Growing up, I was the one with 10 gorgeous journals with only the first three pages written in, if that. I always aspired to journal regularly but then felt completely intimidated by creating a chronicle of my life in perfect prose to match the beauty of the pages. I basically set myself up for failure for most of my life.
In the last year, I had a little bit of a breakthrough and it came from really bringing journaling back to the basics so it could be a tool that actually served me. So, what was the shift? I started journaling on junk mail. I took the pristinely white envelops of the credit card offers and monthly bills I forgot to switch to digital, and wrote my thoughts and then promptly threw them away. By taking the pressure of the journal out of the equation, I was able to get over myself and experience the joys and benefits of the act of journaling. Sometimes it was to-do lists for the next day or just stream of consciousness: “I don’t want to wash my face now because I’m soooo tired. Oh, we need more muffin liners.” The simple act of moving thoughts from your mind onto paper helps clear the way for a little rest. It’s an excellent practice first thing in the morning to make way for greater ease and creativity throughout the day or even right before bed so you’re not mentally working things out as you’re trying to move into sleep.
In working with clients through these uncertain times, while I’ve seen this as an incredible period of healing for most, these tools have been extra needed for keeping sane and present. Since my junk mail scribbling days, I’ve graduated to plain black moleskine notebooks and here I will remain for the foreseeable future. If you’re a naturally gifted journal-er, I stand impressed by your kind always. If you just need to rant a little because you can’t get your BFF on the phone and if you absolutely must move it out of your body so that your household can continue onward, I see you and can relate. Make it whatever you need it to be and nothing more.
Take Journaling Off The Pedestal
