On Journaling

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."

- Maya Angelou 

Journaling is one of those words that often makes many people cringe. It's another self-help tool that you know is good for you, yet seems over rated, forced and unnecessary. Guidance everywhere suggests journaling to process your thoughts and feelings. But what if you had a different perspective? What if you could look at journaling as time you are giving yourself? As attention you are giving yourself? What if you looked at journaling as a commitment to your well-being, as an act of acknowledging that you matter? I used to journal every day, sometimes twice a day. I have 100's of journals from many years; however, once I got a smart phone that practice began to wane. I regret I haven't written about the last 15 years of my life. I have moved, started businesses, taught classes, studied and got certifications, traveled afar, got married, lost my dad, and more. This is all BIG stuff that I intermittently captured in various started journals. Recently I have picked the practice back up.In the mornings I give myself time to joy down what is on tap for the day, what I dreamed the night before, and how I am feeling. I start with the date, the time of day, the weather, which kitties are around, describing the mood I am starting my day with. I always include gratitude for the opportunities lining up for me to explore, for my health and whatever else comes to mind. Lately, I have even started to write a little love note to my body specifically. That is proving to be interesting and uplifting and really sets a unique tone for my day. So think about journaling as time you are giving yourself. It's like putting a deposit in your self-care account.

"Writing is the only way I have to explain my own life to myself."

- Pat Conroy 

One of the benefits is that the Universe responds to what you are thinking, being and doing. It matches your focus. So when you take care of you, do things good for you. the Universe sends things that match it. You start getting good experiences, and things that are good for you start to appear. To make journaling even more significant, find a journal that makes you smile, one that feels good to pick up and hold. I like ones with blank pages because I like to write freestyle and messy and sometimes draw pictures. Some words I write in a large font to express or emphasize a feeling or thought and blank pages give me ample room to do that. If I get a moleskin notebook, I usually decorate it with stickers for more self-expression.

Get a pen you love to write with, with an ink color that expresses your style. Maybe light some incense, sage your room, play soothing music or something that speaks to your soul. I sit by an open window to listen to all of the birds. Give yourself permission to just be with your amazing self. Even if you write three sentences, that's enough. The time you give to you is what matters. The time you take to acknowledge your thoughts and feelings and dreams and wishes is what matters. When you can do this for yourself, be present with you, you develop the skill to be present in all of your relationships and life in general. Everyone wins. It really is a gift that keeps on giving.

 "Journaling is like whispering to one's self and listening at the same time."

- Mina Murray 

Have a most magical and wonderful day.

Be the Great Creator in your life!

Mind your thoughts, words and actions and let them be ones that allow you to live authentically.

I look forward to connecting with you soon!

Betsey