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Journaling is something that I frequently do, and I always encourage my clients to do. It has many benefits that improve mental and emotional wellbeing.  

Journaling To Let Go

Journaling allows you to process through difficult situations and let go of feelings. A client gave me an excellent way to describe this benefit. Think about it as writing out your grocery list. When you know you have to go to the store, you will review your list repeatedly in your head, so you don’t forget. But once you write down the items, you no longer need to hold the information in your mind.  

Journaling is a way to release unnecessary thoughts and unwanted feelings. Next time you are triggered by someone or something, and you can’t shut your brain off or get out of your emotional funk, take pen to paper. Set a timer for 10-20 minutes and free write what happened, how you feel, and what your thoughts and reactions are about the person or situation. Once you write it out, you are less likely to ruminate, and it will be easier to let go of. 

Journaling For Clarity

Journaling also helps you gain clarity on thoughts and explore goals and desires. I have written out my favorite and most meaningful prompts at the end of this post for you. These questions are designed to get you thinking about how you live your life and explore what will make you happy and fulfilled.  

I believe everyone deserves to live a life that brings them joy, meaning, and fulfillment. Sometimes you get too wrapped up in the way life is “supposed to” look. Or maybe you live according to your parent’s standards instead of your own. Perhaps you are someone that feels consumed by anxiety and always makes decisions from a tense place. Or you may be living your life based on how society tells you it “should” look.  

Find some time this week to answer one or all of these questions. Make sure you pick a quiet place with no interruptions. These prompts were written in a way to challenge you with love and move you toward a path of personal growth.

Prompts

1. If this was my last day, would I be satisfied with how I lived my life? What would I have done differently?
2. What brings me joy in life, and how often do I give myself permission to do it?
3. What kinds of routines and habits bring balance to my life when I do them consistently?
4. What is my biggest dream? What can I do today to move closer toward that goal?
5. If I did not feel shame or fear, what would I do differently in my life?
6. Do you feel like I am living life or just existing in life?