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The Unexpected Confidante: My Journal
Listen, I’ve got to let you in on a little secret. It’s about a cherished companion that has become integral to my life. A friend that patiently listens to my every thought and feeling, my midnight ideas, my worries, my laughter, and my tears. No, it’s not a person or a pet. It’s my journal.
As a regular meditation and happiness teacher, I often find myself in front of eager faces, open minds, and—surprisingly enough—closed journals. When I asked a sea of students about their journaling habits, only a handful of hands shot up. I was flabbergasted. As a daily journaler, I couldn’t fathom a life without this therapeutic tool. “Wait, what!” I exclaimed, “How does anyone survive without a journal?”
The Unexpected Scribe
Let’s cut to the chase: I love journaling. Adore it, even. It’s my Swiss Army Knife, serving multiple purposes—recording life, managing business, venting, brainstorming—you name it. My journal has evolved into my best friend. There’s something particularly freeing about spilling my thoughts onto a canvas that doesn’t judge or interrupt.
When I neglect my journaling, it feels as if I’m a computer teetering on the brink of a memory overflow. A total system freeze, if you will. But the moment I allow myself to spill those thoughts onto paper (or, in my case, a computer screen), I breathe easier. It’s a form of mental decluttering, really.
My Journal, My Rules
Once upon a time, I scribbled my thoughts onto the blank pages of a traditional journal. Yet, over time, I found myself switching to a digital format—a continuously growing document on my laptop. Although I acknowledge the benefits of handwritten notes, I personally prefer typing due to its speed and convenience. The gentle tap-tap-tap on the keyboard somehow mirrors the rhythm of my thoughts, making the process even more soothing.
Drawing from my Executive Coaching studies, my journal entries can be random musings or structured self-coaching prompts. However, there are personal rules I like to follow. For instance, I don’t use names or gender identifiers in my entries. This way, I maintain privacy and respect toward others, even within my personal space.
Unfiltered Thoughts, Unleashed Creativity
One of my favorite aspects of journaling is the freedom to write without judgment. I switch off all those pesky grammar and spelling tools that would otherwise disrupt my flow. I like the steady stream of consciousness, uninterrupted. It helps paints a real picture of my thoughts.
My journal is generally a sanctuary of positivity. Now, don’t get me wrong. Negative thoughts do come in from time to time. But when they do, I allow myself a moment—just a moment—to let them loose, to vent entirely. Once I’ve vented all the negativity, I quickly click the ‘delete’ button.
It’s like airing out a room, really. The negativity goes out, leaving room for fresher, deeper thoughts. The act of writing itself is like spring cleaning for the mind.
Changing Perspective
Yet, I don’t just leave it at that. No, the real magic unfolds when I retell the narrative from a new perspective—one steeped in positivity and ripe with lessons learned.
I reflect on those deleted negative thoughts in a positive light, shifting their shape, color, and form into lessons worth keeping. And just like that, the tables turn, and my journal again becomes a place of positivity and growth. Isn’t that something?
The Perks of the Journaling Habit
Let’s break it down, shall we? Journaling is no ordinary hobby. Imagine it as a personal trainer for your mind and soul—boosting your mental health, flexing your creativity muscles, and helping you burn off that stress.
And the best part? It’s all free! But don’t be fooled by the zero price tag. This little habit packs a punch with the value it adds to your life. It’s like your personal cheerleader, silently rooting for you as you grow and evolve.
Through the strokes of your pen (or the tap-tap-tap of your keys), your journal subtly etches your journey—capturing the beauty of your evolution and the twists and turns of your thoughts. It’s more than just a book or a document—it’s a mirror reflecting your inner self, one entry at a time.
Kickstart Your Journey with 50 Journal Prompts
Are you feeling inspired to start journaling? Here are 50 journal prompts to kick off your journaling journey. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to journal. It’s your space, your rules. Just let your thoughts flow, and before you know it, your journal will be your best friend too.
- What am I grateful for today?
- What’s one thing I would like to change about my life, and why?
- Describe a moment today when you felt most alive.
- Write about a book or movie that profoundly affected you.
- Describe a challenge you overcame and how it made you feel.
- What are your top 3 priorities in life right now?
- How have you changed in the last five years?
- What is one fear you would like to overcome?
- Write a letter to your past self.
- Write a letter to your future self.
- How do you want to be remembered?
- What does happiness look like to you?
- Describe your perfect day.
- What are your strengths, and how do you utilize them?
- Who inspires you, and why?
- What are your core values?
- How have your experiences shaped you?
- What new habit would you like to start, and why?
- If money wasn’t an issue, what would you do?
- Write about an interesting conversation you had this week.
- If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
- What makes you feel fulfilled?
- Describe a dream you had recently.
- Write about something that surprised you.
- What are the five things you can’t live without?
- Write about a time you stood up for something you believed in.
- What does self-care mean to you?
- What is your favorite memory from your childhood?
- What does success look like to you?
- What are three things you need to let go of?
- Write about a time you felt out of your comfort zone.
- What would you do if you weren’t afraid of failing?
- What’s your favorite personal quality and why?
- What goals have you set, and how are you working towards them?
- What’s a skill you’d like to learn and why?
- Write about a moment when you felt proud of yourself.
- What is your favorite way to express creativity?
- What’s one thing you’d like to do more of and why?
- If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
- Write about a moment when you felt incredibly joyful.
- What does inner peace mean to you?
- Write about a time you helped someone else.
- What are the little things in life that you enjoy the most?
- How do you want to grow in the next year?
- Write about a mistake you made and what you learned from it.
- How do you recharge when you’re feeling drained?
- Write about something that’s been on your mind lately.
- What are three words you would use to describe yourself?
- Write about a time you trusted your intuition.
- What is a personal goal you have for the next month?
The Journey Begins with the First Word
Whether you’re new to this or a seasoned scribbler, journaling is like a treasure hunt within your mind. It’s like peeling an onion—layer by layer. You uncover emotions, thoughts, and ideas you didn’t even know existed. Every line you write, every page you fill, is a snapshot of you—growing, learning, celebrating wins, and turning setbacks into comebacks.
So, here’s your challenge: grab your journal or pop open a new document on your computer. Use the prompts I shared, and just start writing. There’s no scoreboard or referee here. It’s just you, your thoughts, and the soothing rhythm of your breath.
As you kickstart this fantastic voyage of self-exploration, remember—it’s all about the journey, not the destination. Each day is a blank canvas, a chance to tell your story in a new way. So, here’s to finding the wonderful world inside you—one journal entry at a time. Go on, start journaling, and have fun!
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Maribel Valls
Hey there, I’m Maribel Garcia Valls, MPH. Vintage curation, room design, writing, graphic design, drawing, yoga, and meditation are just a few of my passions, and I’m constantly exploring and expanding my skills with each new project. You can find my vintage booth at the Antique Gallery Round Rock: Booth C-22.
