Why journal?

Do you want to gain perspective on your thoughts and actions? Do you crave an outlet for self-expression and creativity? Do you find it hard to de-stress after a long day at work? This post will help you understand how journaling can provide these things in an easy, user-friendly way.

Journaling is more than a 200 year old practice that people have used as a way to express themselves, how they thought, reacted or accepted life’s journey of twist and turns. From Anne Frank to Oprah, journaling is cathartic and evokes both physiological and psychological benefits.

Living in a time where society practically moves at the speed of light, with technology at our fingertips, life can surely become overwhelming--both the good and the bad. Discovering an outlet, like journaling, that helps you to escape and put things into perspective is an art form that should never be lost in the crowd and bustle of life.

Just how helpful journaling can be?

Journaling gives you a voice. It gives you an outlet to express yourself in a way you can’t with anyone else.

There is power in the pen. When you decide to let out those thoughts that are all over the place, there is power in the pen. When you want to get out that great idea before it gets away from you, there is power in the pen.

Because of the power in writing, there are benefits to journaling that far exceed holding everything in.

Journaling is flexible and easy

• Can be done to bring clarity to any issue in your life
• Takes so little time to stop, pay attention and listen to yourself
• No rules. Messy? Typos? Poor writing? That's all OK

Journaling enhances intuition and creativity

• Awakens your inner voice
• Provides insights and improves your sensitivity
• Increases memory of events

Journaling can reduce stress

• Reduces the scatter in your life
• Releases pent-up thoughts and emotions
• Helps you to detach and let go of the past
• Allows you to re-experience the past with today's adult mind

Journaling can heal

• Heals relationships and hurts from the past
• Is non-judgmental
• Strengthens your sense of who you are
• Reveals and tracks patterns and cycles

Intimidation Factor

Like many things that may be new to us, journaling can be intimidating at first. The good thing is it doesn’t have to stay that way.

Think about it like this, journaling is simply writing down what’s on your mind and in your heart. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, because it’s all about you and nobody else. No one else can see or feel things from your perspective. When you’re journaling about your own life’s reflection, no one else can establish for you what’s right or wrong.

Need help putting your thoughts into words?

Remember that journaling should never feel like a chore but like a release. To get you started,think on these questions to help get you focused on your everyday life.

1. What was the most noteworthy thing that happened today?

2. How did it affect you?

3. What was the most positive thing to happen today?

4. What was the most negative?

5. Who did you meet today? What kind of impact did he or she have on your day?

6. What were some of the things you accomplished?

7. How did you start your day? Did you set the tone for how you wanted your day to go?

Start there. See how quickly you ease into a regular routine of writing as the benefits you gain in both your personal and professional life become apparent.

Happy journaling! See you next time with more tips and topics.

Author of Blog Post: Delmar Johnson is an HR Consultant, Career Life Coach and Speaker. Founder of HR Brain for HIre, she decided to take her HR experience, to the "Small Business Back Office" providing support to the growing small business not yet ready for a full-time HR department. Delmar also has a particular passion for individuals in career transition and enjoys sharing her time and knowledge with non-profit and for-profit groups, college groups, and individuals who simply need a little guidance and a plan in their career job search. For more information visit www.delmarjohnson.com.