Beginning Your Journaling Journey

If you have never journaled before, the idea of beginning a new practice can be a bit daunting. Like what do you even write?

Fear not my friend, a few small steps and you'll be on your way.

Personally I am not into E journaling. Firstly, it feels a bit cold, secondly multiple studies show the importance of the act of writing your feelings on paper has a very big impact on your emotional processing.

Journaling Step By Step

1. Choose the journal that's right for you. Previously I have chosen my journals becuase they were cute, or colorful. At this point in my journaling life I have become a bit of a conusour. I like a journal that can lay flat so I don't have to hold it down while writing. It's got to be lined. I need some structure on the page. Finally I need to feel a connection to the journal. I have gone into bookstores and stared at journals, held them, even smelled them to be sure it was the one for me. This book becomes the historian of your life, your confidant, keeper of secrets, and close friend. Pick the one that speaks to your heart. But if you need to write right now, grab the closest notebook and begin the brain dump!

2. Pen of choice. Choosing the right pen may seem like small potatos but when you are in the midst of writing a full on rant about how frustrating it is when you run out of ink and your pen runs out of ink, it can be explosive. Sincerely though having a pen that writes smoothly, won't smear, and is in a color you like can be really nice.

3. What to write? Where to start? Truly whatever you want to write is the whats best. If your heart is weighing heavy or is particularly light today, put it on paper.

   1. However if you really are stumped here are a few good prompts to get you started.

   2. When have I felt most like myself lately?

   3. What am I learning about myself in this phase of my life?

   4. I feel safe when.

   5. What I wish people knew about me.

4. Or you can be more free form and do a stream of conciousness session. This is where you literally write what you are thinking. I like to do this at night before I sleep. I find that it frees up my mind, and lightens my heart. This helps me sleep better because my worries, and persistent thoughts are no longer rolling around in my subconcious keeping me awake.

5. Graditude journaling has been quite the hot topic the last few years and with good reason. A daily practice of gratitude helps you feel good about your life. Further it creates a sortof confirmation bias where you are actively looking for the good in your life, which can ease depression and anxiety.

6. Here is my daily journaling practice.

   1. In the morning I write 3 things I am grateful for like, "I love my bed!" Or "I am so greateful for running water." I also write my intention or an affirmation, for the day. An intention clarifies your focus and energy for the day For example "today I intend to be patient with myself and listen to my body when I need rest." My affirmations are usually something I write pretty consistently. My current affiramtion is, "I am safe, I am loved, I am (whatever my heart needs that day)

   2. In the evening I write 3 great things that happened to me today. It can be little stuff like I didn't spill any food on my white shirt, or I got to help a caterpiller cross the sidewalk. Then I do a good brain dump and throw all my worries on the page so I can get a good nights sleep which is crucial for healing and processing PTSD, but more on that later.

Lets Wrap it up!

If you would like even more guidance, this fabulous book called This Journal Fucking Works! By Tara Schuster. https://amzn.to/4wUV9Td a gem that walks you through multiple journaling styles so you can find the one that works best for you.

Here you'll find affiliate links to my favorite journal, and pen that I have ever used and still use to this day.

This is my beautiful journal https://amzn.to/4xuLKTu

The pen I love to bits! I thought I lost it once but the love of my life found it in his car! https://amzn.to/4i9PK7c