Journaling: Love Letters for Your Soul

What is a journal?  One definition says, “a daily record of news and events of a personal nature; a diary.”  The word can be considered a noun, and a verb (I journal in my journal).  Then what is a diary?  One definition says, “a book in which one keeps a daily record of events and experiences.”   Ever since I was a teenager, I loved writing.  I would pour over notebooks, pens and pencils, and everything associated with a “diary”.  When I “grew up”, so to speak, (okay, that’s subjective – I’m still in this process) I began calling it a journal (la-dee-dah).  Whatever you wish to label it, it’s a time when you sit down with your thoughts and express them in some format.

Now there are a TON of ways to journal, and honestly, it can be overwhelming.  Then there’s the whole idea of trying to pick out an actual diary/journal in which to tell your tale.  Seriously, it can cause analysis paralysis and cost you a small fortune.

So, in the effort to be simplistic and frugal, how about we just grab a plain notebook or simple bound paper journal (which you can find in any bookstore, card shop, or even a dollar store) and your favorite writing instrument. 

In line with our February Challenge of being your own Valentine, here’s what I suggest as your journaling exercise.  Each day, you will enter each of the following:

1 – In the morning, write down one thing for which you are thankful (good night’s sleep, a roof over your head, your family, a job, etc.).

2 – Write down one thing you appreciate about yourself (kind, smart, loving).  Give yourself permission to write nice things, loving recognitions about yourself and your body (my heart beat today, my feet and legs were strong and took me where I needed to go, I loved how my hair looked today, etc.).

3 – Before you go to bed, write down one thing that happened that day which was a blessing in your life (a kind word from someone, a hug from your child, a call from a friend, a sunrise/sunset, etc.).

That’s it.  Start off simple as you craft this new practice and hone it into a beautiful habit that, over time, will offer you amazing insights into yourself.  I’ll be writing more details about ideas/methods of keeping a journal soon, so keep watch. I hope your new journal/diary will bring you much pleasure and peace, and help you see yourself for the amazing person you are right this minute!

Blessings,

Linda