prompt: “What’s one thing I’m carrying today that I don’t need to?”
- Respond without judgment. No editing, no analysing.
Stop after one minute. Or keep going if you're feeling inspired. That’s it. You’ve journaled.
Journaling isn’t a skill. It’s a pause.
And sometimes, that’s all we need.
If you’re curious to explore more, the Fleck Deck is a great place to start. One card. One moment. That’s all it takes to begin.
