For as long as I can remember it has been a part of who I am. When the world appears overwhelming, confusing, or just plain erratic, a blank sheet of paper and a pen are my escape.
In essence,
My journal is my sanctuary for wandering thoughts...
Secrets I vow to never tell...
Questions that linger deep in mind..
Affairs of the heart..
Sadness...
Anger ...
Frustration...
Happiness...
Quotes...
Inspirational Messages
My journal is where I can express myself freely and openly.
If you haven't started a journal, I encourage you to do so!
Highlighted below are 6 Reasons why you should start writing in your journal, or start keeping a journal, from Bella Mumma and The Simply Luxurious Life.
1. It's a catalog of inspiration: If you're always looking for inspiration, keeping a journal nearby allows you to write down quotes you hear, recipes you want to try, books you want to read, films you want to see or ideas that pop into your head at random times. While initially you may think you will never forget these bursts of light bulb moments, you may have learned from experience that if you don’t write them down, you'll most probably forget them. You really never know when inspiration will strike, so have a means to capture it when it does.
2. It's a record of events, thoughts, etc: Much like a diary, a journal provides a place to record events in your life, your feelings at different moments in your life and questions you have about your life. Including these three items in your journal allows you to reflect back after a year or two has passed.
3. It helps relieve tension: Before letting your frustrations out on an innocent store clerk or supportive family member or friend and then having to deal with the guilt of your mismanaged frustration, write down your fears, reasons for anger or disgust and anything else that may have caused you to have a bad day in your journal. While putting your feelings down on page may not remedy the problem entirely, it will at least give you time to sort through what is really upsetting you, take a deep breath and resolve what
ever is upsetting you constructively.
4. It provides self-counselling: Along the same lines of benefit #3, often by regularly journaling we can, upon reflection, notice certain trends or triggers that we may not be aware of in the present moment. That is why it is a good idea to keep journals once they are full. Also, the journal is always a good listener, and while it is a blessing to have a trusted friend you can talk to, to always be filling their ear with your worries may get tiresome, so allow your journal to carry some of the weight.
5. It promotes gratitude: Just as journals are a wonderful tool to rid yourself of negative emotions, they are also useful for recording reasons to be grateful. Keeping a gratitude journal helps us to remain present and remind ourselves of all that is going well.
6. It helps you stay focused Whether it is New Year’s, your birthday, or the beginning of a new stage in your life, writing down goals and then regularly checking in on your progress can help you stay on track and focused. And upon completion, reflecting on your accomplishments is a wonderful reminder and confidence booster as you go about setting new goals.
If you want to start a journal, or get back into keeping one, here are a few things that may help you:
* Buy a beautiful journal or one that inspires you to fill the pages
* Treat yourself to a special pen
* Create a ritual that is something you look forward to when you sit down to write. Perhaps a cup of tea could be poured to accompany your writing, sitting in a cozy chair or snuggling up in bed with your favorite plush pillow to prop up your journal while you write. Whatever speaks to you or encourages you to write freely, welcome it into your daily routine as well.
* Don’t be judgmental of yourself or what you write. The journal is simply for your benefit and no one else’s. Consider this a sketch or a rough draft and try to allow your authentic self, interests, curiosities and thoughts flow freely.
{Source: The Simply Luxurious Life}
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