Journaling is a powerful tool. My mom taught me to do this over 20 years ago and it’s a practice I’ve kept as part of my self-care. There are many reasons to journal including documenting daily gratitude, writing positive affirmations, or written visualizations to help manifest positive outcomes. I’m a fan of all of these. But let’s not overcomplicate things.
People have told me they started the daily habit, but it didn’t stick. Or they bought one notebook for gratitude and another for memories, but couldn’t think of new things to say. Then maybe they lost one of the notebooks and aren’t sure which ones to take with them when they travel. Should you carry your journal wherever you go? What are the rules?
Rules for Journaling?
Let’s start by throwing out the rule book. This is a personal practice that you create for your own peace of mind. My top recommendation for journaling is using it to write out your emotions when you’re anxious, overwhelmed, angry, or can’t sleep. These are the times I find it most beneficial. Spend thirty minutes with a piece of paper, a pen, and maybe a box of tissues. Start writing and so much will open up.
First, your colleague’s response to your email irritated you. It turns out your colleague sounds a lot like your dad’s negative feedback. Or maybe the irritation was spot on, but now that you vented into your journal you can provide a calm, solution-oriented response. Sometimes just getting these thoughts out of my head helps me fall back asleep. I love sleep.
Next, you do not need to commit to a schedule of journaling. It’s a gift for you. Think of it like watching your favorite TV show or reading a great book. Take part when you want to or need to. Utilize the journal for your happiness and a sense of internal harmony.
Where & how? Help!
What if people find my journal and read it? Now I’m sure you can find hiding places. But this is not supposed to be adding stress. Write, release, tear up the paper, and throw it out. It’s as simple as that. Honestly, tearing that written word apart might be another cathartic release. Another journaling bonus!
The notebook itself does not matter unless it’s important to you. Throughout the years I’ve had notebooks for different things because it made sense at the time. My mom used to keep hers so I kept mine. Once I realized that I had no need to reread these thoughts I released or had completed tasks of positive affirmations, I decided to let them go. After all, I’m a city dweller and any extra space is reserved for stilettos. Today I keep three journals – two paper and one digital. One paper notebook is for my emotional peace of mind and the other for manifesting my dreams. My digital notebook is my travel journal. More on that soon!
Gratitude Journals
Quick note about gratitude journals. I do think writing 5-10 things you’re grateful for every day is a fantastic practice for happiness. It does not matter if every day you’re grateful for your dog. You’re not writing a novel. This is to remind yourself how many joyful things exist in your world. Once you’re in the habit of gratitude, you might not need the journal. In my home, we talk about what we’re grateful for and I share my gratitude with the world.
You’re ready now to go forth and write it out. I hope you feel lighter and brighter!