I have been journaling on an off for years. However, it hasn’t been until most recently, now that I am in my fifties, that I have I gotten more consistent with it. I try to journal daily, particularly after my morning meditation. Learn more about my meditation practice by checking out last week’s blog post on Taming the Chaos.
When I initially started journaling, I primarily did Gratitude journaling. This is a practice of writing down the things you are grateful for. I actually had a “gratitude journal” that I used that had five lines for each day and I would write down the five things I was grateful for each day. This was a great introduction into journaling for me. So, if you haven’t dipped your toe into journaling yet, this is a great place to start.
I think the journaling practice, when I first started to journal, that was the most impactful was the acknowledgement journaling. Similar to the gratitude journal, I would write down five things I acknowledged myself for that day. It was a great way to push me outside of my comfort zone. I found this practice shortly after my divorce. It really gave me the push to keep healing and growing after such a life changing event. If I didn’t have this practice, I think I may have just stayed hidden inside, both physically and emotionally. This practice forced me to try new things each day so I would have something to write in my journal at the end of the day. It was quite life changing.
Unfortunately, over the years, I got away from journaling and to say my life got a bit derailed is an understatement. But that’s a story for another time, so be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to get all the latest updates.
Now almost thirty years later, I am picking up my journal and pen again and making journaling a more consistent practice. Just like anything else, I don’t always want to do it, but I try to commit to making an entry at least once a day and after I do, I feel so much better. It is a great release and gives me a chance to converse with someone I feel safe with. I suggest getting a journal that speaks to you or invokes some type of emotion and a lovely pen. This will help get you excited about journaling. I recommend journaling with a pen and paper and not on the computer. There is just something different about handwriting. However, if the only way you will get started is by typing on the computer, then by all means do so.
The key is to get started so you can start reaping some of the many benefits of journaling,
· Reduces Stress
· Improve your Mood
· Allows for more Clarity
· Helps solve problems
· Deepens Self-Discovery
· Visualize Possibilities
· Stretch Yourself
· Allows you to Dream
· Release Anxiety
Let’s face it, navigating midlife can be a challenge, with all the changes in our body and emotions, it’s important to have daily mindful habits for support. Journaling is a great way to work through this changing landscape we call midlife. Journaling is a safe place to process the feelings, changing moods as well as to celebrate our successes. So, my friend, go out purchase that journal and fancy pen and get started today.
Do you currently journal? Then feel free to share your journaling story in the comments. Haven’t started journaling yet? Feel free to share your hesitations below and get the support you might need to get started. If you know someone who might benefit from this information, please share this post with them. And if you found this information helpful and want to continue to receive more mindful habits/tips as you journey through midlife then stay connected!
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