Writing your way to your BEST LIFE!
When it comes to the art of capturing memories and personal experiences, have you ever pondered on the distinction between journaling and keeping a diary? While a diary is a space to record life events and occurrences, journaling fosters personal growth, learning, and reflection. A diary is a place to dump exactly what you are feeling and experiencing, oftentimes in the moment. It can be good to feel emotions, but you want to catch how your thoughts create your emotions. When you write in a diary, you write, memories are kept, but often you don’t do anything with the information. You can get stuck if you are not careful. Journaling can help you step into the best version of yourself.
Through journaling, I gain clarity, perspective, and realize that the overwhelming thoughts in my mind are never as daunting as they initially seem once I pour them onto the paper. I can also see patterns in my thoughts and actions. When I see them, I can choose if I want to continue or pivot. Journaling has proven invaluable in navigating relationships, managing school-related stress, and contemplating my future. It also brings me peace, regulates my breathing and puts me at ease.
The importance of consistency in journaling is that it prevents me from slipping back into negative emotions, spiraling thoughts and self-doubt. By documenting my thoughts I can actively see the positive aspects of life, focus on what I can control, and cultivate gratitude for what I already possess. Moreover, I find solace and strength in reflecting on past experiences, realizing that challenges are often smaller and less overwhelming than they appear in the moment. I can also see the growth I have made and my accomplishments, so it is harder to ignore or diminish them. Journaling daily wins is a way to track your goals and celebrate your progress. In doing so, you can start to dismantle limiting beliefs and step into your future self.
My journaling practice has increased because of one of the teachers that I follow, Gabby Bernstein. She is always throwing out profound and reflective questions. I resisted writing at first, but the more I do it, and it takes only minutes a day, the more grounded in, connected to and focused I am on the life I want to live. I highly recommend you give it a try.
If you are still reading this, I am truly grateful. Additionally, I urge you to consider introducing journaling to your students, friends or children, as it can be a transformative habit. Better yet, embark on a journaling journey together, fostering accountability and gaining valuable insights into why you do what you do and helping them to realize the same. You won't regret dedicating a mere five minutes each day to intentional personal growth. Investing time and energy in yourself is the best investment you can make.
Much love.
