In this series of the book that changed my life, I have been focusing on books that are already written. Today I want to invite you to consider what I think the book that is the biggest game changer, my journal.
A journal is a book with blank pages waiting for you to bring it to life, with your thoughts and ideas. It is perfect for penning both the crap and the ceremonies, the grunge and the gifts. It is my opinion an incredibly powerful book.
All of the resources that you have ever needed are in you, it’s just that many of us look for external validation. We do not need anyone to tell us how to think or be. By getting what is on your mind onto paper, you can release some energy and sludge. In that space you can reflect and gain fantastic insights.
No matter what’s going on you can bring it to life with your pen and your journal.
Here are 7 great reasons to journal
Gain clarity about your life
As you write in your journal you become more aware of what is going on around you and inside of you. When you reflect on your writing you will gain insights and see things more clearly. I find that when I am confused about something, it’s best to write down what I am thinking, ask some questions, leave it for a day to mull. I usually find the answers come to me the following day or whilst I am walking the dogs. I lore-readinging what I have written, often quite amused at what is on the page.
A journal is the best ‘almost free’ self-help tool available
For the cost of a pad of paper and a pen, you have a confidante who will not criticise you, tell you what to do, call you names, think that your ideas are crazy or any number of things. Your journal is a reliable friend for you to share your deepest thoughts and emotions with. Got to love a book that doesn’t back chat you.
Journaling and writing reduces stress
Once you have journaled and the words are on the paper. Better out than in as my ex-husband would say. Though I think he was referring to something else… There is something cathartic about writing and getting it all out that really helps to let things go. When you can let go it does remove tension. I am sure that I might have done some crazy things had I not had my journal to share my thoughts with. Ok I did do some crazy things, but they are my secrets.
There is no expression like self-expression
Often when you are having difficult times or communication difficulties with others, it can be helpful to write down what the issues are, as you see them, in your journal. Much better than screaming at them – that can help and is something I’ve done on occasion. Create a dialogue around what’s going on and look at the issue from your’s, their’s and an ‘innocent’ bystanders perspective. Once you have it all out, write what you would prefer in an assertive way – no swearing. Two things happen. One you have already had the conversation so it’s easier the second time around and two because you have had time to reflect and practice. you can consider your language and think about what you want from the conversation, without blame. Love a well prepared assertive conversation.
Know yourself better
Just when you thought you knew yourself, along comes a book and shows you more. When you write and if you can be bothered to reflect you will start to see repeated patterns of behaviour or types of conversations that are never resolved. As you read and reflect these become obvious and allow you to decide how you want to make changes.
Increases creativity
What I love is the squiggles that I draw and diagrams of great ideas. What I don’t like is not remembering why these are genius ideas. What I hate even more is remembering and then not being able to find the journal that they are in. Journaling changes the way in which you solve problems changes.
It’s the starting point for your memoirs or book
Having a journal is a perfect place when you want to turn your life story into a book. We all need inspiration and your journal should have bucket loads of ‘stuff’ that you can use.
PS. If you don’t already own a journal, get off your bum and head down to the supermarket. Start writing today. You never know where this adventure may take you.
