That's exactly what I so say after I'm done going in on my journal! Like, I'm so surprised with own thoughts haha! Over some time, I started to realize the strong power in journaling. It took some time, but I actually look forward to creating a nice setting for myself to share how I feel, any revelations that has surfaced, accomplishments, frustrations, and what I would like to manifest in the future. I look at my journal as my own personal history book, because when are you going to relive certain memories to the exact detail again? Who can share your story better than you? There is so much that happens in our lives on a daily basis, and honestly, I barely remembered what happened last week lol!! I just feel so safe writing out my emotions with no restrictions, just purely how I feel in that moment, letting it all flow.
Something I wanted to share was, ironically as I am entering my new chapter, my journal ended. I went to Starbucks and decided to bring my journal with me to recap my birthday reflections. The music was great and the atmosphere was nice, before you know it, I was there for 5 hours! Yes 5 hours, just being and it felt great! As I'm writing, I realized that I was getting close to the last page and was really shocked. The last page of my journal which closed this chapter as I enter a new one... right near my birthday...Wow! Talk about timing!!! I decided to write a letter to my journal, discussing the growth within the pages, gratitude for what I have, and the excitement that I have to fill my next journal. I really can't wait to see what stories I will share next, I predict unexpected abundant blessings in all areas! I'm just so grateful that I never stopped writing, it opened me up so much more to myself. Who else to better explain you than...you?
I have developed a deeper level of understanding about myself through journaling, and wanted to share some tips to help you either start or strengthen your future journal entries as well. I know that journaling can be a bit intimidating, and I know some people may not know where to start, so I wanted fo share a few tips here. You can also listen to the recent episode about journaling on the savethegoodgirl podcast.
Here are some tips to start:
Figure out your writing style. Do you prefer to write, maybe use your tablet, desktop, or maybe even voice journaling? I feel it's best to identify what would make you most comfortable to detail how you feel. Any option you choose will be perfect! Journaling has no rules. The most important factor is that you are comfortable to be vulnerable and start!
Start small! Give yourself a few minutes to start, and then let yourself go as you continue writing. You can time yourself to start with 2 miniutes and stop there! If you find yourself stuck and don't know what to say, you can look up journal prompts or purchase a journal that has prompts within them, that really helps to break the ice with yourself!
Set the scene! It's hard to think with a crazy background or distractions. It's important to be in a private, quiet space to process freely. Whether in your home or outside, you want to be comfortable. When I'm home, sometimes I have music in the background, a lit candle, and perfume on. Aromatherapy is my thing boo! I take a few deep breaths and I see where my mind wanders and write. Another location I love when the weather is nice, is at the park or nature in general. My favorite location is to write by the water, the most soothing of them all! Explore and find your spot, it definitely makes a difference! Peep the video below of me journaling at my favorite park with Nia Sultana playing in the background. So peaceful and completely my vibe.
You will be so surprised of what you find out when you take the time to get to know you. Experiencing grief caused me to pause with writing for months. Thankfully, my therapist really pushed me to get back, and I'm really happy she did. When I first started journaling, I only wrote when I was heartbroken, angry or frustrated, until this day I refuse to read those entries lol. Now, I'm focused on all elements of life, the joy, a quote that spoke to me, a comment someone made, an experience I had, and all of my reflections. I still write about the tough feelings but at least now its even amongst everything else I feel. One of the revelations, was me realizing that my belief system is fractured and needs to be nurtured back to health, in order for me to really get the life I know I deserve and want.
I share additional amazing tips on "Guess What I Found In My Journal", this episode really details how to either start journaling or strengthen what you currently do. I know that most of us want to live a full life, but how do we do that if we don't know who we really are? Journaling requires you to be present, open, and patient. It is my hope that you are inspired to start writing or voice recording today. Create your own history book, watch your growth, and learn more about you and others. You got this boo!
Do You Journal?
0%Yes, I journal daily!
0%Yes, I journal weekly!
0%Sometimes, whenever I’m in a mood
0%No, but I would like to start
Take a listen to the podcast on your favorite music platform or right here on the savethegoodgirl website! Also get the glow everywhere, follow STGG on Instagram, Pinterest, Threads, Facebook and TikTok!
Comments