I'm sure we've all got many examples of people in our life mentioning a great revelation, or grateful feeling after having journaled. For a while I thought that this romantic idea of spending my first moments of every day with a pen in one hand and a coffee in the other was just that; a romantic idea, and nothing more. If you haven't guessed it yet, I was wrong. I've been journaling religiously for the last five years, and it's safe to say that journaling has been one of the best additions to my life. This is why...
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Say What You Want
When I first began journaling, I was so afraid that someone would find my journal and read my every word. So I wrote timidly, as if someone might find it. Luckily, however, when I realised that the chances of someone diving into my book of hand-scribbled, random thoughts where close to zero, I unleashed the beast. I began writing exactly what and how I felt about every aspect of my life. It was my safe space where I could be honest, have a rant and completely let loose. Moreover, I began noticing that as soon as my thoughts were written down, my feelings on the matter changed. I became more sympathetic, more sensitive, or realised that there was a chance I had overreacted. I began to feel more in tune with who I was and what I was feeling.
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Better Out Than In
After the first time I let go in such a bold way, I felt invigorated and free. Somehow, pouring all of my thoughts and feelings onto the page meant that they weren't stuck inside my mind banging on the walls to get out. I felt alleviated. To quote Tim Ferris: "I'm just caging my monkey mind on paper so I can get on with my day." Daily journaling allows you to clear up a cloudy mind, so that you can think clearly for the rest of the day.
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If Not For You
Another thing I've realised is that journaling gives one a space to complain and moan about anything and everything without zapping someone else's energy. By using your journal as a punching bag, your relationships with friends and family become more rich and interesting, and less negative and pessimistic.
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A Touch of Retrospection
On some days, when I'm feeling bluer than usual, I turn towards writing a gratitude list, or a list of what I feel has been an achievement in the last year. These kinds of entries turn my mood all the way around because they remind me of how much abundance there already is in the world at 07:00 in the morning. Looking at what you've already got and how much you've already accomplished is the perfect reminder how wonderful it is to be alive.
I'm not going to lie, I don't feel like journaling every day, and sometimes I do skip a day or two. Especially when it begins to feel like a chore. Some days are more difficult than others and but it's important to remember that this is part of a self-care routine, not a military routine.
Journaling is like a friend who is always there to listen, gives advice, and reminds you of how wonderful you are.
These are just some of the reasons we've added notebooks to the Wanderland collection, and we hope that wherever you're journaling, you feel lighter and happier for it.