Thread by @PaulMDomenick

The Art of Journaling

- 5 Tips for Keeping a Journal -

(THREAD)

Journaling is a game changing tool. Many sleep on it because they’re worried about being made fun of for keeping a diary. It makes you think of a young girl writing about her crush as school. But guess what? You’re not writing for other people. You’re writing for you.

Life's too short to not do something because others might make fun of you. They’re judging you for recording your thoughts & experiences. How stupid is that? Self-reflection and self-awareness, how horrible! In reality, these people are chained to the opinions of other people.

Those who don’t take time to examine their thoughts and behavior are living on autopilot. Just doing what they’ve always done, thinking how they always have, living how they always will. The path of the unlived life.

Why do you want try journaling? Do you know? It’s ok if you don’t, I was in the same position. I heard about journaling when I was younger and didn’t see the use. It wasn’t until I was older (4 years ago) did I take a deeper interest in it.

I heard how Journaling is great for managing stress, anxiety and anger. I was dealing with all three. I decided to give it a go. Years later, I’m thankful I decided to start writing. Here's a few tips to get started today

1. Create a writing environment

I like to sit at my desk and journal. Sometimes I’ll sit at the beach to do my writing. Nature is a great way to switch it up. My desk is where I feel most comfortable. When I sit down, I know what I have to do. It puts my mind in the right state

For you, maybe it's in bed after you wake up. Maybe it's sitting at the desk or on the front step with a warm cup of coffee. Wherever it is for you, dedicate a space for writing. Whenever you're in that space, you'll feel comfortable exploring your inner self.

2. Follow a writing schedule

After I wake up and before I go to bed, I journal. I don't think about anything else. I know the first & last 15 mins of my day is dedicated to examining my mind. It becomes part of the morning ritual. Clear the fog and plan the day.

Maybe you write when you wake up to capture the foggy thoughts on paper. Maybe you write while having breakfast. Whenever it is for you, make it a part of your daily schedule. Dedicate a part(s) of your day to self-reflection. Set aside time for writing every day.

3. Don’t complicate it

A common message I receive in my DMs is “I don’t know what to write about.” Write about whatever you want. There are no journaling rules and laws. The journal is a space to freely explore your thoughts, ideas, emotions, and experiences.

Start by writing out your thoughts (1st person), or follow these prompts:
Morning:
- How can I make today a great day?
- What should I avoid doing?
- What am I grateful for? (“I am grateful for___ )

Evening:
- What did I do well today?
- Where did I come up short?

By the way, check out the Journaling guide @PathToManliness & I wrote

Over 100+ Journaling templates and prompts designed to ignite your writing

It's great for those struggling to get words on paper or for anyone looking to switch it up

Check it out: gumroad.com/a/806777971

4. Time + speed

Timing and adding speed to your journaling are overlooked tools. Often, we spend too much time thinking about what to say instead of just writing. Here’s a mindset shift: Write to discover what you have to say. Many people do the opposite...

They discover what they have to say before they write. When you time yourself, writing as fast as possible, the mind can't self-censor. You avoid the internal critic that tries to stop you from writing authentically. The real thoughts and emotions appear. True self-examination.

5. Stay consistent

Like all good habits, you must stay consistent. Sometimes I fall off, going a few days without journaling, but once I realize it, I’m quickly back on track. Set a reminder on your phone. Maybe name the alarm clock "Journal time"

As you journal, you detach from your thoughts and emotions. Instead of identifying with them, you step back and analyze them. You're able to examine your thoughts and understand how they influence your emotions, which influence your actions.

Not determining all thoughts as valid. Not accepting all emotions as appropriate. Instead of being at the mercy of your mind and others, you realize real power comes from within. This is the true path to self-awareness.

Thanks for reading.

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