The digital world has become an incredible and expansive source of communication for anyone. To truly seek the innovative technologies and inventions that have the power to define a society to an individual’s understanding of their relationships or ability to cultivate them, social media apps have become the go-to. But for those who are easily overwhelmed by scrolling through their snaps, 99+ notifications, or fall victim to doomscrolling, they would naturally need to find a hobby or creative outlet that readily stabilizes their dopamine levels. And myself, I came across journalling.
The branches of journalling….
Journalling doesn’t have an exact structure, it could be writing thoughts of gratitude or reflection in the morning and evening, or combining scrapbooking and drawing to remember a highlighted memory. But it does wonders for the mood-thought-action process in day-to-day lives. I bought a creative journal from Michael’s and started decorating from October of last year, investing my time into printing images and photos, or just having check-ups with myself. The Stream of Consciousness is in fact, very useful, to have a brain dump when you’re truly exhausted. You dip your toes in mindfulness and acknowledgment of things you may have been uncertain of for all this time.
It sometimes may not be directed to yourself in an unsent letter, but another person whom you haven’t raised questions about and still have yet to confess or confirm your thoughts about in the present or past that came over. All people sometimes need is closure, but are also likely to deny it in case of getting your feelings hurt. A lot of what’s stored in our bodies are connected to the psyche through events that cause negative emotions or trauma. Being the first to step forward and strive in accountability is what it takes to truly move on from things that block us from reaching our potential in any area of life. We just have to pick ourselves up.
It’s an activity that you can easily define for whatever interest (s) you have, you may keep a journal for hidden recipes or your fashion wishlist, making it a lot more personal and closer to who you are. Your journal can consist of accomplishments or be where your internal monologue shines. It never has to feel complete or feel like anything, it stores what you’d like to keep away from others or a blueprint for the life you want. Starting over and flipping a new page is supposed to arise an unfamiliar feeling with a weight to it.
Personally I like doing everything written. That way it feels more comfortable and real to me, I like to call it the journey to personal growth, but also as a reminder that growth does not exist everyday. Writing about how my day went to documenting shopping for snacks and delicious drinks is perfect for where I am and boosts the nostalgia factor either way. I journal to explore my personal voice in my writing or to practice it for like at most 5 minutes.
Journalling might not be for everyone and that is okay. However, don’t just give up after a day but maybe after a week to see whether or not you rather try something else. You can still come back even after months of not doing it, and then you still start. Therefore no linear or ideal path exists.
Journals over time have also improved our understanding of historical events, such as The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank during the holocaust, and the window to an individual’s life and mind with Frida Kahlo’s personal diary.
How to get started – if you decide to go for it
- Understand the purpose of your journal and write it down on the first page or wherever you can see it first when you open it up
- Write down any goals or aims for journalling on the first page, or just some of your personal goals
- Plan how often you would write (every day, every weekend, etc.) – being consistent is integral to any growth or progress made
- Decorate the journal so it feels that it belongs to you, or find a way to be able to have fun with it.
- Set reminders on your calendar or with someone else at certain times (Morning > evening for me, but any time is fine!)
- Take inspiration from things to partake in like scrapbooking days (maybe getting something off your bucket list?) or journalling prompts for an entire month
- Enter a state of calm and meditation to get rid of as much outside noise as possible, but still continue to write down even with the occassional distractions
- Give yourself time and then just write about anything – something that has been on your mind or how your day is going so far
Final thoughts
To journal is to let out for relaxation and stillness. What some don’t understand is that you make time for the things you do in the 24 hours, and regardless of expectations set by others, you can make time to do whatever you choose to do. And journalling is significant enough for a human being to keep their emotions and desires in balance that results in a greater well-being. The greatest transformation is slow and steady for no plan needs to be in place for one to cultivate thoughts that propel them to self-care and goals. Consider it to be an important step in creating a life that was made for you and also needs you.
For those who read through, I hope this article was a proper introduction to the art and practice of journalling, and that you have settled an important decision to make or have made it already.