Clear the Clutter of Your Mind
Most of us live by a busy, do everything (perfectly while we’re at it) mentality. The essence of our existence crumbles resulting in a "running on empty" phenomena. Running on empty only lasts but only for a short time….it will precede a breakdown. Depending on how long you have been running on empty will indicate the severity of the breakdown.
Journaling won’t solve all your problems. But, it can be a constant companion and source of energy renewal. You have people in your life you love and responsibilities requiring your constant attention. Take care of yourself and I believe journaling to be a helpful tool to do this.
Here are a few suggestions:
Journaling helps you to process emotions. You guys know I’m a counselor, right? Processing emotions help to “clean out the refrigerator” of what’s happened in your life. Just like the fridge, if you shove things to the back and try to forget about them, it turns into a science project (ahem…again, speaking from experience). Dealing with emotions is messy but if you process often and frequently it’s usually a quicker, easier process.
Journaling brings perspective – I love sitting down from time to time and looking at glimpses of my past. Sure, it's "cringe worthy" at times. But, overall I can see why I was struggling and often see a resolution. In our everyday lives, we are often too close to the picture. Journaling helps you to take a step back and see things from a different perspective.
Journaling is just for you. Its a place to be messy, be real. No one is going to read it…except maybe after I die…but then it won’t really matter. If you are anything like me, you want to live for others. Journaling is just for you. You can say whatever you want, however, you want to say it. This is incredibly freeing.
Creates margin space – By taking 15 minutes or so every few days, you force yourself to slow down. Get a cup of coffee and just be still with yourself. This may feel uncomfortable at first, but you will find the benefits far outweigh the uncomfortability.
I love to prayer journal – So for me, my journals become a sacred place of remembrance. I see prayers answered and experience God’s presence.
A few rules:
Handwrite if possible – this increases the benefits because you are using both parts of your brain promoting an integration of heart, mind, and spirit.
Start with a prompt - For example, What am I feeling today and why? What's one sad thing that happened today? What am I grateful for in this moment?
Don’t spend too much time by getting lost in the details. Try and spend 15-20 a few times a week. Again, start by asking yourself a question or with one theme in mind.
Get a nice journal and pen – Let this be a sacred time just for you. Enjoy it.
Journaling won’t solve all your problems. But, it can be a constant companion and source of energy renewal. You have people in your life you love and responsibilities requiring your constant attention. Take care of yourself and I believe journaling to be a helpful tool to do this.
