Journaling has been one of the most profound changes to my life in the past two years. It allowed me to get to know myself better than I ever had, to explore my thoughts and emotions and make sense of them in ways that would otherwise be incredibly difficult. I recommend journaling for everyone, but many people are hesitant about it – so let me explain exactly why you should start journaling, why it will be so beneficial to you, and what you need to do in order to get started on this powerful practice.
How I started
I began to make a conscious effort to write down every little thing that I was grateful for. I would go to work, stop at the grocery store, or just sitting at home- no matter what I was doing, I would think about all the things that were going well in my life and write them down.
My benefits so far
1) I now sleep better. 2) I have more energy. 3) My relationships improved. 4) I am more productive at work. 5) My creative side is flourishing.
Tips on starting
There are many ways to find inspiration in your everyday life, but I like to start by looking within. I keep a personal diary where I write about the good, the bad, and the ugly. It helps me process what’s going on in my life and works as an outlet for when things get rough. For some people journaling is cathartic; for me it’s just a nice way to release some steam. The bottom line is that this type of self-reflection will change your life!
My current routine
I currently keep a handwritten notebook in my purse for jotting down ideas, thoughts, or just random things I want to remember. Every night before bed, I spend 15 minutes summarizing the day’s events with a positive message. This usually consists of telling myself what went well today and how grateful I am for it.
Other benefits
-Helps with self-reflection and understanding your thoughts
-Keeps your mind focused on the present – instead of worrying about the past or future
-Builds empathy for yourself, others, and things outside yourself
-Gives you a safe place to vent, be vulnerable, laugh, or cry without fear of judgement
Final thoughts
Journaling has had a profound effect on me. It made me more aware of myself, it made me more accountable to myself, it helped me learn about myself in a deeper way than I ever thought possible. It’s been hard at times but ultimately worth it.
