Whether you're a writer looking to free up some creativity or just looking for an outlet for emotions, journaling is an important step toward self-empowerment. Your journal is your new best friend. Use it as often as you wish when you're experiencing gratitude, sadness, joy or success.
When I look back at my earlier journals, I see a lot of complaining, a lot of negative thoughts, and a lot of "I wish...". Don't hold those emotions in. You have to get it out somehow! You will find that your written thoughts will turn into positive words over time.
Gratitude Journal
Something I find very effective in starting a day off great is writing about what I'm grateful for. What's better than starting a day with being thankful for the day ahead? It doesn't take very long to write a few sentences about the positive things. Start every entry with "I'm happy and grateful for...". Be grateful for the amazing partner you have in your life. Be grateful for the wonderful house you live in. Be grateful for the productive workday you intend to have. It's up to you. Create your day.
Morning Pages
I love this journaling technique from Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way. The key thing is to pick up the journal when you first wake up in the morning, before doing anything. Come out of your sleep-induced coma and start your stream of consciousness writing. Write about your dreams, your plans for the day, whatever has been filling your mind as you slept.
Letters Not Sent
Another useful way to journal is by writing a letter to someone with no intention of sending. It could be a letter to someone who has passed on. Or to someone for whom you still have hurt feelings, that you wish to let go. Writing about the emotions you're feeling is a great cathartic release.
Journaling can help solve problems. If you have a tough decision to make, write down all of the pros and cons to help make the right decision. It's also great to help clarify your goals. Writing down short-term and long-term goals is a great first step toward attaining those goals. If you are clear on what you want, you will be closer to achieving it.
When I look back at my earlier journals, I see a lot of complaining, a lot of negative thoughts, and a lot of "I wish...". Don't hold those emotions in. You have to get it out somehow! You will find that your written thoughts will turn into positive words over time.
Gratitude Journal
Something I find very effective in starting a day off great is writing about what I'm grateful for. What's better than starting a day with being thankful for the day ahead? It doesn't take very long to write a few sentences about the positive things. Start every entry with "I'm happy and grateful for...". Be grateful for the amazing partner you have in your life. Be grateful for the wonderful house you live in. Be grateful for the productive workday you intend to have. It's up to you. Create your day.
Morning Pages
I love this journaling technique from Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way. The key thing is to pick up the journal when you first wake up in the morning, before doing anything. Come out of your sleep-induced coma and start your stream of consciousness writing. Write about your dreams, your plans for the day, whatever has been filling your mind as you slept.
Letters Not Sent
Another useful way to journal is by writing a letter to someone with no intention of sending. It could be a letter to someone who has passed on. Or to someone for whom you still have hurt feelings, that you wish to let go. Writing about the emotions you're feeling is a great cathartic release.
Journaling can help solve problems. If you have a tough decision to make, write down all of the pros and cons to help make the right decision. It's also great to help clarify your goals. Writing down short-term and long-term goals is a great first step toward attaining those goals. If you are clear on what you want, you will be closer to achieving it.
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