Do you keep a journal? I may keep journals. One for daily thoughts and others for different purposes. Even when I don’t use them all, I feel better for knowing I can use them when I need. How do I use multiple journals? Why are there more than one way? I am a professional coach and re-learning how to take notes about myself was one of the indirect benefits of my journey. Since coaching is mainly based on asking right and powerful questions, I learned and saw different approaches to journaling. Therefore, when I saw something I could practice, I started to add them to my daily life.
So what is this article about?
It is about the benefits of journaling. I decided to write about journaling since I have seen its positive effects in my life. Even if it’s called note-taking in professional and school life, we do write down important things while working, and it is another version of journaling. Of course, we don’t record our feelings or more personal aspects, but when we look at those notebooks, we see what we focused on. Moreover, sometimes we find things that make us happy. I remember my university years and still find more than class notes. Yet, before making this article longer, let’s focus on the benefits of journaling.
Firstly, it is a way of meditation. There are many ways that people choose according to their lifestyles. However, journaling still covers a larger piece by its wide range of options. You may simply write about your day, doodle, write a poem, list your favorite moments… There is no one correct version. The most important thing is how it makes you feel.
Secondly, writing what you want/dream helps you to reach your goals easier. When you write by hand and see what you have written, you define the bigger picture. The key trick here is writing as if you have already reached what you wanted. Imagine how that person lives, what their daily routines are, and other parts of their day. This opens new neurological paths in your brain. By this method, you create new ways and points of view. You explore your inner sources and motivations. You become that person faster rather than waiting to become.
Thirdly, your creativity increases. By writing more about yourself, you see your inner sources as I wrote above. You start to know yourself better and create/add new positive habits.
Lastly, I want to write about a certain method: morning pages. It is from a book by Julia Cameron named “The Artist’s Way.” It is a popular yet effective method.
How do you use this method?
As it is called, you write what you think directly in the morning as the first thing of your day. You write for three pages and stop. While writing, you only write the idea/thought as it is formed in your mind. The important thing here is seeing your flow of thinking and creating new paths.
Putting all these into consideration, there are many benefits of journaling. I choose some of them to share with you. But please always remember that it is a personal preference. What might work for you might not for others. Also, you can use more than one method like me. It’s like an open buffet. Have fun! ⭐️
Thingsbyserra 