GOOD THINGS HAPPEN WHEN YOU WRITE IT DOWN!

October 5, 2011

The Power of Journaling

You can journal about any topic and for whatever reason you decide. The sky’s the limit! It could be words in the form of a list, paragraph, or notes in a calendar. It is a tool to organize, figure things out, and achieve goals.

When we get things out of our head and onto paper, it opens space for us to come up with more while knowing we haven’t lost previous ideas. We can indulge in the benefits of brainstorming. Documenting facts, thoughts, feelings, and ideas can serve as therapeutic relief and a way to look for patterns in our behavior. For example: writing a list of positives and negatives about a situation that you need to make a decision about.

Sometimes just writing about your day feels good in the act itself. Making a Gratitude Journal keeps us looking at positive aspects of life. Reflection on events or accomplishments gives acknowledgment to important parts of our life that may have been otherwise forgotten. Journaling about what is significant to us is a way to preserve the memory, as well as clearing it for new thoughts. For instance: Some facts and stories about your child’s “big firsts”.

Keeping a Food Journal is another good way to help us keep track of our food intake while trying to reach a goal, like weight loss. Not only documenting the actual things you ate for meals and snacks, but also your energy levels, mental clarity, time of hunger, moods, emotions, and details of how food is specifically affecting you will help you learn about yourself and what your body really needs. (don’t forget that success leaves clues). This becomes your story of how you succeeded in reaching your goals. This can be very encouraging and motivational.

Writing things down gives it, whatever it is, importance. It is a great resource to remind us of our progress. It’s easy to lose sight when there are setbacks or we don’t reach our goals as quickly as we would like to. Also, re-reading our words in a different perspective can help us see our needs in a new light.

Make a routine of what time of day you would like to write. Make your journaling a healthy habit. Start reaping the benefits of hearing your own voice (on paper) by observing your motives, thoughts, feelings, and goals objectively.

The power of keeping a journal is that you have documentation of events in your life the way you see them, along with details that were instrumental in the person that you are today. Use it as your road map and inspiration to continue to move productively into your future.