As introverted as I am, there are always a million thoughts running through my head- thoughts I have no desire sharing with the people around me. When I say my journal is my best friend, I mean it. No unwarranted opinions or unsolicited advice, just me, some ink, and the page. A space to be vulnerable with no judgment.
Recently I’ve started reading my old journals. It’s interesting to see how I magnified situations that I’ve forgotten about today; swore it was the end of the world when it wasn’t. I wish I could tell younger me that she’s extremely dramatic, and her memory will gradually start to absolutely suck. The number of times I’ve had no recollection as to why I was crashing out onto the paper is too many I’d like to admit. But what sticks out the most to me is how the things I wanted so badly; I have. And the things I wanted to work on mentally; I did.
Of course, I know I’ve grown tremendously over the past couple of years. But to see how the words written carelessly onto paper have manifested into my reality is extremely satisfying. And it’s given me a fresh new outlook on life. It’s not that you aren’t capable of having the things you want, you just won’t be blessed with them until you’re ready. (And just because you think you are doesn’t mean you REALLY are.) We will always want more, and we should. It’s just a matter of when we’ll get them.
Journaling is great for a number of reasons: emotional expression, self-awareness, stress management, etc. And it’s significantly improved my mental health. I’m an avid over-thinker, and I will think myself into a grave if I’m not careful. My thoughts can be extremely overwhelming and I need a place to sort them to make sense of them.
Free write journaling has been my savior, meaning I pick up the pen and see what comes out- similar to ranting. But there are so many other journaling practices that have helped me clear the chaos in my head and replace it with clarity. Many times, we don’t realize the worries and struggles that weigh on us throughout the day just need a place to be stored until they wash away. A journal is that safe space you may need. To acknowledge; and to release.
Reflective journaling is a favorite of mine. It’s an opportunity to pause, breathe, and analyze what’s already been done. When we sit down and see situations clearly for what they are, we can let them go. Reflecting on both wins and losses are beneficial to putting your best foot forward.
Gratitude journaling reminds us to slow down and appreciate things we may have glossed over in the moment, or not assigned major significance to. When life moves, it moves fast. And we don’t assign time to be grateful for it. But one thing I’ve learned throughout my personal journey, is that you can’t expect more if you don’t appreciate what you already have.
Dream journaling encourages you to dream big. Some call it delusion, some call it manifesting. However you see it, having an outline for what you want to do, see, or accomplish sets a tone for greatness. It’s important to want more. You never want to be stagnant in your life, that’s boring. With so many things to experience, never limit yourself to how far you can go.
I understand a lot of people don’t like to write, or simply don’t have the time. Some of us (me), experience massive hand cramps- but thankfully, you can reap the benefits of journaling without a pen and paper. (I apologize to your storage in advance!)
Video diaries are up next! I don’t carry my journal with me everywhere, so I’m quick to pull out my phone and rant. If you’re the kind of person that can’t get over something until you talk about it in vivid detail, this is the alternative for you. I even took the extra mile and bought a digital camera to document all my yapping sessions.
The bottom line is, we need a healthy outlet. A lot of us don’t have a “go to” person for our problems, and we don’t necessarily need one. Emotions and thoughts are extremely fleeting, and it’s a personal preference of mine to not bring others into situations I know I’ll be over soon. Diaries, in whatever form, ground us and bring us back to reality.
Whether your diary is on paper or film, it’s uniquely yours. And it forces you to let go of things that cloud your mind, allowing you to show up as your best self every day.
I’m a very patient person- except when it comes to things I want. When I don’t get what I desire immediately, I become frustrated. I think life is unfair; that I’m not worthy of good things. I start comparing, self-loathing- it’s a terrible cycle! I had to come to the realization that the plan I’ve made in my head is not set in stone. I am not above obstacles and hardships. Just because I want something doesn’t mean I am owed it. I am not a magician, I don’t have the power to snap my fingers and make all my wishes come true. But I have the passion, I have the desire, the WANT. And by putting my best foot forward every day, working hard, setting things in motion, I create the path that leads me to what’s MEANT for me, WHEN it’s meant for me.
There was a period where my entire world was shifted upside down. I would spend hours, yes, HOURS, writing in my journal about what I wanted, how I could get it, battling between “just be patient” and “this is impossible!” The satisfaction I get today knowing so many things I stressed over; wasted so much time worrying about, are mine. No, I don’t have everything I could ever want yet, but that no longer puts me in the mindset of “I CAN’T.” I’ve literally seen my words manifest, how could I not believe how magnetic and worthy I am? It was the patience I lacked that convinced me I wasn’t.
If you were to set a timer whenever you worry, how much time would be lost? No amount of worrying will speed up the process or change the circumstances. Worrying is the thief of time. As cliche as it sounds, whatever is meant for you, will find its way to you.
The strongest of all warriors is time and patience.
