A journal is a space to let your self run free, to express whatever is on your mind. It’s a repository for hopes and dreams, inspirations and insights, thoughts and emotions.
Every time you sit and do some journal writing is a moment of truth. It’s where you come face-to-face with yourself.
If you’ve kept a personal journal, you know exactly what I mean. It’s a powerful self-awareness tool.
I’ve been journaling for more than 25 years. I started journal writing after a synchronistic meeting with three individuals while on a flight to attend a funeral. All three were engaged in work they were intensely passionate about.
The entire experience reinforced my own desire to do something as meaningful. I felt compelled to journal how I felt as a result. Not long after, I discovered Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way and Kathleen Adams’ Journal To The Self. Both played key roles in steering me closer to my goal.
How to Start Journal Writing
So what’s stopping you from writing a journal? Like any new habit, it requires a little discipline. You need to put time aside on a regular basis to quiet your mind and access your intuitive wisdom. Here’s what else you should know:
1. Before you begin journaling, you might want to take a few minutes to practice deep breathing and relax your body and your brain. I’d also recommend reading my practical tips to tune up your intuition.
2 minute Breathe Bubble: let your thoughts go
2. When you’re ready, find a quiet and comfortable spot where you can write uninterrupted. The beauty of journaling also is its portability. You can do it wherever you want.
3. What you use to write is entirely up to you. Despite my keyboarding skills, I still use pen and paper to journal. I find that using a pen makes a more powerful connection between my head and the page.
4. Try to journal at the same time on a regular basis. This makes it easier to stay in the habit, especially in the beginning. It can also help you work through a problem more efficiently, for example.
5. How long should you spend every time you journal? That depends on how much time you have or need to express what’s on your mind.
6. Record the date for each journal entry. Then write spontaneously as thoughts enter your mind. Continue this stream of consciousness until you run out of things to say. Don’t stop to edit grammar or spelling. Writing with immediacy is the best way to capture your true, unfiltered thoughts.
Robin Sharma: 7 key reasons to journal
Choose a Journal
You can write about your thoughts and experiences in one journal or you can keep separate journals. Here are three common examples:
Gratitude Journal
Once you start paying attention to the things that make a difference in your life, you’ll start noticing them everywhere. Start each gratitude journal entry simply i.e. I’m grateful for… Then go into detail about why. Take time as often as you need to tell yourself what or who you’re grateful for.
Stress Journal
We all can get into the worry habit. A stress journal is one of the best ways to relieve stress. It’s where you can address your problems more clearly by asking yourself critical questions. What are the facts? Does my thinking fit the facts? Who can help me with this situation?
Dream Journal
With a dream journal, you’ll be ready for those inspired thoughts that wake you in the middle of the night. At very least, record them first thing in the morning when they’re still relatively fresh. Some of the most creative ideas (and vivid dream images) occur when the subconscious mind is at work.
Getting to the Point
In short, journal writing connects you to who you really are, gives you greater clarity, and helps you make better life decisions.
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