Journaling has a multitude of benefits, from empowerment to growth. It’s a daily routine that could change your life, and all it takes is a pen and notebook.
Our daily lives are often packed with things we have to do — work, study, cleaning, family obligations and more. Journalling is about dedicating a few minutes each day to honour yourself, your thoughts and your feelings. It can help remind you who you are, what you want and whether you’re living your life as the kind of person you want to be. It’s also a great chance to practice a spot of gratitude and remind yourself how good your life really is, even when the little things sometimes get you down.
Journals have many purposes. They can be a healing tool or a way to capture your daily routines and the people you’ve encountered. It is a private activity that allows you to express your emotions and vent frustrations. If you are trying to make your way out of confusing life events or simply desire a more balanced life, allow yourself 20 minutes every morning to write out your feelings and intentions for the day. You may also want to keep a journal by your bedside to record your thoughts at the end of the day or any dreams you have.
The most important aspect of journalling is the emotional release—putting into words what’s in your heart. This could be secrets or issues you are reluctant to confront. Allow yourself to set down your thoughts without judging the grammar or quality of the content.
Writing and reviewing journal entries can help you gain perspective and wisdom. You can pour out on paper your self-doubts, pain, and anger, working through those feelings toward a more positive outlook. When you break through the cycle of negative self-talk and explore other approaches to life, personal growth will follow.
Here are some prompts, questions and ideas to explore in your journal to get to know yourself better.
- My favorite way to spend the day is…
- If I could talk to my teenage self, the one thing I would say is…
- The two moments I’ll never forget in my life are… Describe them in great detail, and what makes them so unforgettable.
- Make a list of 30 things that make you smile.
- The words I’d like to live by are…
- I couldn’t imagine living without…
- When I’m in pain — physical or emotional — the kindest thing I can do for myself is
- Make a list of the people in your life who genuinely support you, and who you can genuinely trust. (add some gratitude for them)
- What does unconditional love look like for you?
- I really wish others knew this about me…
- If my body could talk, it would say…
- Name a compassionate way you’ve supported a friend recently. Then write down how
- you can do the same for yourself.
- What do you love about life?
- Write about your first love — whether a person, place or thing.
- Describe yourself. (be as descriptive as you can)
- What’s surprised you the most about your life or life in general?
- What can you learn from your biggest mistakes?
- I feel most energised when…
- “Write a list of questions to which you urgently need answers.”
- Make a list of everything that inspires you — from books to websites to quotes to people to paintings to stores to the stars.
- What’s one topic you need to learn more about to help you live a more fulfilling life? (Then learn about it.)
- I feel happiest in my skin when…
- Make a list of everything you’d like to say no to.
- Make a list of everything you’d like to say yes to.
- My dreamiest day ( what would your dream day look like, smell and sound like)
- Your biggest Goal
- What are your biggest most important values?
- What limiting believes to you need to let go of?
- What would you like to do, have, be or achieve?
Have fun with your journal.