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Journals and pencils

The Power of Journaling


Author: Tammy Doss


Have you ever considered Journaling?  It is a way to de-clutter your mind and improve your mental health.  At the beginning of your workday take a few minutes to jot down things that you hope to accomplish and positive ideas to improve your day.  Take a few minutes to yourself and enjoy the creative ways you can set some gentle goals for an already busy day. 


Get yourself a journal or simply type notes into your phone or computer.  It’s a way that you can establish a loose plan for the day.  It’s a way that you can vent if you didn’t get a good night sleep, it’s a way that you have something to check back on at the end of your day and see if you were able to achieve your list of goals, your exercise routine, your calls to family, friends and colleagues.  But more importantly it is a way to relax and look back at your daily achievements or lack thereof. 


Journaling isn’t meant to be something you must do.  It isn’t something that is going to be shared with others, it is your thoughts and your hopes and your dreams.  It is something that with a little practice you will want to do.  Every day isn’t rosy so maybe your journal entry is about how you are feeling, what went well and what didn’t during your previous day.  You may want to journal about a health issue or a loved one.  It’s your place to give yourself a constructive criticism or a full-blown congratulations for a terrific job well done and have your own personal party on paper or computer.


The thing about journaling is that you can write whatever comes to mind.  There doesn’t have to be a flow to it.  You can jump around from subject to subject.  If you like art (sketch something), music (write down lyrics), religion (a prayer or passage) or want to start a journal of what you consumed each day, personal or career goals, quotes that inspire you, things that motivate you or daily positive affirmations go for it.  The sky is the limit.


Whether you decide that you journal better in the evening, when you get off work, first thing in the morning or on your coffee break take a moment or two to reflect, plan, challenge yourself, improve your mood, remember an experience, plan a vacation, consider a career change, but most of all let your thoughts flow and feel healthier, happier and more fulfilled.


Your personal journal will help you to channel positive or negative experiences and learn to understand yourself better by understanding that your feelings are just that, your own feelings.  It’s a way to register how you really feel about a given subject, a friend, a parent, politics, fashion, money, a working environment, and if needed, consider changes to the way you deal with co-workers, your family, your boss, your grandma, your hairdresser, your dog, your cat and yourself.


Good luck and I hope you will consider taking a few minutes each day to journal.  There is no score, grade or brownie points – just satisfaction.


“Start writing, no matter what.  The water does not flow until the fuacet is turned on.”

-Quote by Author Louis L’Amour

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