Reflect on this

Before we can use journaling to learn and grow,
We have to get comfortable with reflection.

We live in a world where many of us are unaccustomed
To sitting quietly with our own thoughts.

Before we can truly expect our journaling practice
To yield substantial growth,

We have to create a foundation for ourselves,
A practice of learning to sit with and understand our thoughts and feelings.

I’ve worked with far too many people who expect to see growth
From the moment they first pick up their pen.

And when their first session doesn’t provide a big aha moment,
They’re quick to decide that journaling doesn’t work for them.

Or worse, that there’s something wrong with them
Because everyone else seems to have journaling all figured out. 

I always recommend folks start small with their practice -
Often as simple as 5 minutes a day -

Just to get comfortable with the idea
Of putting their thoughts on the page.

As we prove to ourselves that we can show up for ourselves,
Our confidence grows.

And so will our practice.

We can begin bringing in journal prompts to help guide and shape our thoughts, questions like:

How am I feeling right now? Do I like how I’m feeling? How would I rather feel?

Am I satisfied with the life I’m living? What’s going well? What would I like to change or improve?

What do I really want out of life? What can I do to make it happen?

Of course, we can tailor our prompts to specific areas of our lives
Where we’d like to see growth and change.

By getting really clear about what areas of our lives
We want journaling to help us with,
We can focus our energy and efforts on those areas,
Really gaining clarity on what’s actually happening in our life.

Without a reflective practice,
It’s all too easy to fool ourselves into thinking we’re fine,
That life is fine, that everything is fine,
When in reality, we deserve so much more than that.

Once we start writing,
The truths in our lives reveal themselves to us.

And they’re harder to ignore
When we see them in our own handwriting
Than when we see them in any other form.

It’s hard to lie to ourselves on the pages of our journals.

It’s important for us to remember that journaling
Is a personal pursuit,
And that each of us may have different goals for our journaling.

While one person may want to use journaling
To develop self-awareness and self-compassion,
Another may want to grow their leadership skills.

While someone may want to use journaling to cultivate
A greater sense of wonder and connection with the Universe,
Another person may want to track their progress toward their personal goals.

Each of these are beautiful reasons to journal.

I’m sure there are some folks reading this
Who know they want journaling to help support them
On a specific growth journey
And are imagining their journals filled with feelings and emotions.

I know there are others who cringe at the thought
Of journaling about their feelings,
Who may want to take a more straightforward
And clinical approach to journaling.

There is room in the world of journaling for both of these extremes -
And for everything in the middle.

It’s up to each of us to consider
What kind of a journey we’re on
And how we want journaling to support us in our journey.

Once we’re clear,
Then we’re able to choose the journaling techniques,
Tools, and prompts that will help us get there.

If you are thinking your journaling needs a little something,
That your practice isn’t quite where you want it to be,
And you’d like some help getting there,

I’m here to help.
Book a free call with me here.

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Doing the work is easier when we do it together.
If you’re looking for support, I can help.

• Our Journaling for Growth Community blends solo reflection and magical group journaling sessions to help you learn to know and love yourself like never before. Learn more and register here.

• I work with folks 1:1 to design and build your custom journal practice. We build your practice to support your goals so you can live the life you dream. Schedule your free consultation here.

• Looking to bring journaling to your organization or group? I lead instructional workshops and group journaling sessions, and I can customize the sessions with your group’s goals in mind. Let’s talk about what you need.

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This Week’s Journal Prompts:

Use these prompts as written or as inspiration to uncover what you need in your life this week. And know that I’m always here to support you and answer questions you have along the way!

• How comfortable are you with reflection?

• Do you carve out regular time to sit quietly and look inward?

• What benefits does your practice bring you?

• What have you learned from observing your thoughts and feelings?

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Happy Journaling!