‘Journaling is like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time…’ – Mina Murry (Dracula)

Hi all!

 I have wanted to write this post for such a long time because quite frankly, I love to journal! Not only do I do it daily, I have multiple journals for different purposes. There are many benefits to keeping a record of your thoughts/ideas/dreams/wishes/lists/daily-happenings/memories/lessons and more.

The Benefits of Journaling

Reduces stress

Increases focus

Offers insight into deeper learning and self-development

Allows you to reflect and grow from past entries

Strengthens your self-love

Is expressive, creative and enlightening

Eases decision making

Assists with finding perspective

Is motivating

Reveals different aspects of your identity

Dignifies all events

Awakens your intuition

Helps find meaning in life

Can solve mysteries, problems and issues

Highlights or clarifies current thought processes

Captures your life’s journey

Explores your spirituality

Can be fun, playful and humorous (especially on reflection)

Releases emotions and internal struggles

Is empowering and liberating

Has the ability to heal

These are just some of the many advantages to keeping a log/diary/journal/notepad or workbook. Here are a few different types you can keep:

A Gratitude Diary

A Travel Journal

A Bullet Journal (watch a YouTube video on how to keep one)

A Daily Notebook

A Dream Journal

An Ideas/Thoughts Notebook

A Planner

A Reading Journal (write down the books you want to read or have already read)

A Scrapbook (you can include photos)

A Drawing or Art Notepad/Portfolio

A Food & Exercise Diary

A Quote/Affirmation Journal

A Recipe Scrapbook

A Mindfulness/Meditation Journal

Sentence A Day Journals (look them up)

Remember, there are no rules! You can keep any kind of journal you want and write down anything you wish. Here are my treasure trove of journals:

In the centre, is my big self-love journal. Everything written here is dedicated to my development and personal growth. I bought it years ago, when I began my spiritual journey of connection and I continue to add to it. I recently purchased Radical Self Love by Gala Darling on the left, which has activities requiring a pen and paper and on the right, I have The Gifts of Imperfection by Brenè Brown. This book doesn’t have exercises but any quotes worth noting down will go in the blue journal.

I already showed this journal in my previous post July 8th – What’s In My Handbag? Basically, I write all my thoughts & ideas down in it and keep a current wedding checklist at the front, so I know what needs attending to before our big day. I bought this gorgeous notebook at the Chimei Museum in Taiwan. I love the cover!

I have also already talked about this handbook in my previous post June Favourites 2016! The ‘Start Where You Are Journal’ by Meera Lee Patel is filled with inspiring quotes, artwork and prompts that fuel self-exploration (see picture above). I do a page a day, writing down my deepest, most honest answers. I believe everybody should own a copy of this special, timeless journal.

The blue journal on the right was given to me by my best friend on my birthday. She told me I should write about married life after the wedding, so I’m saving it till then. The journal on the left is my favourite, most precious one of all. I love the beautiful, shiny cover of Van Gogh’s iconic painting, Sunflowers. This journal is reserved entirely for our future child. In it, we have written poetry, life-lessons, quotes, stories and more. We’ve talked about our engagement, how excited we are about our wedding, baby names we have selected and what kind of parents we hope to be. When I’m pregnant, I can track how I’m feeling and when our baby is born, we can describe all of their mannerisms and cute/funny/silly moments. When our child is old enough to understand, we will hand it these lovingly filled diaries for them to keep forever.

 I don’t have a Gratitude Journal but I do use a Gratitude App on my phone. This one asks the same daily questions (see above) and allows the user to add images. I count it as one of my notebooks, because I still use it to record my thoughts/feelings and let it motivate me to achieve small tasks. You can find many Gratitude Apps that are free and easy to use. This one is just called ‘Journal’ and its icon is a pencil drawing a line.

 I like using different coloured pens, pencils and highlighters. Sometimes I draw; albeit quite badly and sometimes I write one meaningful sentence. Speaking of, I have added this to my Christmas wishlist – ‘One-Sentence Journal’ from Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project, which I recommend you read immediately! For five years, you record one sentence daily that made you happy. By doing so, it allows you to reflect on past entries as the years progress. I love this idea!

As you can see, I love to journal. It makes me happy and excited to write each day. Creativity is an essential part of life! I hope you enjoyed today’s post. Do you love to journal? Which types do you keep and swear by? How has journaling improved your life?

Peace & Love xoxo

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