When bullet journals came onto the scene I was like: ‘Great, another hype which I’m not getting into!’ Only to realize I’ve been journaling since I was a kid years later, oops! I just didn’t realize that I was doing it. In my mind I always call it writing something down or I simply tell myself a need a few moments to write. Now it has a name or a term, it’s called journaling and I love it! Journaling helps me improve my life and I want to share how that works with you. As this blog is all about creating the best version of yourself, this could be something that helps you do that. So this is why I love to journal and why you might love it too.

Why did I start journaling?

Journaling was something I started doing myself without anyone telling me to do it. Ever since I got my first diary as a child, I kept writing in whatever I could find. I think that if you naturally gravitate towards journaling, it could definitely be one of the best ways to express yourself. Journaling helps me to express my feelings, organize my thoughts and be very honest with myself. I prefer it over talking to someone else about whatever is on my mind. That often makes me feel very uncomfortable, especially if things aren’t clear for myself yet. These is why I love to journal a lot!

I still have some of the notebooks and diaries I had as a kid. In which I wrote down whatever it was I wanted to get or achieve. At ten years old I filled a notebook with writings about wanting a dog. I knew exactly which type of dogs I liked, and I even added pictures. I don’t journal every day because I’m very busy right now. But there are times where I do grab my notebook every day and write until I can’t write no more. Journaling comes natural to me and it helps me achieve my goals. Writing things down has always helped me do that and I don’t think I will ever stop. I guess that’s why I love blogging so much, it’s basically the same.

Is journaling for you?

Journaling isn’t for everyone. Just like meditating is definitely not for me, as it makes me anxious and very annoyed. Neither is talking about my feelings or crying in someone’s presence something I enjoy. I prefer writing everything down, at a quiet time during the day when no one is around. As mentioned before, journaling helps me organize my thoughts and feelings. It helps me write out my goals and make them visual for myself. My journals are my safe spaces I don’t have to share with anyone else.

If writing comes natural to you, journaling could be good for you. When we look at it from psychology, humans are visual beings. Therefor it makes sense to create a visual presentation of your thoughts, feelings, goals and wishes. Journaling should be something you look forward to. It should help you calm down, relax and less stressed. Journaling also helps you get to know yourself and figure out simple or complex questions you may have. If this all sounds appealing to you, journaling might be perfect for you.

How often should you journal?

The best part of journaling is that you’re in control. Whether you write in your journal once a day or once a year, it’s all up to you. I personally don’t think journaling should be a forced task on your to do list. That would defeat the purpose of journaling, as it should be something you truly enjoy and look forward to. I know it’s a bit of hype to journal every day and some journal ‘gurus’ swear by teaching you this. And I’m not saying journaling every day is bad for you, just make sure it fits your lifestyle.

Don’t feel obligated to journal the way someone else does it. Find your own rhythm, your own way of writing and time you do it. I do think journaling gets better if you have a set day or time. After a while you can go back into your journals and see your progress. Journaling at set times helps you create a timeline and an easy way to reflect on your life. Which is very helpful when you’re trying to create the best version of yourself. That being said, I sometimes forget to journal for months. Simply because I don’t feel the need for it, but I always come back to it.

Do you love or hate journaling? Or are you going to give it a try?

Kaya-Quintana

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