With the demands of everyday life, it’s easy to get caught up in stress, negativity, or self-doubt. One simple and effective way to combat these feelings is by practicing positive affirmations in a journal. In fact, self-affirmation theory asserts that affirmations help individuals restore their self-worth, especially when their self-image is threatened. Whether you're new to affirmations or looking to enhance your existing practice, this blog will help you get started and stay consistent, with tips and Zebra Pen products to make your journaling experience even more enjoyable and effective.  

 

What is an Affirmation Journal? 

An affirmation journal is a space where you write down short, positive statements, known as affirmations, to challenge negative thoughts and change the way you think and feel about yourself. Affirmations are simple, true statements about yourself or your life. They are meant to remind you of your strengths, talents, and potential, whether you fully believe them yet or not. Repeating this practice daily can positively shift your mindset to help you stay motivated, reduce stress, and encourage personal growth. 

Starting An Affirmation Journal 

With the right setup and supplies, affirmation journaling can evolve into a daily practice that nourishes both your mental well-being and your creativity. Here’s how to begin your own daily affirmation journal: 

  1. Choose a Journal – Whether you prefer a lined notebook, bullet journal, or blank notebook, any of these options are perfect for starting your affirmation practice. Try to choose a journal with a cover that is inviting, personal, and makes you excited to write in. This can set the tone for your affirmations and spark creative expression and imagination.  

Tip: If you plan to use markers, highlighters, or gel pens, choose a journal with thicker paper to prevent bleeding. 

  1. Gather Additional Supplies – Quality writing tools and additional journaling supplies like stickers and washi tape can make affirmation journaling more colorful, fun, and unique. Below are some of our favorite Zebra Pen products to use in your affirmation journal. 

SARASA Clip Gel Retractable:  

The SARASA Clip Gel Retractable has a 0.5mm point size and comes in a variety of ink colors for clean, smudge-free writing. Its soft latex-free grip ensures comfort, and the alligator clip lets you attach it to your journal for quick access when writing daily affirmations. 

F-301 Retractable Ballpoint: 

The F-301 Retractable Ballpoint makes for a stylish and portable journaling companion. Combining style, strength, and value this is America’s #1 steel ballpoint pen for a reason. It features original easy glide ink performance and it’s refillable with our F-Refill in various point sizes! 

Z-Grip Mechanical Pencil:  

Our new Z-Grip Mechanical Pencil collection is perfect for writing affirmations with comfort and ease. Their colorful barrels let you mix and match pencil parts to reflect your personalization. Plus, the built-in eraser allows you to easily refine your affirmations as needed. 

MILDLINER: 

Journaling and MILDLINER Dual-Tip Creative Highlighters are the ultimate power duo. Use the chisel tip to highlight affirmations you want to emphasize or create borders. To create detailed designs and monoline quotes or headers, reach for the fine bullet tip. 

For double the creativity and color, MILDLINER Mix is a go-to! MILDLINER Mix features two fan-favorite MILDLINER inks in one chisel tip and are perfect for adding depth and distinction to your journal pages. 

CLiCKART: 

With a quick click of the CLiCKART Retractable Felt Tip Marker, you can get right to journaling without the worry of missing caps. Available in a variety of vibrant colors with a 0.6mm average line width, the new ink technology absorbs moisture from the air which means your markers won't dry out!  

  1. Set Up Your Journal and Journaling Schedule – Dedicate the first page of your journal to writing your purpose and intention. You can write a short reasoning for starting this practice along with what you hope to achieve. Set aside pages for your affirmations, reflections, and other creative expressions. Most importantly, establish a time of day to write in your journal. This can establish journaling as a meaningful habit and help you keep consistent with your intentions. 

  1. Write Your Affirmations – When writing your affirmations, be sure to be specific and intentional. Ensure that they are positive, written in the present tense, and align with your personal goals whether personal or professional.  

 Start by identifying negative beliefs that may be holding you back. Then, challenge these thoughts by rewriting them in positive terms. For example, take the idea that “I’m not good enough to take on that project.” and turn it into “I offer my own unique perspective to every project I am a part of.” 


Other examples of affirmations include: 

  • “It is okay to not know everything.” 

  • “The boundaries I set today will protect me and my relationships.” 

  • “I radiate kindness and compassion in all of my interactions.” 

  • “I am worthy of love and respect.” 

  • “I deserve time to myself without feeling guilty.” 

  1. Reflect and Revisit – Be sure to regularly revisit your affirmations. Reflect to ensure that they still align with your goals and don’t be afraid to refine, expand, or update your affirmations as you continue to grow as an individual.
     

Begin Your Journey to Positivity  

An affirmation journal is more than a collection of phrases. It’s a reflection of your journey, creativity, and growth. Over time, it will become a cherished space to explore your thoughts and celebrate your progress. Let your journaling practice be a daily reminder of the power of positivity and self-expression.  

Stay inspired and up to date with Zebra Pen! Whether you're looking for fresh ideas or simply want to stay in the loop, following us on our official Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube accounts is the perfect way to do both. Be sure to also check out our other blogs for the latest creative tips and tutorials to keep your creativity flowing.