Welcome To The Happy Journals
Hey, I’m Fran Whitaker. Writer, ex-swimmer, and total notebook obsessive. The Happy Journals is where I share creative, colourful journal ideas that help you reflect, plan, and scribble freely, without overthinking it. Whether you’re here for prompts, spreads, tools or self-led chaos… welcome.
Not Sure Where to Start? Try These First
New here? You’ll find all sorts of journal ideas across this site, but if you’re just starting out (or starting again), these are good places to begin:
Have a look around The Happy Journals blog
How to Start Your Happy Journaling Practice
Happy journaling isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about finding a rhythm that actually works for you. Whether you’ve never picked up a notebook or you’ve fallen out of the habit, this guide will help you start (or restart) your happy journal with ideas, prompts, and simple ways to make it your own. I’ve listed some of the blog posts from The Happy Journals that I think you’ll find useful.
Set yourself up to enjoy journaling
Happy journaling starts with the setup, not just the writing. Choosing a journal you actually like, finding a pen that feels good, and carving out a small space (physical or mental) can make all the difference when you’re starting out. If you’re not sure what that looks like yet, these might help:
Make your first journal page less scary
The first entry in your happy journal doesn’t need to be deep or dramatic; it just needs to happen. The blank page can feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. These posts offer simple ways to get started, even if you have no idea what to say:
Try a few beginner-friendly prompts
Journal prompts are one of the easiest ways to ease into a happy journaling practice. You don’t need to plan ahead or know what to say; the right question can help you out. These posts offer plenty of ideas to get you writing:
Don’t stress about doing it “right”
You don’t need to follow rules to get the benefits of journaling. Forget the idea that your journal has to be deep, consistent, or beautifully written. Those kinds of things stop too many people from even getting started. The Happy Journals is here to help you write your way. Even when you’re overwhelmed, inconsistent, or unsure what to say. These posts can help remove the pressure:
Build a habit that fits your day
Happy journaling becomes a lot easier when it fits naturally into your routine. That might mean writing first thing in the morning with a cup of tea, or winding down at night with a quick reflection. There’s no perfect time. Only the time that works for you. These posts explore the differences and help you figure out what suits you:
