Okay, I feel like I need to start this blog with a preface. Because I’m a blogger, it feels a little fake to tell you that I don’t like writing. And if you’re a friend of mine, it isn’t believable either to say that I don’t like talking about myself. I mean, yeah, I love to rant to the universe about a random topic like the best nap technique and I love attention on me when I’m doing something funny in front of my friends. But journaling about my feelings and laying my soul out on some paper? Pass. Well, pass until recently.
I just came back from a week-long yoga training in the Catskills and contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t all chanting and saluting the sun — We journaled a lot! In fact, the majority of the time spent there was journaling. Because of that experience, I started to see the real benefits of keeping a journal and I’m trying to keep entries as part of my daily routine.
For me, it’s difficult to figure out where and how to start journaling. If you feel this way too, then check out these three tips to becoming a “Dear Diary” expert.
One: Writer’s Block
If you’re feeling stuck on what to write about, themed or prompted journals are a great place to start. I have a gratitude journal where I can write what I’m thankful for each day. I was also just gifted a journal called the “Practice You” journal that asks you a different question or provides an inspirational prompt to write off of. These guided journals are really simple and are an awesome tool to generate inspiration and get your thoughts going.
Two: Finding the Perfect Words
You don’t have to be a poetical genius to journal. Consider being grammatically graceless and just letting whatever comes to mind out on the page without having to autocorrect it. From random words, to drawing pictures, to taping a collage of things onto the page, it all counts. Remember that you’re not getting a grade for what you write and you get to decide the audience of your journal.
Three: Penciling it in
Setting a goal for how many times a week you want to journal and what time of day you are going to dedicate to writing is a great tool to hold yourself accountable. If you want more motivation in your life, consider journaling in the morning to remind yourself of your aspirations and goals for the day. Journaling in the evening is great for reflecting on the day and releasing the good or bad parts of it. Overall, anytime is a perfect time and even constantly bringing your journal with you is helpful for those random moments of inspiration or urges to release/remember a thought.
Living Happily Ever After
Journaling not only allows you to release emotions, but also process them. This creates more mindfulness and boosts your mood and confidence. Logging what’s on your mind allows for stronger creativity and even expands your memory and IQ. Also, how cool will it be to look back at your young adult life when you’re older!
It takes a while to create a habit. Keep consistency with your entries as best as possible and begin again instead of giving up. Above all, remember that there’s no “write” way to journal!
