Journaling, Processing Power

 

𝒜 𝒸𝑜𝓁𝑒𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝑜𝒻 𝒥𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓃𝒶𝓁𝓈

We all share some key similarities as people we are all emotional beings, we all have regrets and wishes sometimes we’re overtaken by events. 

But whatever is happening you should be processing it, taking the good lessons, learning from the bad ones and moving forward. Lots of people have their own ways of processing stuff, talking to family or friends, that moment of self reflection with a glass of wine or piece of chocolate. 

Writing a journal really works for me sometimes much to my wife’s annoyance as I’m occasionally scratching away at a book in the small hours before going to bed. There in lies the rub though because once it’s down I’m done I can close the book and move forward. If I’ve messed up ( we all mess up sometimes ) I can write about it and dissect it as much as want on paper I can look at it every way possible and it’s all there and once I’ve extracted the lesson I can move on. 

You might well be looking at this and think, it’s all a load of crap but try it. You need a cheap note book and a pen or pencil and 15-20 minutes to get it down. You don’t have to be Samual Pepys. It can even be something simple ‘I had a good day today’ there you go. ‘I had a bad day today but tomorrow I’m going to have a good day’ that’s all you need to do. 

I have some suggestions though to help and get you through, some rules if you like. 

1. It’s your space you own it literally so make it a positive space. If something happens take the lessons from it X happened but I know I can change Y and it won’t happen again. If you’re going through a tough time or period set a goal, something achievable. I’m going to read five pages of my book tonight it’s simple but it’s an achievement. 

2. Maintain it, there’s no power in doing something for a day and giving up you have to set aside that 15-20 minutes a day every day and do it. Make it a habit not a chore and you’ll look forward to it. I can’t wait to write about ! It’ll happen might be something silly or something that made you laugh or even a favourite quote it’s yours do what you want. 

3. It’s your space if it’s only a sentence or a free words that’s ok, you did it and you made the time. If it’s a ten page essay on all the things that happened today that’s ok too you got it out. Tomorrow move forward it’s a new start and you can’t drag yesterday with you. 

4. If you want to change something about yourself this is a good place to write that pledge and keep yourself honest. You can make your pledge and explore triggers and possible replacements or other tools to help you achieve your goal. 

It’s such a powerful tool that you can use in a variety of ways to help you develop and deal with lots of things in your life. 

Have fun stay safe !