Whether you are new to journaling or have been doing it for years, This daily practice can unleash your self expression and bring new awareness to your life. Writing in a journal or diary needs to be free flowing and without judgement. It is for your eyes only and it is a practice you can do many different ways.
A few tips that have changed my journaling practice as well as helped many clients with theirs:
1. Gratitude. Years ago I stumbled onto the book “The Magic” by Rhonda Bryne This was a huge shift for me not only in my daily journaling practice but in my life as well. The book is a bit of a commitment but worth every minute. Each day there are activities for day to day plans as well as theme ideas to implement more gratitude. The magic is how your life ship shapes all around you.
2. Journal Dumping. This is letting go of crap that is no longer serving you. It is crucial to write in a notebook and let out the anger, fear, jealousy or whatever is bothering you. I have done pages of swear words just because that is all I could say. Journal dumping is for your benefit only. So when you are finished tear up the paper throw it out or burn it. Forgive yourself and others. We are all doing the best we can.
3. Daily reflection. I keep one diary for daily thoughts and things that are going on in my life. When doing this I can watch for patterns in my thinking and let go of everyday noise. I have a specific time in the morning that is rarely missed. When starting or implementing your journal practice, carve out the same time each day and at around 10 minutes to start the habit. Make it doable. Then build and add from there.
4. Bring on abundance. One of the biggest things I coach clients around is money. Although money is a tangible thing it is really just the exchange of energy. This can be a hard concept at first.
So I have clients look for all the abundant things around them. It is about what we give and receive in our lives. Use the journal to write down ways you receive various kinds of abundance and watch the energy around money shift. For example: maybe a friend buys you a coffee or your child does something without being asked. Making lists of these everyday “gifts” will definitely bring on the moolah! Check out an amazing book “It’s Not Your Money” by Tosha Silver. It will take you to the next level of thinking.
5. Have Fun. Maybe drawing or creating a visual journal is for you. While the power behind the words on paper is magical it can be done visually too. As you find pictures or quotes you love make a stack and spend day adding to your journal. Or do it during your specific practice. Make it yours and have fun!
6. Feel better. Just by starting one of the above journal practices, you will quickly see some of the amazing health benefits. Here are a few among the many: it can possibly improve your immune system, lower stress, boost mood, activate creativity, and bring on more joy. Now you have no excuses. Jovial journaling!
Need a little help with journal topics or ideas? Email me: rhonda@rhondabrinkman.com and I will get you started on some journaling fun.