Why Journal?
I speak from my own experience. I am sure there are as many different experiences as there are folks who journal. Journaling is something that I have passion for, and there are very few days that I don’t find time to organize and examine what is on my mind. Here are a few of the benefits I have found:
Stress Relief
My journaling began at a few different points in my life that felt overwhelming. I was unable to control events that were happening, and so quickly discovered I must instead learn how to cope with them. I literally felt compelled to put pen to paper and yes, it felt like an instant relief. There is something therapeutic about writing and the thought process that goes along with it. Simply, it is a release.
Getting Clear
Now I want to talk about clarity. I found that I got clear on things that I was confused about. Solutions and ideas would present themselves as I wrote. I often would see things in a different light (a better light, I might add). I learned it’s Ok to feel pain, and actually it’s unavoidable in this life we live. It’s what we do with it that matters. We can let it make us bitter, or we can let it make us better. We can decide to rise above it as we write openly and honestly about it. The ways in which we can do that may be surprising, i.e., help someone in need instead of focusing on ourselves, take a deep dive into the lessons we could learn from this experience, change of scenery (walk or sit in nature), etc. We find healing solutions.
Organize Your Day (…and Life)
Personally, I like to journal in the mornings, while also enjoying a cup of coffee and the view outside my window. I do have somewhat of a format (but I’m sure that’s not necessary). I review what I am recently grateful for, and write about anything that is currently on my mind. I then go over what I call the day’s “housekeeping items” which usually includes things like laundry, mail, errands, dinner, birthdays, cleaning, etc. Basically it’s what I need to get done that day. It makes me remember things I might otherwise forget, and sometimes I make a side list here.
Find Inspiration
I save the best for last – pay attention to my future intentions. Sometimes I write in detail about what that looks like, including how it makes me feel. Many times I do it by using a metaphor. This could be anything – let your imagination run free! The possibilities are endless. It can be anything that helps you find inspiration. You could be a boat in the river, going with the flow and feeling the ease of offering no resistance. At the same time, you are watching for and avoiding obstacles that would slow you down. You may miss one of these and get hung up on a branch, and so need to figure out how to extract yourself with the least damage. Getting back in the flow again. You get the idea. The more detail the better. And these stories of course relate to our goals.
If you want to try journaling, treat yourself to what you like to write with – colored gel pens are fun, and a journal book you love. My current journal is pink leather, but I have been known to use a kid’s school notebook and a pencil too.
“I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.”
Anne Frank
Stress Relief
My journaling began at a few different points in my life that felt overwhelming. I was unable to control events that were happening, and so quickly discovered I must instead learn how to cope with them. I literally felt compelled to put pen to paper and yes, it felt like an instant relief. There is something therapeutic about writing and the thought process that goes along with it. Simply, it is a release.
Getting Clear
Now I want to talk about clarity. I found that I got clear on things that I was confused about. Solutions and ideas would present themselves as I wrote. I often would see things in a different light (a better light, I might add). I learned it’s Ok to feel pain, and actually it’s unavoidable in this life we live. It’s what we do with it that matters. We can let it make us bitter, or we can let it make us better. We can decide to rise above it as we write openly and honestly about it. The ways in which we can do that may be surprising, i.e., help someone in need instead of focusing on ourselves, take a deep dive into the lessons we could learn from this experience, change of scenery (walk or sit in nature), etc. We find healing solutions.
Organize Your Day (…and Life)
Personally, I like to journal in the mornings, while also enjoying a cup of coffee and the view outside my window. I do have somewhat of a format (but I’m sure that’s not necessary). I review what I am recently grateful for, and write about anything that is currently on my mind. I then go over what I call the day’s “housekeeping items” which usually includes things like laundry, mail, errands, dinner, birthdays, cleaning, etc. Basically it’s what I need to get done that day. It makes me remember things I might otherwise forget, and sometimes I make a side list here.
Find Inspiration
I save the best for last – pay attention to my future intentions. Sometimes I write in detail about what that looks like, including how it makes me feel. Many times I do it by using a metaphor. This could be anything – let your imagination run free! The possibilities are endless. It can be anything that helps you find inspiration. You could be a boat in the river, going with the flow and feeling the ease of offering no resistance. At the same time, you are watching for and avoiding obstacles that would slow you down. You may miss one of these and get hung up on a branch, and so need to figure out how to extract yourself with the least damage. Getting back in the flow again. You get the idea. The more detail the better. And these stories of course relate to our goals.
If you want to try journaling, treat yourself to what you like to write with – colored gel pens are fun, and a journal book you love. My current journal is pink leather, but I have been known to use a kid’s school notebook and a pencil too.
“I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.”
Anne Frank