5 Reasons to Journal!
The Joys of Journaling!
As someone who has always loved to write down words, I've kept a journal/diary/notebook of some kind for many years now. It's not something I write in every day, it's more of a 'go to' when I feel the need to write something down in order to remember it, or engage in the cathartic process of getting thoughts down on paper. If you've never given it a go, now might be the time to start! There is countless research and data on the benefits of journaling on the internet, but the real good stuff happens when you give it a go yourself and reap the benefits! A journal serves two purposes; it is a permanent record of what is happening/has happened in your life, and it can also be a cathartic release - a downloading of emotions, thoughts and/or ideas.
If you are new to journaling, here are 5 great reasons to give it a go! Firstly, find yourself a journal or notebook that you absolutely LOVE! My personal fav's are always found in Kikki K (the stationery shop designed for evolving souls!) #1. Permanent Record of What you Hear!
A journal is the perfect place to write down quotes, sayings, ideas, musings and notes. I have a journal that I have labelled... 'Inspiring Thoughts & Quotes' and it is jam packed full of goodies that I hear when I listen to motivational speakers on Hay House Radio. I would never remember some of the golden nuggets I hear just by memory. I also copy quotes into it that I see and any pearls of wisdom I hear as I move through life! Some days I just have to read through the journal and I feel so inspired.
#2. Gratitude: There was a recent article in the weekend magazine, 'The Canvas' about gratitude and it's powerful benefits. You will know that I am a HUGE fan of writing down at least 3 things to be grateful for each day. Writing it down in a 'Gratitude Journal' is such a beautiful way of recording it. By taking the time to put pen to paper it becomes more of a ritual. I love reading back over it at the end of the year. #3. Keepsake: My Mum keeps a journal in which she documents significant family milestones, celebrations, events... and I love reading through it with her. I know that one day it will be such a precious document of our family history. It's also really handy if we need to remember dates long past! #4. Goals: Journals are a wonderful place to keep your life goals - where you want to head, what you want to be doing in the future... #5. Recording Thoughts: Last, but certainly not least, is the traditional journal /diary type approach of recording thoughts and feelings as they come and go. As we experience the ebbs and flows in life, it can be therapeutic to write down how you are feeling, with the comfort that no-one else will read it! You have the freedom to express anything you want, anyway you want. The power of seeing thoughts and ideas on paper can give people a sense of distance from them, and it can bring about clarity of mind - space for creativity and new ideas!
