Begin to Journal
Winter is the best time to begin your journaling journey. Slowing down and spending more time inside gives us the perfect time to look inward and begin to notice things about yourself. This time of self-reflection can help you discover yourself, if you choose to give it that power. Journaling, whether that is strictly writing down how you're feeling or expressing yourself through art is a great way to look inward. The most important thing about journaling, just like anything else is consistency. You can't do something once and expect change. It's a process that can be hard to commit to sometimes. But studies show that if you do something for just 60 days (2 months), it becomes a habit that is hardwired in your system. So here are some ways to start journaling for the next two months, let's keep each other accountable.
Step One:
Find a journal that you like working in. Do you prefer bigger or smaller notebooks? Lined, dotted or blank? Maybe a pre-made journal with prompts like this one. Then get some fun pens or markers and run with it!
Step Two:
When do you feel more creative or willing to write down/draw your feelings?
Maybe mornings work better for you. Or you're a night owl and tend to have creative energy then (this is me). Choose a time that you are usually free to journal and stick with it. The consistency will help you fall into this habit a little easier.
Step Three:
Create a space that you can go to journal. Ideally, this is a table of sorts that has all your art supplies or stationery. Make this space cozy with mood lighting, a candle and a comfy chair. Create a space you'll WANT to be in. Having a space that is dedicated to art will put you in the mindset to journal whenever you are there.
Step Four:
Now that you have a journal, a set time, and a cozy space, what do you write about? Yes, writer's block can inflict people that are simply writing about themselves too. It's hard to even know where to begin but here are some prompts to get you started and then from there, the world is your oyster, make it your own.
How do I tend to cope with stress?
What is something that made me smile today?
What are three things I noticed while commuting today?
Who is one of my mentors right now and why?
In what ways do I feel loved right now?
Describe a moment that I felt at peace today.
What is some advice I would give to my younger self? (take that advice)
Let's keep each other accountable. Tell your friends and family about things that you have journaled about recently. How did you feel over the holiday season when your aunt Charlene didn't like your mashed potatoes? What did it inspire you to write about? Normalizing journaling and telling others about your routine will ensure that you keep doing it. Who knows, maybe they’ll start to journal too.
Happy journaling!
Anna :)
