Journaling to Enhance Self Growth

     When working to make change, it can be helpful to explore the intention in as many different sensory capacities as possible.  Writing is one of those activities that requires thought process and then physical action tied to that process.  This makes writing an effective method of expanding and reinforcing learning. 

Writing is a reminder of the goal.  Often there is a situation which has created a significant amount of pain for you.  For instance, perhaps you have been arrested for driving under the influence.  This is usually a source of pain and shame.  As time heals all wounds, over time, the memory of this pain dulls.  Therefore, there is value in recording this pain.  At some point in the future, you’ll start to feel that “it wasn’t that bad”.  The written account will serve as a reminder.  This can apply for many types of behavior we want to change.

​Writing can clarify the goal.  At times, our thoughts can be “foggy”.  Writing and review can help us become more focused on specific goals regarding that change.  Written thoughts can give you clues on where to focus attention.  I like to use a game of “whys”.  So, an example might be:  Why do you overeat?  Because I’m bored.  Why are you bored?  Because I have nothing to do.  Why do you have nothing to do?  Because I can’t afford to do anything.  Why can’t you afford to do anything?  Because I’m disabled.  This example leads to multiple potential interventions that can be addressed.  A person may be disabled, but they can find inexpensive or free things to do.  Or perhaps they need to deal with the grief surrounding being disabled and the limitations that brings.

Writing can provide insight.  Insight means gaining an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of self. Often, writing illuminates things about our ourselves that we hadn’t realized.  When you commit to journaling even briefly every day, it can lead to insight that has not been realized until this time.  This can cultivate further focus for growth or even for more writing. 

Often, people have had an unsuccessful attempt in the past to journal consistently and this creates a resistance.  If this is you, try a prompt that only requires one or two words.  People can usually make the commitment to do this as a minimum.  My own journaling practice focuses on 5 areas of my life: Relationships, Health, Career, Abundance, and Gratitudes. I do a quick summary of each of these, a few sentences. If things are great, GREAT! If things are a bit “jangly”, I go into how I might improve that area.

Since personal writing is a direct reflection of yourself, you’re bound to learn something. Give it a try and let me know how it goes! 

And remember, you are lovely!
Allison

---