Journal
Photography by Danielle Ann Rose @bydanielleannrose
There’s a reason journalling is so highly spoken of and why it’s constantly being recommended, for many, journalling has been life-changing and I want to experience that. I myself, have recommended journalling to people, as I know the benefits, but I myself, have never been consistent at it and that’s something I hope to change
I’ve journaled many times in my life but never given it the attention and dedication it needs to form a habit of daily or even weekly journaling. I guess writing this blog has been my form of self-expression and documentation of thoughts. Still, there is something so freeing and refreshing to brain dump every thought and feeling onto a page without overthinking how it comes out or having to edit it for clearer understanding. It just is what it is and then you feel lighter
So, to get the ball rolling on becoming someone who actively and consistently journals, I wanted to look deeper into the topic, remind myself of why it’s so effective and motivate myself to form this new habit
It’s funny to me, that I’ve written many great journalling prompts for others, to help them move through specific emotions or experiences but when it comes to my own practises I neglect what I know and look to others for education or inspiration
So here are two YouTube videos and accounts that I look to:
Struthless - The Journaling System that Changed My Life
Clark Kegly - The Ultimate Guide to Keeping a Journal
The idea of journaling seems so simple in theory, write down your thoughts and feelings to clear your mind, so you can navigate life a bit easier, and yet so many people share how they put it off because it feels like some big, daunting task, but after it’s done always feel better for it and tell themselves to do it more often
The benefits far outweigh the effort required, it’s a deeply nurturing practice and it serves as a profoundly personal outlet for self-expression and self-reflection. Journaling is a gift and we get to make it a priority
Through journaling, we can explore our innermost thoughts, confront our emotions, and document our journey through life. Whether it's noting down everyday occurrences, processing emotions, setting goals, or simply letting thoughts flow onto the page, journaling provides a safe space for introspection and a tool for fostering self-awareness
It serves as a valuable tool in problem-solving and decision-making, allowing individuals to gain insight into their experiences and behaviours. Journaling also encourages creativity and helps preserve memories and significant life events. Overall, journaling is a powerful practice that promotes emotional well-being, connection to self and personal development
This is exactly why I want to create a consistent habit of journaling in my everyday life. The positive impact it can have on people’s lives and mindsets is inspiring and I truly want to get out of my own way and allow myself to experience such a shift. I get to take my own advice and start actively pursuing this practice with intention and prioritize my mental health and self-development again
Journaling, despite its initial perceived “difficulty,” is actually a deeply rewarding practice that promises a lighter, clearer mind after every entry
Developing the habit of journaling truly is a gift to ourselves, a means of self-expression, self-reflection, and a path towards personal growth. So here's to making journaling a priority, not just a recommendation
