How Journaling is Changing My Life
It could change yours too!
Journaling was a habit that I honestly believed was bogus. I thought how could writing really do anything for me. I remember thinking I already know my what my
thoughts are I live with them every day, so why would I need to journal them out? It wasn’t until this past year that I decided to give it a try. Honestly, it would be an
understatement to say that it really has helped my anxious brain. I knew that in order to see any benefits I would have to commit to doing it for at least 30 days.
Within those 30 days, a simple act of reflection began to change my mind for the better. Let dive into 3 ways it has given me results:
1. Clearing my thoughts
I have mentioned it serval times on here that I am a naturally very anxious
person. I have struggled with anxiety for as long as a remember. Unfortunately
my anxiety has prohibited me for participating in certain activities at times
(when I am in a really anxious season). For example, I would not go swimming
in lakes because I was terrified of a bacterium that I heard about on the news
when I was 9. The bacteria killed people by eating it brain. As a nine-year-old
who heard this I was instantly terrified and swore off all lakes, rivers, ponds,
swimming holes, etc. I would miss out when my friends would go to the lake. I
allowed my fear to control me. This is one ridiculous but true example of when
fear controlled my life.
Fast forward until now, I still at times allow fear and worry control my life.
During these times, my brain feels like it is going 90 to nothing and I cannot
sort through my thoughts. When I decided to pick up my journal and write out
everything I was thinking (the particular topic that I was fearful/anxious
about) I noticed I was able to untangle and clear out the thoughts. I was able to
look at the page and see the lies the enemy was planting in my head that I have
believed for so long. Lies such as, you are not beautiful, no one is going to love
you, God hates you, God doesn’t want anything good for you, etc. Now, just because I recognize these lies now does not mean I have fully stopped believing them. I
truly am in the middle of untangling these lies that have dug deep roots into my mind. Journaling allowed me to recognize the lies, and determine the irrational
from the rational
2. Self-reflection
When I started using prompts in the morning, journaling allows for me to self-reflect. I ask myself questions like how do I want to feel today? What would make me
smile today? How can I relax today? What am I thankful for? Really sitting with myself and understanding the beauty in life and what I am thankful for as only
encouraged me to every day in a happier more positive way. You can’t be truly grateful and anxious at the same time. Gratitude is one of the best ways to combat
anxious thoughts and feelings. It also helped me not suppress my emotions or run away from them. Understanding what I felt in the moment, and how I wanted to
feel for the rest of the day, brings awareness to yourself. You cannot change thought patterns if they go unrecognized.
3. Productivity
Finally, the last way journaling has changed my life is through productivity. I include a to do list at the end of my morning prompts to clear my mind of all things I
need to do. It helps me stay on top of my task. t also lets me reflect on what my intentions are for that day whether that be something emotional (like being positive
today) or a task you really want to have accomplished. There is something satisfying about physically checking thing off your to do list. It can be addicting.
I am not saying that Journaling is going to make my life or yours 100% better but it can be a huge part in your wellness journey. Journaling is something
everyone should give a go. It will look different for everyone, and it might even change depending upon what season of live you are in. right now, as mentioned
above, I do to type of journaling. I mainly journal in the morning with prompts, but on days that I am anxious or feeling like my thoughts are all jumbled together I
will do free hand journaling to get it all out. Try picking up your pen and paper this week and every morning start by writing down 3 things you are thankful for
today!
Leave me comment below what your thoughts are on journaling! DM me over on instagram any questions you might have. I love hearing from you!
xo,
Jenna
