Let's be real...
Journaling. More than a buzz word.
We talk about it a lot, and for good reason.
But I have a fear. A fear that it’s become SO shiny that some people are scared to delve in.
They think that there needs to be a lengthy process, writing AT LEAST 3 pages in the morning or only journaling with in-depth, profound prompts.
But it does not need to be that way to serve you.
Here is the thing: Journaling is meant to serve YOU.
If it doesn’t, then what is the point in doing it?
Yet I still have faith for your relationship with journaling.
So, let’s get away from the shiny side of journaling and let’s be real…
Why I love it in a nutshell.
Journaling allows you to be there for yourself. It helps you tap into your higher self. It also enables you to disconnect yourself from any situation to help you reconnect so that you know what to do.
I can think about how best to approach a specific project, or I can solve issues before they become problems, whether that is internal or external.
How it can help you.
Journaling is an excellent example of a keystone habit.
Along with:
-Making your bed in the morning.
-Meditation.
-Morning routines.
-Planning out your days.
Think about all of the things you keep saying you want to do… how much of that have you actually done?
And then there is the guilt that comes with that, right?
The guilt and feeling of failure, mixed with fear and imposter syndrome, it is a pretty deadly mix.
So by introducing a keystone habit, you have a starting point. All the random tasks and habits somehow come together.
So why pick journaling to be your keystone habit to start with? Journaling helps you understand the best way to go about the task in hand.
When you are going about your day, jumping from task to task, sometimes you need some time to regroup, collect your thoughts and strategize. But the thing is not many of us ask ourselves; what do we need? Journaling prompts us to do this.
So how do you actually… do it?
Let's do a quick fire round to answer some of your questions.
What to write about?
-Ideas.
-Thoughts.
-Feelings.
-Goals.
Cool, but can we delve a little deeper?
Sure. With your ideas, you could simply write anything that comes to mind, or you could be a little more intentional with it and start free flow writing (writing without structure) about a new project, and how to best market it. Or how best to demonstrate how it works. Or how best to create it.
There is much to think about, so there is much to write about.
Writing about how you feel can help you rationalise your feelings which can help you better understand where you are at and what you need in your life.
Goals. You can establish them by getting to the root of what you truly want, or you can use your journal to remind yourself as to what you are working towards. Some people use this as a way of programming their subconscious.
Full sentences or bullet points?
Either. Or a hybrid of them both. It depends on how much time you have and whether or not you prefer to do one or the other. Both work. There are no rules.
How can you integrate journaling into daily life?
-While the kettle boils.
-Before you even get out of bed to start your day.
-In the car. Parked safely, of course.
Find those little pockets of time, and start using them.
Some Truths...
Ready to release the final barrier between you and journaling? Ok. Let's do it.
Truth Number 1
Most of what you first write will not make much sense.
Truth Number 2
You may stop writing halfway through a thought, and that's ok.
Truth Number 3
Unless you have beautiful handwriting, it will probably not look Pinterest pretty. At all.
Truth Number 4
At first, you may not have anything to write, that's ok. Sometimes my best and most helpful journal entries have started off with a ramble or a shopping list. It takes time.
Truth Number 5
You may not see any results at first. Stay with it. Much like exercise, it can take some time to love it or to see any real benefits.
Truth Number 6
You may not be ready for journaling right now. It may be something else you need. It took me years to get into a regular practice. And if I am honest, back when I first found out about journaling, I just didn't see the point. You have to want to do it. Try it out but don't be disheartened if it is something that you need to come back to.
How do I get started? What are the next steps?
Ok, so what next? You want to give it a go, you are well aware of the 'reality', and you want in?
Get your journal. It can be something simple, which personally I recommend at first, as you will not be too precious about the pages.
Or if you feel it will motivate you more, you can invest in a nice one.
Then, choose your pen. I go for pens that don't leak everywhere, and if I am honest, look pretty on Instagram.
Then, the final and most crucial step... just start! It is easy to start procrastinating at this step.
So here is something to get you started: how do you feel and what do you need?
Tag us in your snaps over on Instagram!
