When you were young, did you ever have a diary or journal? I remember as a young girl, I had several pink, bedazzled diaries that I wrote all my “deepest darkest secrets” in. And you are probably thinking, what type of secrets does a young girl have? Ha-ha! Well, let’s just say, that is for me to know, and you never to find out.
As I grew older and attended college, I returned to recording anything and everything in my journal until I graduated. Yes, diaries, as in plural. I wrote consistently every day and sometimes multiple times a day. Now that I am married, older, and a mother, I have reconnected with journaling, and I didn’t really realize the benefits of what journaling can do for you.
If you have ever thought about journaling, or wondered what the purpose of it is, then this is a great article for you. Journaling is simply writing whatever comes to your mind, your heart desires, and much more. Your journal should be kept confidential for your eyes only, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. But what if I told you that journaling is a powerful tool for self-care? It’s true. There are many amazing benefits to journaling, that will help enhance your self-care and improve your wellbeing. Check out how journaling is a powerful tool for self-care below.
Journaling is Therapeutic.
Writing is very therapeutic because it allows you to relax and allow your thoughts to flow freely. You will be surprised how much you write and how you will feel after you write a page of thoughts. It helps improve your mental health because you allow yourself to release thoughts and stress onto paper. Journaling does not require you to have a degree, be an author of a best-selling book, or know how to cite sources. Journaling is simply getting a piece of paper and pen and letting go. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I journaled a lot and it helped me to acknowledge my feelings and emotions and reduce stress at the same time.
Journaling provides Clarity.
Have you ever felt confused or indecisive towards a subject or situation? If you write out the entire scenario, which includes pros/cons, feelings, etc., this activity will provide more clarity and allow you to open your eyes to possibilities that you never even thought of. Sometimes, you can even find your answer that you have been looking for just by organizing your thoughts. Many people today are so attached to technology and social media, that the thought of journaling is like learning a foreign language. When you are searching for clarity, journaling is an excellent activity to engage in because you will see everything right in front of you, the good, bad, and ugly.
Journaling captures Memories.
As we get older, our brains sometimes become forgetful; plus, we have so much on our plate that we often forget to capture experiences. When I was in college, I captured everything and now I am going back and reviewing what I wrote, I laugh and have a lot of wow moments. Imagine if you began writing once a day or week, how much information that you would collect. Not only does it allow you to capture memories, but you can also recognize the growth that you have experienced through the years. It is a wonderful feeling. Maybe you used to date someone that you are no longer with, and years later, you are married, in a successful career, and truly happy…I bet if you go back and look at those journal entries from the past, you will experience a big “WOW” moment and thank yourself that you were strong enough to walk away, choose you, and be happy.
Journaling increases Goal Achievement.
Have you ever had a goal that you desired to achieve? Of course, you have, and you probably still do! Everybody desires some level of success. Now, I am going to let you in on a big secret…journaling increases your likelihood of achieving your goals. Why? Because when you write down your goals, and properly set them using methods, like SMART goalsetting, you have a bigger chance of ensuring that you see the finish line! There is an old saying that says, a goal is a dream with a deadline and action behind it. When you are diligent about journaling your goals, you are putting faith and effort into seeing it happen.
If you are ready to start your journaling journey, the first thing you need to do is get one. Journals come in a variety of colors, sizes, formats. A couple of great places that you can purchase them are at Walmart, Target, Ross, even the Dollar Tree! It doesn’t have to say JOURNAL on the front, if you know what it is, that’s all that matters. You can even take an empty notebook and use that as a journal.
You can start journaling the moment you purchase your journal. Begin by talking about what activities you completed for the day. What did you eat for lunch? Did you go on a date? What kind of day that you have at work? Are you in school completing a degree? How do you feel? Be honest with everything that you write, because remember, your journal is not to be shared with anyone. The opportunities are endless…just start writing and I promise you, the thoughts will begin to flow.
Once you fill up your journal, keep it and store it somewhere that you will remember to pick it up throughout the years. Journals are full of memories, don’t throw them away. This is your life. Oh, and make sure that you put your name, email, and the best telephone number that someone can reach you in case you lose or misplace it. I truly hope that never happens to you because it did for me once! Long story!
Life is short and what greater gift can you give yourself than a journal full of your life’s successes, challenges, hiccups, and more. Make the choice to start journaling today.
If you are interested in improving your life, evaluating your self-care routine, and achieve some goals that you have been thinking about, contact me today and let’s set up a discovery call.