Journaling

For some reason or another, over the past couple of weeks, the topic of “Journaling” was coming up everywhere. I have to say, I am a huge fan of journaling. I journal every day for 15 minutes, and I do it with intention. Why, you may ask? I feel a profound sense of satisfaction putting pen to paper, seeing my handwriting, and reflecting on what I’ve written. Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason to it, and other times I dig deep. It gives me a sense of release, channeling the emotions that I am currently feeling- whether good or bad-out of my head and heart and onto the paper.

The other reason I love journaling is that I can go back and read about my thoughts, my journeys, and my emotions; read about ME! Doing so brings me to a state of pause and ponder. Wow! I was that happy when this happened” or Boy! Was I mad when that happened!”

Journaling also is a cue to see if I’m keeping a growing mindset toward positivity… If I catch myself always writing in a negative tone, it is a sign for me to change something and bring back the joy in my life.

Several studies show that journaling practices can positively impact a variety of outcomes, such as happiness, goal achievement, reducing anxiety, and so much more.

So my question to you is; Are you journaling? Do you have 15 minutes out of your “busy life” to write for you?

Before you answer, here are a few comments I’ve heard:

“I don’t have time for that, I’m too busy“. Are you really so busy that you cannot find time for you? It is proven that if we add more to our busyness, we become even more productive. Think about this. Better yet, try it! Start with 5 minutes and see what happens.

I don’t have a journal. Have a piece of junk mail lying on your table? Write on that. Cocktail napkin in front of you? Write on that. It’s not about what you write on, it’s about writing for yourself.

I don’t know what to write on about. Take the time to sit down in a quiet place and self-reflect. Write down the thoughts that are popping into your head. It’s that easy. You will soon see that tons of thoughts will come through, and your writing will not stop. Here are a few suggestions: What makes me happy? What am I grateful for today? What is one thing I can do today for someone else to bring happiness into their life? Do I have a morning routine? If so, how can I make it better? If not, what would it look like if I had one?

Honestly, we are so caught up with all the technologies surrounding us that we don’t even know how to write anymore. Let’s get it back. After all, it is part of evolving into your best self!

“Journaling is like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time”

Mina Murray