A Box of Forgotten Memories
I have a dusty box of old journals in my closet, divided into two distinct categories. There’s the swooning and love-hungry tween, and then there’s the young wife and mother, craving chocolate and fleeing from PMS and van life (not the trendy version you might think of, but the early 2000s kind IYKYK).
Then, radio silence for the last 15 years. I had plenty of excuses, perhaps some you can relate to: my hand hurts when I write, I don’t have a journal I enjoy using, I’ll never read this again, nothing important is happening in my life, or... Netflix.
A New Journaling Journey Begins
In the last several weeks, I’ve rekindled a love affair with journaling. While I get coached regularly for my mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, I won't rely on my coaches to be available two or three times a day. I choose to engage in this practice on my own, cozy under my soft purple alpaca blanket, scribbling in my peach-coloured composition notebook from Amazon with a random hotel pen.
Journaling as Holding Space for Yourself
Journaling, like coaching, serves as a way to hold space for yourself. Holding space means being present with your emotions without judgment, allowing yourself to feel and process without needing to solve or fix anything. It's a sacred space for compassion and understanding, where you can integrate your experiences. This practice can be helpful during challenging times but is just as powerful for celebrating the good times. (Do we really celebrate ourselves enough?)
Stream of Consciousness Journaling
You might try writing whatever comes to mind without worrying if it seems random or unimportant. Let go of the urge to edit, and don’t focus too much on grammar. Maybe you could experiment with this type of journaling first thing in the morning or before bed to clear your mind.
Daily Reflection Journaling Ideas
At the end of the day, you might reflect on what happened, how you felt, and what you learned. Consider how your thoughts, emotions, and actions shaped your day. You could write about both the highlights and challenges, noting any lessons. Perhaps ask yourself what went well and what you could do differently tomorrow. It is useful to note that writing in a journal by hand engages the brain more fully, helping to enhance memory and emotional processing. The slower pace allows for deeper reflection and mindfulness, creating a more personal and meaningful experience.
Journal Prompts to Deepen Your Practice
Some of my favorite prompts lately have been:
- The story I’m telling myself is...
- Is there any evidence that this is true?
- Am I criticizing myself for something that’s holding me back?
- What would be the opposite of what I’m saying, and how would it feel to embrace that?
Here are some other journal prompts you might try:
- What did I do today that I am proud of?
- How can I incorporate more play and fun into my life to foster creativity and inspiration?
- What did I learn today, and how can I apply this knowledge in the future?
- What did I do today that brought me joy or fulfillment, and how can I incorporate more of these activities into my daily routine?
- How did I feel at different moments throughout the day?
- What are three things I could have done differently today, and how can I learn from these experiences?
- How might I make tomorrow intentional and fulfilling?
You may consider consulting this article: 550+ Journal Prompts: The Ultimate List
Make Journaling Your Own
Whether you journal by scribbling on the back of a napkin, using a leather-bound book, or, like me, a simple composition notebook—what would it feel like to write as if not just you, but your soul, were listening? You could even make it a dialogue with your higher self, your future self, or a higher power.
If creativity is your vibe, maybe splurge on some colourful pens and stickers, or turn your journal into a scrapbook by adding ticket stubs, photos, and other mementos that tell your story. However you approach it, be open to insights, processing, and integration. Journaling is an opportunity for internal alchemy—a space where transformation begins.
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