Learning How To Journal – Effectively

The wonders of journaling as an adult ..

Journaling takes me back to my childhood years, relax I’m not that old. The times where I would write all of my secrets in a tiny diary. Hiding it in my t-shirt drawer so my momma wouldn’t find it. Back then I mainly used my diary as a daily check-in. I would write down how my day went, how I was feeling, what I wanted and whatever little boy I had a crush on. The little girl in me had no idea that what I was doing was therapeutic in reality.

“For me my diary was just my escape from the noise of the world.”

Fast forward nearly 2 decades.. I find myself wanting to escape to my diary once again. Last year I started jotting down my feelings, and a couple of overly dramatic, yet painful sad poems thinking if I just get all of my emotions out – it will be sort of therapeutic for me. Don’t get me wrong it was, but I was only writing in it when something was bothering me.

“When you’re seeking therapy or something to help ease your mind you have to practice it consistently in order for you to have any results.”

So, I started combining meditation and journaling, since meditation helps you focus. I thought it would help clear my mind aid in journaling my true thoughts, feelings, and choices. After a few weeks of writing no more than 4 sentences, feeling stuck/blocked, I tried a new method.

Instead of just writing down my feelings I changed my intentions on what I was journaling about. Instead of just writing down my feelings, and throwing the paper away. I wanted to understand them more.

I followed these steps to improve my journaling style, but in reality it strengthened my mental health.

Just start: It doesn’t have to make sense at first. Sometimes your conscious doesn’t make sense, but by putting those thoughts on paper you can notice patterns and start connecting the dots to your life. When I say “start” I mean dedicating your time to begin writing. You can journal for 10 minutes every morning or at night. Start writing down your feelings or whatever is on your mind. When you go back to it you’ll be able to pinpoint what is stressing you out and might even find a solution. Sometimes seeing the problem on paper is better.

Do not judge yourself: Journaling is for you and your eyes only, so be kind to yourself. Be real with yourself. Don’t hold back and don’t be afraid of yourself.

Journal in a quiet area: To me silence is the key to creativity. How can you really focus with background noise anyway? Turn off the TV, put your phone on silent, and let your mind wonder. I believe your subconscious will talk to you if you are quiet enough to listen.

Journal with intention: What are you journaling for? What answers do you seek? I’m pretty sure you’re not journaling just to doodle on pages. So, what’s your intention? Is it to figure out your career path? Set goals? Overcome trauma from the past? When you journal with intention consistently you will start to see results in communication and healing. I journal to figure out my wants and to acknowledge my feelings. Journaling has helped me figure out what type of writer I want to be and what type I don’t.

Do not limit yourself: There is no such thing as writing too much. Don’t be ashamed to have several journals, I have 10 of them. I even carry one in my purse just in case I have a good idea. When in doubt, write it out – there’s no secret formula to this.

Be you, love yourself, and remember words have no limit.

xox Black Daria