Journaling

Journaling…we’ve all heard the word, but up until the coronavirus pandemic I hadn’t really thought much about it.  Lately, though, it’s been on my mind. 

I’ve always heard that writing can be therapeutic.  Put your thoughts on paper, see them, read them, meditate on them.  I’ve never been much of a writer so writing my prayers, thoughts, feelings, etc. is difficult for me.  I’ve often thought about journaling them, but how do you do that?  What is a journal?  The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a journal (noun) as “a record of experiences, ideas, or reflections kept regularly for private use, diary; an account of current transactions; an account of day-to-day events”.  As a verb it means “to keep a personal journal; to enter or record daily thoughts, experiences, etc.”  “Journaling is a vehicle of emotional exploration, a way to channel difficult feelings into healthy and creative outcomes.  By writing down your thoughts and feelings, you are forced to slow down and pay attention to everything that is going on in your life. You have to listen rather than run away from your feelings.”

There are several different ways to journal.  Below are just a sample of those ways.

• One-sentence journaling.  This type of journaling might be for a person, like myself, who finds writing difficult.  This journal gives you the freedom to write a single sentence.  You can write anywhere and anytime.  Eventually, you may find yourself writing more than one sentence. 
• Bullet journaling.  This type of journaling is for a person who is well organized and likes lists.  Bullet journaling looks like a to-do list but can be more of a personal organizer.  You can list your thoughts, feelings, etc. in bullet format.
• Nighttime journaling.  Many people have trouble turning off their mind at night.  If you are one of those people, a nighttime journal might be your answer.  Before going to bed, write down your thoughts to clear your mind.  You never know, you might sleep better.
• Visual journaling.  For those people who prefer a visual over words, then this is your type of journaling.  This type of journaling uses art in different ways.  You can draw a single picture or several pictures.  If you aren’t an artist, use photos or create videos.  Use magazines to cut out pictures and glue them in your journal.

You may be asking, “How do I get started?”  Getting started is easy.  Find or purchase a notebook or sketchbook.  It doesn’t have to be fancy but choose something that will inspire you to journal every day.  Pick your favorite writing utensils.  There are so many options, for example, colored pens, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, markers, or even watercolors.  Find a place that is quiet, a place where you can focus on your thoughts and feelings. That might be a bedroom, a basement, a favorite spot outside, a car, or it can even be a bathroom.  Pick the time of day that is best for you.  If you aren’t a pen and paper person, use an electronic device of your choice – a phone, a tablet, or a computer.  For electronic journaling, there are several different apps to choose from, use Microsoft PowerPoint or Publisher, or even the camera to take a video of yourself.  You are now ready to start journaling.  Set your mind to it; start off by putting something in your journal every day; write the date and time at the top of each entry.  It doesn’t have to be a long entry or even very important.  It just needs to be something…one word, a sentence, a drawing, a photo, or a video.  After a while, all your entries will create a book that you can look back on.

If you are supporting someone who is struggling through this pandemic and they are not sure how to express themselves, encourage them to journal.  Offer to assist them in the best way that you can.  It can be something as simple as a reminder.  Journal together and make it a team effort.  Start a house journal and sit together after a meal and have everyone contribute.  You may just be surprised at how everyone’s outlook and attitude changes.

“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