If you have read any of my posts on Living Marvelously, you know I am a big fan of writing in a journal. My Resource Library is full of prompts and questions that can fill your journal and help you make the most of this life. I have found so many benefits to journal writing and I want you to see the benefits as well. That is why I created the Living Marvelously Journal.
I have been writing in a journal for over 30 years, and it has become like a therapist and good friend.
Yesterday I was having a bad day emotionally.
I was feeling down because I was a little bored, and my mind was telling me that I needed to do more and that what I was doing wasn’t good enough. I was feeling confused about my purpose and why I was letting other people bring me down. Do you ever have those days? I even told my husband that I thought I should see a therapist or hire a life coach.
But, when I woke up this morning, I took out my journal and started writing down how I felt. I let it all dump onto the page, and I got to a place where I realized my feelings were based on something that didn’t matter. As I was writing, I realized how silly I was being and started writing down all the things I could do. I gained some clarity around what truly makes me happy.
“A journal is also a tool for self-discovery, an aid to concentration, a mirror for the soul, a place to generate and capture ideas, a safety valve for the emotions, a training ground for the writer, and a good friend and confidant.” Ron Klug
If you are not writing in a journal or if you don’t feel like you know what to write, The Living Marvelously Journal will provide you with over 100 prompts to entice your imagination and activate your mind.
More Journal Writing Benefits
Goal Setting
Writing out your goals lets you be clear and detailed about what they are. It makes your goals real and official! Listen for guidance from the Universe and let your words flow; you will discover that you know many steps you can take to achieve your goals. It also gives you a record to look back and stay on track. One of my biggest goals is to grow my blog. I started the blank page of my journal yesterday with “Ideas to grow my blog” and just started writing. Some were good, some were bad, but the good ones will keep me moving in the right direction.
Records Progress and Success
A journal gives you a record of your progress and success or lack thereof. When I first started journaling, I wrote down all the different ways I could lose weight. Over and over. Looking back, I’ve discovered that the lack of progress in that area is sad. I wasted so much time worrying about my weight when I should have been enjoying life. On the other hand, I used to write down my ideal day or my ideal job. And, over the years, I have achieved that!
Record Your Story
When you write down your story, you are recording history. We can use our stories to inspire others. Especially as women, our stories need to be heard and seen. Record events for your kids to read about later and pass down to their kids. Be sure to leave your mark on this world. The journal prompts in my Journal eBook will get you started.
Related Post: 9 Ways to Fill a Journal
A Way to Let it All Out!
Instead of beating yourself up or letting negative feelings fester, write it all down. You will be surprised how quickly those feelings go away! Writing takes the edge off toxic feelings and emotions. Use the pages to remind yourself the next time how great you really are.
Discover More About Yourself
When you write down your gratitude and affirmations, you are discovering what makes you happy. Pay attention to what comes up for you when you journal. What makes you feel joy, and what makes you feel sad, fearful, or unworthy? Use your journal time to process it.
Set the Intention for Your Day
Write in a journal every morning. It can guide your days and make every day have purpose and meaning. Write down your intention for the day, what you need to get done, how you are working towards your goals, what feelings you need to let go of, and what you can do to make someone else happy.
Journal Writing Benefits of Freestyle or Guided Journal Writing
There are two ways to write in a journal, freestyle or guided.
Freestyle is my favorite. I love to have a blank page and just start writing. I usually ask the Universe for a little inspiration, and then I just let the words flow. When I write my posts, I have an idea in my mind, and then I just start writing. It becomes my rough draft.
But if that does not sound possible for you, having some guidance will help.
Use a prompt to get your ideas and imagination flowing. Start by writing affirmations or mantras. Keep lists of anything you can think of!
Once your pen moves, let your mind go wherever it takes you. See what you can discover.
Try these Five Automatic Writing Prompts to Help You Download Your Dream Life.
I feel so strongly about the benefits of journal writing that I want everyone to start a daily practice. To help you make the most of this life, I have created
The Living Marvelously Journal.
In it, you will find a year’s worth of weekly journal prompts, affirmations, list ideas, freestyle prompts, and more, all in one place.
Use it to fill the pages of your journal or notebook.
I will continue to write posts that include exercises to write in your journal. It’s important to take action when you read something that speaks to you. Don’t let the information leave your mind so quickly.
“Always carry a notebook. And I mean always. The short-term memory only retains information for three minutes; unless it is committed to paper, you can lose an idea forever.” – Will Self
Make the most of this life by recording it, paying attention to your thoughts, and always discovering more about yourself. Let’s slow life down a little bit and make it meaningful. Find the clarity you need to live marvelously.
The benefits you will gain from journal writing will help. Download The Living Marvelously Journal to start you on your journey!
Other Posts You Might Enjoy:
30 Day Journal Challenge to Inspire You to Write
Thanks, Laurie!
This is great!