Like most people I have kept a journal on and off since my teenage years. Sadly for one reason or another these journals have ended up in the fire pit or shredder over the years. Recently I came across an article on the Oprah website - An Exclusive Look at Oprah's Journals that has inspired me to think about the importance of putting pen to paper not only as a way to release my thoughts, but to also capture my life's story and in a way create a book of memories.
After forgiving myself for having discarded the journals of yesteryear - after all there is no point in dwelling on something that cannot be undone - so forward I go. I started journaling again a couple of months ago and there is certainly something magical about seeing your thoughts written by your hand on paper. Writing my thoughts has also been instrumental in releasing negative emotions that may have been holding me back from freely moving forward. I'm also starting to see patterns, changes and shifts in my life - enabling me to make better choices that are inline with what I want in my life and who I am at my core.
How I write...
5 tips I hope will inspire you to start or get back into journaling:
1. I write at the end of my day, when the the house in quiet, the dogs have been let out for their final evening business and I will not be disturbed. Often half hour to an hour before I'm ready to go to bed. This is also great for disconnecting from technology gadgets before bed - thus relaxing the mind.2. I aim to write for at least 20 minutes each evening.
3. I write for myself NOT censoring what goes down allowing my emotions to release freely.
4. I don't worry about grammar or spelling. I'm journaling for me and no one else.
5. I write not only about what is happening in my life - I use my journal to write about the dreams I have for my life and the things I am grateful for.
If you are a long time reader of HHL you will already know that I am a believer in the power of our thoughts. Think of journaling as a gift to yourself - a place where you are able to release negative thoughts, making room for positive ones. A journal will become your personal reference on how you have lived your life. It will empower you to build upon what you have already created or to make changes for self growth which are inline with the life you are dreaming of.
Would love to hear about your experiences with journaling ~
what worked for you, how long you have been journaling? etc.
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