Welcome to DV!

Keep up the journalling, and Xanous said, practice reality checks in waking life, and put more though behind them. When i say put more thought, i mean when you ask yourself if you're dreaming, dont just say yes or no. Try to question why, and how sure you are, etc. That way, you will also have the same mindset in dreams, and hopefully the next time you RC in dreams, you will not dismiss it so easily

Good luck, and if you need anything, feel free to ask. Seeya