Why I journal (and so should you)

Journaling is a powerful tool you can use anytime you are in need of a little self-love. It’s how I start and end my day. It’s been a huge part of my healing process and has radically transformed my mental health. It can help you too.

First of all, you don’t have to a professional writer to journal, and while you might hear it’s critical to write on paper, I find I can get my thoughts out quicker if I type them. There are no rules to journalling and it really requires no skill other than leaning into your heart and being open with yourself and your inner most feelings. Don’t even worry about spelling or punctuation, just start writing.

Show up

I noticed the biggest benefits after showing up regardless how I feel. Some days I journal for a good 30 minutes, other day’s it a quick 5 minutes where I focus on what I’m most grateful for. Trust me, it will change the way you connect with yourself, and it will radically transform how you view your life. But you must be authentic. Don’t worry about someone peeking over your shoulder, doors will only open when you get real. Don’t edit, or down play any feeling you have, these words are for you. Feel free to lock up your journals, or use a password on your folder where you save your digital entries. Do whatever allows you to open wide. Give yourself permission to really lean into whatever comes to mind. Don’t judge, simply write from your heart, there is no wrong emotion.

Connect

The main goal of journaling is to connect to your soul. The raw truth, both good and bad that makes you uniquely you. Deep healing can occur when you lean into your shadow side. Too often we close the door to our skeletons, sadness and anything embarrassing, yet it continues to reside within us and can haunt and leave with feelings of guilt, sadness, anger and often depression.

If I’m struggling and feeling depleted, I journal.

If I start to judge and second guess my decisions, I journal.

When I’m sad and feeling down, I journal.

At times when I’m feeling torn and confused over what to do, I journal.

but,

I also journal when I’m happy and elated.

Or, when I have moments of clarity and especially when I get a fantastic idea.

I scribble down any work ideas that come to me throughout the day.

When I’m motivated by something I see, I use this time to write freely and this is most often when my creativity is at it’s best.

When a memory from my childhood pops into my head, especially when I recall something that involves my Nanna I jot it down. This has allowed me to open my heart and feel her energy around me.

Journal prompts:

• How am I feeling?
• What am I most grateful for?
• What is my intention for the day?
• What will I do to make today incredible?
• How could I have made today even better?
• What are 3 amazing things that happened today?
• What lessons did I learn today?

Show up and start flexing your self love muscle. If you are new to journaling trying one of the prompts above, or simply start writing anything that comes to mind. Then do it again tomorrow and the day after that. For more self-love ideas download my free self-love rituals guide.

I’m excited to hear how journalling has supported your health journey.

Be sure to share on Facebook Pintrest or Instagram (tag me @amandavs and #healthyissexy). I’d can’t wait to see how you journey unfolds

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xo Amanda