Hello, everyone! I hope you’re all doing well today!
This post will most likely, be falling into the “life” category of this blog lol. It is a topic that I’ve become quite passionate about, only because I’ve come to witness the impact that this small change has already made in my life, and that is journaling.
I’m sure we’ve all heard about it, read about it and probably even tried journaling at some point in our lives. But let’s just remove the whole stigma around the journals for a second. Forget regarding them as therapy diaries, forget regarding them as boring, pointless or un-impactful plain pages that nobody will actually read or use, and just hear me out. Whether you’re someone who doesn’t keep journals or someone who does and is interested in knowing more about why journals are very much in your favour. Here are my ten main reasons why I suggest you start journaling. Like, now (although you don’t have to, obviously, no but seriously).
1. Important Reminders of The Incredible and Humbling Moments of Your Life:
This is probably one of the most profound reasons why anyone should start journaling. But I just had to put this in here because it’s so true. There is no human out there that can just absorb valuable and mindful information without writing it down. Yes, we have planners, to do lists/books etc. However, those tools hold more of an academic influence. What more people need is a balancing notebook for them to actually be vulnerable and to record what’s most important and inspiring to them. Because we can forget things. I’m quite thankful for the things I’ve been writing down since I was around 14. Had I just not had those words written down on paper, to this day I would’ve neglected all of my simplified thoughts because life eventually takes over the free spirit we’ve all once had – so it’s a great way to keep it in some way.
2. An opportunity to study yourself!
Jounals are a chance to become your own scientist! I mean, not literally, unless you’re actually studying to become one. My point is, in life, you must know yourself! By knowing yourself I’m not talking about nick picking at what’s wrong because there isn’t anything wrong. This is just a great way to keep track of your own power and how to use it wisely.
Call this process what you like, but I quite like the concept of studying and learning more about one’s self. We can reveal new perspectives, new concepts, new ideas and new creativity which is a powerful force for personal growth.
3. A Chance to Elevate/Improve Your Writing Skills:
When I was little, I used to observe peoples handwriting and be in absolute awe of how different they would look compared to others. I think it says a lot about people and in my eyes, there is no good or bad handwriting. Everyone’s brings character to them and so I think to have an opportunity to practice, or improve the way you write is great! Yes, it’s a simple thing, but we write things down all the time and this in itself is an expression of individualism. I now enjoy spending hours writing because I enjoy the art of writing itself. Seems like a small change, but because of it, I’ve been writing a lot more in my spare time now and as well as helping me bring my thoughts to life, my writing skills are constantly improving.
4. Reduces Stress & Anxiety:
I’m not saying that this is the answer to all problems, but sometimes the only person that can listen to you is yourself. And how would you do that? By writing it down first then reading it over to yourself. You’ll later find that you won’t carry that exact same emotion reading it over as you did when you wrote it which, in turn, then helps you relieve stress. Pretty interesting if you ask me. It’s also a great way to look at situations without reacting to them. You’re now in a more open space where you can re-read your thoughts and decide whether you want to keep them due to how you’re feeling in the present.
5. Create a Vision Book Filled with Mood Boards of Your Life!
Whenever you pick up a journal and read it, you open a new portal of a judgment-free zone! This is your chance to write down all of those things you may have wanted when you were younger, write and pin down all the things you may have wanted to change, the things you may have wanted to create etc. Use, pictures, stickers, designs, letters, whatever you like! There’s no harm in keeping your dreams organised and keeping a journal is perfect for exactly that.
6. Become The Person You’ve Always Wanted to Be: Affirmations
This reason/step alone can be life-changing. It pretty much goes hand-in-hand with reason No.1 because then, you can create specific affirmations based on the personal information you’ve gained about yourself. The thing is, anything that is done consistently eventually becomes a reality. Not many people (including myself) are completely comfortable with waking up in the morning, hopping out of bed and saying out affirmations in the mirror (although that is amazing), nor do people even have the time to do so sometimes. However, having a list (yes, you will end up with a list) of affirmations and reading them silently each night is no different. because you’re essentially reading a book based on your life that is becoming. Which brings me to reason No.7!
7. You’ll Become An Established Author Of Your Own Life:
In your own right, you have, in fact, become a writer. Writing down your personal growth is one of the most courageous things one can do. You’ll have your own novels based on your life, volumes based on certain times of your life and a literal mark that you’d have left in this world. And better yet, YOU are the one who’s written it.
8. Record Your History, Your Achievements, and Lessons You’ll Later Pass On:
Journaling is by far one of the greatest ways to consistently organise your mind, build your personal intelligence and become more in tune and comfortable with yourself. We’re never, not learning something new. So wouldn’t it be great to pass on some of that knowledge? To our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren or even a young person who seeks some personal grounding. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to re-visit my journal to answer a question that I had already answered years ago. We don’t actually realise the gold mines we’re sitting on until a wake-up call has to happen. So if I was to recommend a book for you to read in your life, It would be the one you wrote.
9. The Impact It Will Have On Your Life Without You Even Realising it:
The main point I’d probably like for you to take away from this is that it’s not about writing full pages for 365 days a year. It’s literally to record those moments you know will later help you in the future. Just to keep on track of your mindset and desires without being influenced by an outer voice. Sometimes we can stop ourselves from our greatest opportunities which are just around the corner, by not reminding ourselves of whats really important in the moment it happens. It’s different for every individual and that is completely okay.
10. See Journaling Differently & How to Start Without Being Pressured To Write Every Day:
If you’re someone who may have struggled with journaling in the past or has been pushed away by the idea of committing (like I have), here is a tip that could hopefully change that. Every night when you come back from school/work or right before you go to bed, write down an experience you had that day (good or bad). We all go through a thoughtful realizations everyday but what writing it down will do is enable you to think differently each day. This will allow you to become allies with time and you will soon take those lessons you’ve learned into action. Not to mention, there’s no better time to write this than after a long day filled with experiences. See how it goes, if you miss a day – it’s completely fine because, with journaling, you’re sure to learn something new about yourself.
Phew, I know this was a long one but I hope this helped in some way. Sending virtual hugs your way if you actually read through all of my 10 reasons!
BEST PENS I RECOMMEND
There’s no real motivator like a good pen when it comes to journaling. And it can be a little annoying writing with a pen that only lasts you a short while or doesn’t perform well. So, I’ve come across a wonderful brand called PrettyPens.
Based in Glasgow, Scotland, PrettyPens carry a wide range of beautiful classic themed designs with art work including, dogs, cats, butterflies, pandas, dragonflies, tartans and flags. All of their pretty pens also come in a free luxurious velveteen pouch for £2.99.
As soon as I received these I was delighted by the wonderful packaging these came in. Just looking at these pens made me feel so compelled to write! They also perform well so that’s a wonderful plus 😉
If you have a certain someone in mind, you know likes to write – I’d suggest a pen like this being the perfect gift for them. They’d appreciate it.
A huge thanks to PrettyPens for kindly gifting me their beautiful floral set. I love them so much!
Follow PrettyPens on Instagram: @PrettyPens1
BEST JOURNAL I RECOMMEND
I may do a separate post about why I love using the Fabriano Journal. I received this as part of my wonderful birthday gift from my Mother this year, Not even knowing how much I’d use this and read through it every single day. I haven’t written as consistently as I do now with this journal which is crazy.
I have my wonderful Mother to thank for instilling in me the significance of journaling.
Thank you, Mummy ❤
And a huge thanks to all of you for reading my thoughts once again, on The Belper!
Lots of love,
**This post is not sponsored**
On the eyes, you’ll notice that the pink eyeshadow carries some dimension and weight without looking heavy. The centre points along with the inner corners of my eyes are highlighted with the brightest version of the same eyeshadow, using light, glittery shimmers mixed in with the original shade I used all over the lids. This is known as a halo eye.
