Remember when we used to have our little journals as children. We would write down our thoughts, crushes, escapades and how we felt as we grew up. This is a practice I have continued my entire life, and yes, I have had to hide or burn some of them.
What is journaling? It is a way for us to have a written record of our thoughts, feelings, observations, experiences and challenges. Instead of running away from life we can move through what is going on in our life and look at it straight on – in our own way, in our own time; and privately. It forces us to slow down and be more aware. It might also be something we share with a therapist.
Why journal? Recent studies have found that journaling helps improve our mental health. When we allow ourselves to let our thoughts and feelings stream out onto the pages of a journal it helps us decompress. We tend to, and are often taught to, suck it up and hold it all in. Not good to do – as this can cause anger, frustration and even depression.
Journals help us:
- clear our head and heart
- help us get to know ourselves better and become more aware
- clarify goals in life
- let us take control of life so it feels more manageable
- process a difficult situation
- shift our viewpoint
- put things into perspective and bring us back to reality
- record triumphs and achievements
I have a journal that is completely dedicated to inspiring me when I feel stuck in a rut or upset. It contains favourite quotes, poems, sayings and reminders to get me back on track again. I like to write with different coloured ink pens to keep it pretty and interesting. Try it.
How to begin: You can journal daily, or whenever you feel the urge to do so. Get a journal that you love; something that inspires you. You may want something unmarked to keep it private.
While you write, don’t stop to edit what you are sharing on the page, and don’t worry about grammar and punctuation. Write until you feel done and when you have emptied your mind and heart of all that needs to be written. If it contains a lot of negativity I would suggest not rereading it unless you need to clarify something or get back to a particular topic.
Feel free to reach out to me for a private session to get you going!
And if you would like a journal from me, I have created two unique journals that are chock full of quotes and gorgeous images to inspire you. Here is the link to purchase one for yourself or a gift.