Often, I am asked the question “why should I journal?” and “what should I journal about?”
Before I answer and share my personal experience with journaling, I want to share the science. Scientific studies have shown that journaling:
improves psychological well-being
increases immune system functioning
Prior to discovering these studies, while researching for my book, I had been reaping the rewards of journaling for a very long time.
In answer to the question, “why should I journal?” Immediately, I think about my entry into journaling.
I started journaling in high school. It was a requirement for my 10th grade English class. Quickly, my journal became my safe place to vent the pain and turmoil I experienced at the hands of my emotionally abusive father. Thankfully, I kept my journaling practice going. Instead of allowing the abuse to consume me, I was able to dismantle and process my childhood trauma.
Not only has my journaling practice saved my life, it continues to elevate my life. Journaling has been instrumental in helping me transform my pain into my passion and purpose.
Today, I facilitate journaling workshops to give participants the tools to discover their best life, given their present circumstances.
Journaling helps maintain mental clarity and focus.
Journaling gives you the space to address and release any upset and reinforce your connection to who you are, what matters, and what is best for you.
Gratitude, personal growth and affirmations comprises a large part of my journaling content.
Gratitude journaling helps you recognize and appreciate the littlest things that would otherwise be overlooked. It reinforces present moment living.
Personal growth is important to me. My personal motto is “learn, grow, evolve”.
Journaling keeps your goals, aspirations and purpose in the forefront. It helps you stay accountable.
Affirmational journaling has been instrumental in dismantling the negative messages I was subjected to growing up. I use it to reverse any negative thoughts that surface inside my head.
What you say to yourself, about yourself, is very important.
The best place to start is with your current struggles. Instead of thinking/saying “this is hard, I can’t do this”, you can say or write “I am capable, I can do this”. You are turning a negative thought into a positive one. Say and write your affirmations, over and over. Repetition is the most important.
When you practice affirmations, you develop your own inner cheerleader voice that lifts you up again and again.
I can’t say enough about the journaling. It can be uplifting and life changing. Whether you have prior upset to dismantle or current stressors that are weighing you down, journaling can help you to ease the burden of tough times. A journaling practice helps you stay focused on the present moment and what matters. Most important, journaling opens your door to knowing you.
If you have never journaled before, I hope you will consider giving it a try.
Here you will find some journal prompts to get you started.
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