Yesterday I posted 2 ways that you can start using your journal: to plan your day or to reflect on it. But once you start writing you’ll find that actually, you have many more options. Today’s post is about exploring some of those possibilities.
Record your day to day life
You can use your journal as a diary to record your daily experiences and what’s happening in your life. As you get more comfortable with journaling then you can start to reflect and analaze them in a more meaningful way. You could look at what you could have done differently, being mindful of how you felt and then look at things from another perspective. Some times we get so fixated on being right, we forget that things can be very different when viewed through someone else;s eyes.
Reflection on your life experiences
Your journal is a chance to explore your memories, to remember times when you stepped outside of your comfort zone and did something you’re proud of. It’s also a chance to view the past from a different lens. Time can sometimes give us a better perspective on things and sometimes we need to take a step back to see what is already clear to others.
Your goals
Journals are the perfect place to explore your goals, and then turn those ideas into plans. You may want to start with just writing down your dreams for the future or alternatively maybe even a bucket list of this you want to do, places you want to go, books that you want to read etc. The possibilities are endless, but specific to you. You can then look at each area, breaking them down into manageable steps and goals, so that you can turn your dreams into reality.
As a coach, I would also say to check in with your goals and maybe use your journal to stay on track and as an accountability tool.
Your dreams
There are times when I’ve woken up in the morning and I’ve had a particular dream that I can remember quite clearly. In this instance, I want to write down what the dream was about so that I can analyse it later. I keep a specific journal by my bedside for this reason, and it can be quite interesting to see what your subconscious is trying to tell you!
Your thanks
Gratitude journals are becoming very popular and so they should. They can change your life! Start by recording 3 things that you are grateful for that day and then choose something different each day. As you continue to do this, you start to find positives in your life and start to realize how lucky you are.
Your likes and dislikes
As part of my beginners journal, I included a number of suggestions for lists. A friend has since turned them into her personal blog, using them as a way of sharing a bit about herself. Whilst you don’t need to go that far, using lists is an interesting way to explore your values and what’s important to you.
Your favourite quotes and affirmations
With most of the journals I’ve published, I include a positive quote each day. I love them as they are a dose of wisdom that can get you starting the day on the right foot. If you have a blank journal, then you can add your own quotes or affirmations, and then maybe reflect on what they’re telling you or what it is about them that you like.
These are just a few of the ways you can use your journal. Try them out and see how you get on. Personally, I’ve created journals on a lot of different topics and friends have published things like journals to record angel card readings!
The point is not to be afraid of trying sometime new and different. Journals can be like you dancing when no-one is looking. They can be a place where you are free to express yourself in whatever way you want, and explore different parts of yourself.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to journal, so go have some fun!
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Don’t forget, you can join my 30 day journaling challenge any time and if you’re looking for a journal to write in, then I’ve created one or two on Amazon.