How to Start Journaling in French
How to Start Journaling in French
A guide to unlock your inner wordsmith and reach better French fluency!
If you’re a French language learner seeking a mindful, sustainable and fun approach to elevate your language skills, you have perhaps considered the idea of journaling in French ( and if you haven’t, read this article first: 9 Benefits to Journaling in French )?
As you discover the power of journaling as a tool for mental well-being and personal growth, you'll be excited to know that it can also enhance your French language learning experience.
Indeed, journaling in French allows you to go beyond the confines of grammar and vocabulary, enabling you to express your true self in a foreign tongue, free from judgment, expectations and oftentimes, conditionings.
But where to start?
In this article, find the essential tools and insights to embark on this enriching linguistic adventure.
Whether you already maintain a journal in your native language or have never tried journaling before, find here the necessary resources to unleash your creativity and connect with the French language on a deeper level.
Through journaling, you'll not only improve your language skills but also gain a greater understanding of yourself and your unique voice.
So, if you're ready to dive into the world of journaling in French and cultivate a more authentic relationship with the language - and with yourself -, let's begin this exciting journey together.
Bienvenue!
Journaling in French is not only a fantastic way to improve your language skills, it also provides a creative outlet for self-reflection and personal growth.
In this guide, we will explore the art of journaling in French, offering you practical tips, fun exercises, and valuable insights to help you get started on this exciting linguistic adventure.
So grab your pen, open your mind, and let's dive into the world of journaling en français!
1. Create a French Journaling Ritual
Journaling becomes more enjoyable when it is transformed into a ritual.
Set aside a specific time each day to immerse yourself in the French language.
Find a cozy spot, make yourself a cup of your favorite beverage, and dive into the joy of journaling.
By creating a ritual, you'll establish a consistent practice that becomes a cherished part of your day. (
Also read When your French Practice Becomes a Meditation).
2. Select the Right Journaling Tools
Why not enhance your journaling experience by investing in a beautiful journal dedicated to your French musings?
I personally prefer a journal with lined pages, as it provides structure and encourages organized writing, but without the constraints of squares or rectangles, or the daunting emptiness of white pages, but obviously you have to find what works for you.
After taking a course with Suzanna Conway (Ink on my Fingers), I also started using woshi tape, stickers, colored ink, etc. This has brought a whole new dimension to my journaling practice, making it fun and creative additionally to being my favorite tool for self-care and self-awareness.
My message here is to not underestimate the power of accessories and tools : they sparkle up your journaling experience and bring a touch of fun and playfulness into your language learning practice. And we all need more of that.
3. Start with Simple Prompts
If you're new to journaling in French, it's helpful to begin with simple prompts to get the creative juices flowing.
Start with easy topics such as describing your day, sharing your favorite French word, or writing about a recent experience.
These prompts will provide a comfortable starting point, allowing you to gradually build confidence in expressing yourself en français.
4. Embrace Mistakes and Learn from Them
Remember, making mistakes is an essential part of language learning and journaling.
Don't be afraid to experiment and express yourself authentically, even if it means making grammatical errors or even including words in your own language.
I know it can be daunting to see your shortcomings on the paper, especially if you’ve got some kind of wounds or trauma around imperfection, failing, being punished for not being good enough etc.
This is your opportunity to bring healing to these feelings from the past. You’re not a child at school anymore, and you have enough compassion and kindness inside of you to embrace your beautiful imperfect self. Just notice your feelings, find ways to regulate yourself like with a few conscious breaths or a big pillow hug, and reframe your thoughts.
Mistakes are simply the sign that you’re trying, that you’re growing, that you’re making efforts. You’re courageous to being vulnerable, and learning a language is a beautiful journey that you can be proud to be on.
Keep writing. The more you practice, the more you'll grow as a writer and communicator in French.
5. Incorporate French Resources and Inspirations
Immerse yourself in the French language beyond your journaling practice.
Read French self-development books (they are easier to read than novels), listen to French podcasts or music, and watch videos about mindfulness, spirituality and self-growth.
These resources will expose you to new vocabulary, expressions, and cultural nuances that you can later incorporate into your journal entries.
Being exposed to the languages we learn is an essential part of growing our awareness of how “it works”, its musicality and the way words interact with each other.
Additionally, drawing inspiration from these sources will add depth and richness to your writing.
I’ve put together a free list of my favorite French resources specially for intermediate learners like you, you can donwload it here : Ma Boîte à Outils Bien-Être
6. Experiment with Different Journaling Styles
Explore various journaling styles to keep your practice exciting and engaging. Following prompts is an easy way to start when you’re not sure what to write about, but it’s not the only way to journal. You could also:
Start a gratitude journal and say what you’re grateful for every day (je suis reconnaissant.e pour…)
Do a morning check-in with yourself : How do I feel today? Comment je me sens aujourd’hui? How do I want to feel? Comment je voudrais me sentir? What do I need to support myself? De quoi ai-je besoin pour me soutenir? What do I chose to let go of? De quoi fais-je le choix de lâcher prise?
Try doodling as a way to journal your thoughts and emotions without relying solely on language. This is perfect for the days when your French feels rusty as you can use visual expression to support you, and it also makes it fun and creative.
Make it a mindful practice by simply describing everything you are aware of in this very moment. What do I see? Qu’est-ce que je vois? What can I smell? Qu’est-ce que je sens? What do I taste? Qu’est-ce que je goûte? What can I hear? Qu’est-ce que je peux entendre? What can you feel on your skin? Qu’est-ce que je sens sur ma peau?
Experimenting with different styles will stretch your linguistic abilities and ignite your creativity. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. Nobody will judge you in the safe pages of your journal after all.
7. Reflect and Track Your Progress
Regularly reflect on your journal entries and track your progress.
Celebrate how far you've come, and observe the growth in your language skills and self-expression.
Going back to past entries will allow you to witness the evolution in your language skills and you’ll probably be able to add some corrections, which is a wonderful way to grow your self-confidence in your learning skills.
Additionally, reflecting on your thoughts, emotions, and experiences in French will deepen your connection to the language and help you see your personal growth firsthand.
8. Prompts to get you started
To help you get started, I’ve compiled for you a few prompts in French to inspire you to get started.
1. Décris une belle chose que tu as remarquée aujourd'hui et ce qu'elle t'inspire.
2. Raconte une expérience récente qui t'a fait sourire ou rire. Pourquoi cela t'a-t-il rendu(e) heureux(se) ?
3. Fais une liste de tes moments préférés de la journée et explique pourquoi ils sont importants pour toi.
4. Imagine que tu as la possibilité de voyager n'importe où dans le monde. Où irais-tu et pourquoi ?
5. Quelles sont les activités qui te ressourcent et te procurent un sentiment de bien-être ? Comment peux-tu les intégrer davantage dans ta vie ?
These prompts can guide you for your journaling rituals in French: let them help you explore your thoughts, your emotions and your desires. And of course, don’t hesitate to adapt them or personalize them according to your preferences and needs!
Happy Journaling!
Journaling in French is a beautiful opportunity to effortlessly invite more language practice - and self-reflection practice - in your daily life. As you explore your thoughts, emotions, and identity, you improving your language skills.
If you're ready to deepen your journaling practice and explore new aspects of yourself in French, I invite you to discover my digital journaling workbook designed for intermediate French learners.
This workbook provides additional guidelines for a mindful journaling practice and offers new +50 prompts to help you explore different aspects of your personality and develop self-awareness.
Each prompt is carefully crafted to push you outside of your linguistic comfort zone, with vocabulary suggestions to help you take on new challenges.
This workbook is an ideal companion for enhancing your French learning journey while cultivating self-awareness.
To get your copy of the digital journaling workbook, simply visit our website and place your order.
Once you have access to the workbook, you can use it at your own pace, exploring each prompt, writing your reflections, and expanding your vocabulary.
Join us on this adventure of journaling in French and discover the benefits of a mindful and reflective practice.
Click here to pre-order your copy of the digital workbook now!
Wishing you a fulfilling and enriching journey of self-exploration through journaling in French.