Why Journal?
I’m assuming that you’re interested in journaling since you’re reading this. I know assumptions aren’t generally a good thing, but this one feels pretty safe.
My question though is why?
Why are you interested in journaling?
Is it because you know it holds the key to unlocking the mysteries you hold inside? The thoughts, feelings, hopes, and dreams that you’ve held, whether for a moment or a lifetime. Ones that feel too fragile to say out loud. Or too dangerous. Too vulnerable.
Is it because you know journaling is the key to productivity and to reaching those goals you’ve set for yourself? The giant over-achieving goals that you confidently set at the start of the year, ones that will help you stretch and grow and be the best version of you yet. And that by tracking and holding yourself accountable you know you’ll get there.
Is it because you want to preserve a record of your life? Of all the things - the minutiae of day-to-day living, the deep connections you establish, the special celebrations, the details of what it’s like to be you, today .
Is it because you need a way to hold space for yourself? In your busy hustle and bustle of doing and giving and serving and living, it’s hard to make enough time to take care of you. And you deserve it. Even if what’s realistic for you is five minutes of journaling while you hide away from the world. Those five minutes count. And they matter more than anyone would give credit for.
You’ve heard me say it: Good Things Come to Those Who Journal.
It’s true. I feel it in the depths of my being.
Regardless of why you journal or how, good things will come.
And you deserve all of those good things.
What do you want? What do you need?
Let’s start there.
If you’re looking to start a journaling practice or you’re looking to deepen your existing practice, the best place to start is at the end:
How do you want to feel? What good things do you want to welcome into your life?
Once you know, it’s easier to find a way to journal that will help you get there.
Your journaling can be different every day, depending on what you need.
When I’m gloomy and down, I lean heavily into gratitude because I know it’ll lift me back up and fill me with warmth and peace and fulfillment.
When thoughts run through my mind so fast I can’t make heads or tails of them, I pour them out onto the page. Once they’re written, I can sort through them to find clarity and create direction.
When I am filled with joy, I journal to capture the magic of my experiences and to record how I feel, like a written photograph to preserve the memory.
When I need to flex my creative muscle, I give myself constraints - start every sentence with a word that starts with “J”, only use words with two syllables, rhyme every sentence with the one that came before.
When something is feeling stuck and I can’t quite get to it, I find a journal prompt that will help me dig in and get unstuck.
We can even mix and match journaling techniques - a little gratitude, a little free writing, using a journal prompt, setting some intentions.
Learn to listen to what you need and then allow yourself to find it through journaling.
So let me ask again: Why do you want to journal? How do you want it to help you today?
Weekly Journal Prompts:
Use these prompts as written or as inspiration to uncover what you need in your life this week.
Where do you find abundance in your life?
What does it look like?
What does it feel like?
Have you been denying yourself abundance in any form?
Why do you think you’ve been doing this?
How would it feel to live a more abundant life?
How can you invite in more abundance?
What areas of your life would benefit when you do?
How can you share some of your abundance with others?
How can you demonstrate your gratitude for all your abundance?
One Journaling Idea I Love:
Art Journaling. Sometimes a picture CAN say a thousand words, especially when combined with some lettering and more. Find a way to express what’s in your mind and heart through visual journaling. Bring out the paints and markers, or the art supplies of your choosing, and pour your soul out on the page. It doesn’t have to be perfect - it just has to be real.
Where You Can Find Me This Week:
Tuesdays with Tim: How Journaling Can Change Your Life - Tuesday, March 29, 2:30 pm Eastern
I share journal related content on LinkedIn every day by 8 am Eastern. Visit me there for stories, journaling ideas, and fresh journal prompts every day!
I have a website! GoodThingsComeToThoseWhoJournal.com
Email always works too!
Need more journal prompts at your fingertips? I have a collection of more than 375 that I’ve curated that can be yours. Find them here.
Interested in Working with Me?
I’m holding a Journaling Group in April. Join me on Zoom Monday - Thursday mornings from 8:00 - 8:30 am Eastern to journal together. Bring your journal and willingness to explore, I’ll bring the rest! Learn more and register here.
Need help designing a journaling routine that works for you? Looking for ways to freshen up your practice? Have questions about journaling and the role it can play for you? Please reach out! I love helping people just like you start journaling and start journaling better!
Happy Journaling!