Journaling - What you need to know.

Journaling - The practise of keeping a journal or diary, in order to express ones thoughts : Collins Dictionary

Journaling has been around forever, well it certainly seems that long anyhow. There is no right or wrong method to journal, that said it feels like its the worlds best kept secret, although we all think we know what or how to journal it seems that we don't. There is no user guide or manual that directs us or shows us step by step how its done.

Journaling can be as extravagant or as simple as you choose to make it. You can choose expensive stationary or keep it simple wit a notebook and pen, it can even be state of the art on a tablet or your mobile phone. It can be artistic or minimalist, business or pleasure, the list is endless.

Some people use their journal as a planner, this is not for me, planners is a whole new blog post . For me journaling is a place of expression. as an introverted piscean it is my place to work out my thoughts, a place to do my over thinking, my expression and my doubts are all worked out here; my adventures and my dreams are discovered here long before they become my reality.

I have gone through various phases of journaling, from having my thoughts all in one notebook to having several notebooks all designated to specific areas of my exploration. Now I have come full circle and have all my writing in one notebook, i find it helps to realise where I am in life and where i am going to it is easier to look back on my achievements, which i need to prevent me procrastinating and permitting myself sabotage to set in.

Journal Choice

What journal do you choose? Is there a size better than others? What's hot and what's not? The choice is yours, if like me you are a secret stationary lover, then the world is your oyster. Journals come in all shapes and sizes. The first important point to consider is how much are you planning to write? For me I write every day and I could write all day, however I don't or nothing else would be completed in my day, however if this is your first encounter with journaling, I'd suggest a small notebook. Staring at a blank page can be daunting.

If on the other hand you like to write and journaling is a bolt on to your daily writing then perhaps A5 would be the ideal size for you.

Over the years I have tried and tested many different styles of journal, A4,A5,A6, spiral bound, filofax pages, moleskin, diary's, hardback, softback and everything in-between. I find that my journal reflects my mood and choosing a new journal is like choosing new shoes, too many to choose from and I want them all.

Journal Contents

Now that you have purchased the perfect Journal for you, what on earth are you going to fill it with?

Your journal is an extension of yourself . How or what you put in there is really a personal choice, for me, I write daily, every day is a new chapter in my life and my journal is where I discover it.

I begin with a daily quote, something that inspires me and sets me up for the day ahead. Then a personal journal entry, some affirmations, after that it depends on my day, some days are more spiritual, I have pages for gratitude, I write about books I'm reading, or goal setting, I make notes about anything that I am currently studying, conversations in work, or ideas on how to have better relationships with friends and family, vacations, fun days out and anything else that enters my life.

Journaling is really about self expression, the place to work out personal challenges. Some days my journal is pretty and creative with doodles and beautiful calligraphy, other days it is a mess of scribbles and scrawls. Your journal should represent you, it is not meant for anyone else, it is not fake writing it is personal form the heart, your sanctuary from the world.

Journal Prompts

Journal prompts are a fun way to exercise your thoughts. If you are struggling to find something to write about, journal prompts are a good way to get the creative juices bubbling.

Journaling is fun, do not feel overwhelmed by journal prompts, they are not homework, they are an aid to help you in certain situations to work out your own feelings, emotions and thoughts.

The Habit Of Journaling

Journaling is like meditation. we all know the benefits but sometimes we are not willing to make the sacrifice. We all lead such busy lives that sometimes we have other priorities.

Choose to make time for your journal, do not feel pressured to fill it, or write daily. Write at a time that suits you. If you are relaxed and calm writing in your journal will be more enjoyable.

I like to journal when everyone else is busy so that I am not disturbed. A scented candle and some herbal tea help to feel relaxed so my pen flows with the many thoughts that fill my mind.

Inspiration

My journaling is inspired by my daily life. Every day a new adventure and just as life is full of new experiences, so my journal is packed with new ideas, new steps to my personal growth, new inspirational quotes and even beautiful pictures of memorable moments.

Please feel free to share with me what inspires your journaling adventures.

xx Lei

A PERSONAL JOURNAL IS AN IDEAL ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH TO "BECOME". IT IS A PERFECT PLACE FOR YOU TO THINK, FEEL,DISCOVER,EXPAND,REMEMBER,AND DREAM.- BRAD WILCOX