Do you journal? There are many articles and reports declaring the benefits of journaling. Some benefits include:
- Clarify thoughts and feelings
- Problem solving
- Emotional release
- Focus
- Gratitude
- Perspective
I have dozens of notebook laying around. I pull one out and start writing. I find it becomes my way of “letting it go” as Elsa would say.
Over time I have learned to set my perfectionism aside. I allow myself to write without paying attention to sentence structure and grammar. I allow myself to think freely and write in that manner. I am often surprised to find what I wrote when I finish.
Some people I have spoken to don’t want to journal because of fear someone else will read it. I harbor that fear as well. My solution – if I have written something I want no one else to ever read, I shred it when I have read and processed my thoughts. This is a note to myself, something between God and me. Shredding it assures me no one else will it. It also has its own healing power as I destroy those thoughts that have haunted me.
Some journals I put away in a drawer, and forget they are there. I recently found one I had set aside. In reading what I wrote, I found I lamented about a situation that bothered me. A sudden realization came to me – the situation is the same, but I am not bothered by it anymore. I have changed my perspective and expectation. I smiled in a small celebration. I am growing and learning through this.
Others have cringed at the word “journal”. The word itself is paralyzing. So don’t call it a journal. How about “My Thoughts” or “Note to Myself” or even “Just Because”. It’s just a word. Find one that will propel you, not limit you.
There are no RULES for writing like this. Write to yourself, write to God…just write. That’s all.
To help you begin the process, and to keep me focused as I strive to ‘stay the course‘ I will post a prompt every Sunday or Monday as a possible topic. Even if you don’t choose the topic posted, let it be a reminder for you to write. Choose your own topic.
Make it fun, not a chore. Here are some suggestions.
- Find one special notebook
- Attach a special pen
- Decorate it with pictures, stickers, drawings
- Keep it in a safe place
Create yourself an inspiring place to write:
- Plan on having a cup of hot tea
- Sit in a comfortable chair
- Turn off the TV or other devices for a few minutes
- Begin with prayer or other meditation to clear your mind
Journaling doesn’t have to be perfect, organized, confusing, or frightening. Many things are like this when they are unknown, when they are new, when it is something you haven’t done before. Step slowly in to it. Try it once a week to start. Give yourself permission to do it.
Imagine it is December 31 a year from now. What will you find if you look back over your writing?
Will you take a step and join in this year? Watch for a post with WEEK 1’s writing suggestion.