There are many reasons why people journal. If you've been on the fence about getting started, this post is for you.
Journaling and I have a winding history; it all started in high school, and let me tell you... it was packed full of DRAMA! Don't judge me yet, though; I was just a kid.
I've since found that there are a lot of other benefits that come from journaling other than just getting your feelings out, which, by the way, is a big reason that I still journal to this day.
You may be wondering how to start a journal. I'm here to tell you that it is REALLY easy, and there are no rules. There are many ways to get started.
- Paper journaling
- Online journaling (Microsoft, Google Docs, etc.)
- Journaling apps
I've have journaled on paper and online with Microsoft, and they are both good. I, however, found that I prefer to journal on paper. There's just something about writing it out vs. typing that I like. You should choose whatever feels best to you.
This post is all about journaling
1. Journaling Helps You Process Your Emotions
This is most likely the first thing that you think of when you think of journaling, and rightfully so. Using a journal to process your emotions can be VERY beneficial, especially as a woman.
Think of our brain like a big bowl of spaghetti. Our thoughts and emotions are intertwined, making it hard to identify our feelings and why we feel this way. Writing this in a journal can help you sort out the spaghetti mess and identify what you are really feeling.
It's also very therapeutic. It gives you time to cool down and think more logically about the situation. When I'm feeling negative emotions, I often go straight to my journal, and by the time I am done writing everything down, I come up with a solution.
2. Setting Intention For The Day
You can journal every morning to set intentions for the day. This could be anything from tasks you want to accomplish to the frame of mind you want to set for the day.
Gratitude journaling in the morning is a good way to start the day positively. By acknowledging what you are grateful for, you become more aware of positive things that happen to you throughout the day.
3. Documenting Your Accomplishments
One of the great things about keeping a journal is that you can go back in time and see all you've accomplished over the years. Most of us are always looking ahead at what we want to accomplish next, and we forget to take a step back and acknowledge how far we have come. I know that I am guilty of this!
Looking back to see how far you have come can be a self-confidence boost, and who doesn't love that, right?
4. Healing Trauma
Journaling can be an excellent way to heal trauma. Whether it be past trauma or something more recent.
You might find that it is easier to write about more recent traumas vs. traumas that may have happened in childhood or even just a few years ago. This may be due to the fact that we try to bury traumatic things that happen to us, so when it comes time to write out what happened and/or how we feel about it, there could be some barriers. However, the only way to heal trauma is to work through it, not bury it. With that said, journal prompts can help guide you.
The great thing about journaling is that, unless you decide to share it, no one else will see what you have written. So, the things you may not want to talk about with others can be written down in a journal for you to work through.
5. Self-Discovery Through Journaling
Journaling can be a great way to self-discovery. Asking yourself questions intended to evaluate how you feel about something, what you would do if there were no barriers, what motivates you, who inspires you, etc., can help you decide what is important to you.
When you are aware of what is important to you, it keeps you focused. We often get distracted by things we might think other people want us to focus on. However, to be uniquely yourself, you must know what is truly important to you.
This post was all about journaling
I would love to your thoughts on journaling whether you are brand new to it or you have been doing it for a while! Leave a comment below. 🙂
If you liked this post you should also check out my post Having a Daily Planner Will Empower Your Life.
