Why Journal?

Journaling has been and is one of my favorite exercises for stillness of my mind and personal reflection. Being able to regurgitate thoughts onto paper seems reasonable. It truly helps me not go crazy in my head. Think about it (pun intended) how many thoughts go through our head everyday, every hour, every minute, and every second. We are constantly bombarded with thoughts, whether we like it or not. Journaling is a great way to let my mind speak metaphorically and physically, because writing things down helps me solve my own problems or questions.

Forms of Journaling

There are many forms of journaling, to name a few: Freewriting, gratitude writing, bullet journaling, and dream journaling. All writing forms have a unique and powerful way for me to keep my mental health in check. Also, writing helps me develop new and creative ideas I may have lingering in my mind, but before I lose that idea, I jot it down so I don’t forget it.

*What are some of your favorite forms of journaling or writing? (Please, leave a comment down below!)

Growing up, I loved reading, writing, and creating vision boards. I enjoy expressing my mind on paper, and reading other people’s thoughts on paper. And the vision boarding is a fun way to visualize what I want to manifest, Most things I have created in my life usually starts from words on paper or some kind of creative visual craft. :)

Journaling for self Healing

I love journaling for self-healing. I create space and time for me to realize and reflect on my life, because I believe I am the only one that holds all the answers and ideas to take action for what I want in my life. And yes, I may have external influences, but isn’t it still up to me to take action, to respond, and to create from my own being, because no one else will do it for me. (Unless I pay them of course, but the idea and momentum still has to stem from me to direct or share my creation with someone else). Journaling helps build trust with myself. Trusting my intuition and practicing how to express myself is a game changer. When I am grounded, centered, and remaining calm to take my next steps in anything I do, it really gives off confidence and self-love. Journaling helps me achieve that! I exude a positive aura of goodness and I love that, because I can show up authentically around others, make friends and share beautiful conversations.

Understanding my mind, I may not always be cohesive or elegant with my thoughts, so sometimes I just need to write it out. I journal with the intention and sometimes I journal without intention. Journaling just cause is so fun and helpful as well! I believe getting to the root cause of most of our racing thoughts, emotional burdens, and feeling stuck in life is best expressed and resolved through writing/journaling. Sometimes it can be difficult to start, but once I begin to write words, entries, or questions down, it starts to flow with ease. And thats when I feel the pleasure, the pleasure of releasing stuck thoughts, looping thoughts, just the releasing the pressure in my mind.

Start Your Journal

If you are new to journaling I recommend starting simple. Start with free-writing, because this form of journaling doesn’t focus on structure, grammar, nor intention. It focuses on just allowing whatever needs to purge or move through to happen on paper. *Start in the mornings with your lovely hot coffee or tea next to you, sitting in a quiet comfortable area, and begin to sip and write. Or start in the evenings before bed! I find it important to first observe how you feel, if it is difficult to do this practice, don’t give up, because to create a new habit or pattern it takes days and consistent effort. Be easy with yourself, start by writing at least 2-4 words on paper, just whatever comes to mind, don’t overthink it. Continue doing this for week until it becomes natural eventually constructing sentences and phrases. I know you can do it! Just believe, be consistent as much as you can, and you will be releasing tension in no time!

Guided Journaling Tips:

1. Have a clear goal

Some journal for fun, some analyze their decisions. I journal for self-improvement. It’s a tool to know myself better, get in touch with my thoughts, and manage my habits.

2. There’s no ONE way to do it

Just because you see all those fancy-looking, well-kept journals on Pinterest or Instagram doesn’t mean you have to do it that way too. It doesn’t matter if your entries are a bunch of short stories, activity logs, decision plans, scrapbook artwork, etc.

3. Keep it honest

You’re not trying to impress anyone with your journal. There’s no need to “curate” the stuff you put in there. This is the place where you can be true and honest to yourself, without weighing other peoples’ opinions.

4. Start small and simple

Journaling is a habit; so start small. Just tell yourself, “write.” Write for two minutes or ten minutes, about anything that comes to mind, and keep going if the momentum continues.

5. Entries can also be long

Once you’ve started journaling, it’s totally fine to write longer entries. In fact, some of the longer entries I write are very therapeutic.

6. Keep it accessible

Ideas and “inspiration” sometimes visit us in unusual times and places; While waiting in line at the grocer’s, at a bus station, in the middle of the night, etc.

7. Keep it free-form

Your journal doesn’t have to be just words. Feel free to keep it free-form. Feel like doodling, drawing, or sticking a photo? Go ahead! Maybe you prefer to use charts or diagrams to illustrate your thoughts. No need to stick to just words.

8. Keep it private

Sometimes, it can be tempting to show your journal to someone. That’s okay. Just be true to yourself.

9. Don’t turn it into a to-do list

Journaling is a reflective activity. Don’t clutter your journal with work, to-do lists (which I’m not a fan of), and other stuff. Keep it personal. This is why I suggest journaling for the first 30 minutes or so after you wake up, so you can keep it to your most intrinsic thoughts.

10. Use a platform that works for you

Some are into physical journals, and some folks swear by going paperless. I do both. I especially enjoy using a notebook and pen because I don’t have to stare at my screen to journal. Plus, pen and paper feels nice. If you’re totally new to journaling, then experiment.

11. Write whenever you want

Though it’s preferable to write every day, the important thing is to keep it a habit. And commit to that habit. The goal is to make time for journaling, without beating yourself up over missed habits.

12. You don’t need to write in the morning

You really don’t need to journal every day or every morning. If you prefer doing it at night, or during lunch, that’s fine.

13. Switch it up!

One good journaling tip is to get some variety in your practice. Go out on the terrace or visit a cafe to write. Take your journal to work and do a couple of lines during break.

Reference: Tips From wizdombookinsights.medium.com