diff --git a/rednotebook/journal.py b/rednotebook/journal.py
index a118f1a4..e78f32bc 100644
--- a/rednotebook/journal.py
+++ b/rednotebook/journal.py
@@ -350,9 +350,11 @@ def convert(self, text, target, headers=None, options=None, use_gtk_theme=False)
             )
             options["bgcolor"] = bgcolor
             options["fgcolor"] = fgcolor
-        return markup.convert(
+        html = markup.convert(
             text, target, self.dirs.data_dir, headers=headers, options=options
         )
+        html = html.replace("<p>",'<p dir="auto">')
+        return html
 
     def save_to_disk(self, exit_imminent=False, changing_journal=False, saveas=False):
         self.save_old_day()