I have been journaling from the time I was a teenager and I still do it to this day. My journal serves as a trusted space where I can express my true thoughts with no fear of judgement or retribution. I write everything in there; I use it when I need to vent, reflect, share my innermost thoughts and feelings, dreams, expressions of gratitude, musings, you name it and I’ve probably written it down. Whatever they may be, I know that my thoughts are always safe between those pages and that it provides clarity and holds answers for me. My journals hold a special place in my life, they have been and continue to be my most trusted confidants.
In today’s world we get so caught up on all the emphasis placed on body image that I fear we forget our mental health is equally as important.
Journaling is one of the most effective tools we have at our disposal to help improve our mental fortitude and health.
“A personal journal is an ideal environment in which to become. It is a perfect place for you to think, feel, discover, expand, remember and dream.” ~Brad Wilcox
Journaling teaches us how to enhance not only our critical thinking ability but also allows us to hone our skills to reflect. It is an essential tool which can be used to create self evaluation and awareness. We learn to find direction, perspective and fulfilment we might otherwise have lost as a result of getting caught up in going too fast. It allows us to learn from our mistakes, grow and become who we were intended to be.
It is a proven stress management tool. How often do we go through our day so wound up that we can’t even think straight, any little thing sets us off, so much so, we find it also most impossible to reel in our emotions? By expressively writing what is truly on your mind, recording / rehashing your memory into words, it helps you find effective ways to solve problems while learning how to manage them in a healthy way. It helps you unwind and unburden yourself.
You develop better communication skills, you gain more clarity and become more aware of your emotions and thoughts, which allows for better understanding of yourself and improves your relationships with everyone around you.
You learn how to be more mindful. To live in the present moment.
You learn how to heal, grow and let go of traumas past and present.
So, how to begin?
Start with where you are at; a feeling, a question, a word, a sentence. Use what you have; a book or computer. It doesn’t matter, as long as you can write. Location? Wherever feels most comfortable for you; a quiet space at home, a cafe, on a train. Time? However long you need; 5 mins, 30 mins.
Never mind sounding poetic or using proper grammar. Express how you truly feel (no censor required).
After you have written your entry, re-read, evaluate your feelings, answer questions, make notes. The process may prove to be challenging at first, don’t be deterred, just keep showing up daily and writing. I promise you, you will find healing, understanding and the answers that you seek.
xoxo
Verna💋💋