Journalling - Your key to Personal Development
Many years ago I got wrapped up in journaling and followed the popular trend of outpouring the thoughts in my head. Millions now follow this practice. Could it help you?
The simple approach is to get it down. This isn’t documenting, or analysis. It’s simply you, paper and pen (or keyboard) and a block of time to let it out.
The benefit of letting your consciousness unburden itself in the quiet, to you alone, is well documented.
Journalling is THE key to Personal Development. When you write down the thoughts in your head (small talk) and get them out, you get to face them.
They are no longer a mere possibility. You’ve thought them into life and they become real. In writing them down you acknowledge them without judgement.
You might look at your journaling as a way to notice your feelings. When you bring your thoughts to the surface you give them space. On the page they are now something you can respond to and tease out.
Your self -pouring helps you bring out the stresses that may lie dormant, and it allows you space to share without judgement.
When you’re in this self -serving place you can just allow it to flow.
No-one needs to read it, unless you want to share, but if you choose to, you can take a deeper look at what comes up.
Perhaps you want to look at major areas in your life such as your Health, Spiritual Connection, Family, Relationships, Work etc.
You can choose whatever form you like to review your thoughts. But in essence it is just a means to bring what’s inside – out.
Sometimes the release of unpent feelings is helpful in itself. The process is healing but calm. You are in total charge.
When I started my own Journalling, people used to recommend a certain number of pages, or a specific length of time, to be alone with the page.
But honestly, you are the best judge of how and when to let this emerge.
The key is practice and persistence. Make it a daily habit. Choose a time and place that fits your lifestyle.
I used to do my Morning Pages (as Julia Cameron named it) first thing in the morning with my cup of tea, looking out onto my lovely country garden.
Others like to create a special space or writing spot dedicated to quiet and reflection.
Journalling is Noticing after all – a key element of Mindfulness. When you allow yourself to Notice and give name and form to your thoughts and feelings, you’re recognising they matter.
These days I still like to sit with a pen and paper as I’ve always considered myself a Wordsmith. But check out the online options.
You won’t get much better than Brendon Burchard’s High Performance Habits Planner and his GrowthDay App. I highly recommend his GrowthDay programme. Note - I get a small commission for any purchase of Brendon's excellent programme which I am a member of.
Set yourself a challenge. 10 days of Journalling and see what insights you glean about yourself.
Allow it to flow. Don’t force it. Just let it come. This is not the place for letter writing grammar or sentence construction so don’t get hung up on school day essays.
As much as anything it’s you, some time and space and your thoughts. Don’t be scared of them. They will tell you much about how you’re feeling, and help you move into calmer day.
If you’d like me to write an article for your Association or In-house magazine, or support in writing your own in-house training course, call me on 07899 838726. Details at https://www.geraldinejozefiak.com/commissions