Writing Your Story: Embracing the Practice of Journaling
"Keep writing, and one day you might just become a great writer." Pablo Picasso
While Picasso's words were originally directed at aspiring artists, they hold profound significance for anyone embarking on a journey of self-expression through writing. What Picasso suggests here is not merely the attainment of greatness in the conventional sense, but rather the transformative power of persistent and dedicated practice.
In the context of journaling, Picasso's wisdom takes on a new dimension. Journaling, much like any form of writing, is a process of exploration, discovery, and refinement. It is through the act of putting pen to paper—or fingers to keyboard—that we unearth the depths of our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Just as an artist hones their craft through continuous creation, so too does a writer evolve and grow with each word written.
I have been journaling off and on all of my life. From the poetry and short stories in my teen years to the reflective musings in my twenties, writing has been a consistent companion on my journey. However, life’s twists and turns led me away from writing for a good part of the last fifteen years. In those years of silence, the pages of my journals remained blank.
It wasn't until just before Christmas of 2023 that some personal revelations drew me back to the solace of journaling. I also received two gifts that would reignite my passion for writing: 'The Artist’s Way' by Julia Cameron and 'Write For Life,' also written by her. In both of these books Cameron introduces us to the practice of Morning Pages, which according to her website are “three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness writing, done first thing in the morning. *There is no wrong way to do Morning Pages* – they are not high art. They are not even “writing.” They are about anything and everything that crosses your mind– and they are for your eyes only. Morning Pages provoke, clarify, comfort, cajole, prioritize and synchronize the day at hand. Do not over-think Morning Pages: just put three pages of anything on the page...and then do three more pages tomorrow.”
I have never been an early riser. Before now I have notoriously hit the snooze button half a dozen times before getting out of bed. However, that has all seemed to change with the introduction of my own Morning Pages practice. I now wake up naturally before 6am and move to my office where I turn on my twinkle lights, wrap myself in my heated blanket (it’s winter at the moment), do a short meditation, and then write for 30-45 minutes.
Through the simple act of journaling, I have found healing, clarity, and, perhaps most surprisingly, joy. It was a revelation that caught me off guard—this newfound eagerness to greet each day, not with trepidation, but with anticipation. Journaling has become more than just a habit; it has become my sanctuary, my compass, guiding me through the maze of my own thoughts. As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded that sometimes, the most profound transformations come from the simplest of acts.
Now that I’ve touched on the transformative nature of journaling and its numerous benefits, let's delve deeper into five specific positive outcomes that journaling can offer. In the following sections, we will explore how journaling can help you gain clarity, stop the hamster wheel of repetitive thoughts, release negative emotions, navigate difficult topics, and connect you with your higher self. Each of these aspects contributes to emotional regulation and psychological well-being, offering valuable insights into the power of journaling as a tool for self-exploration and personal growth.
Journaling Helps You Gain Clarity
“I write because I don’t know what I think until I read what I say.” Flannery O’Connor
One of the reasons I wanted to come back to writing is that I was finding that I was relying a lot on other people’s thinking. Whenever I wanted to make a point or discuss a topic I was always thinking “now what did so-and-so say about this?” It dawned on me that I didn’t actually know what I thought about topics that were important to me.
One benefit of writing is that it helps you get clear on your own thoughts so that you rely less on the thoughts of others. Either through stream of consciousness writing, which is what Morning Pages helps with, or the more deliberate writing where you sit down and write about a specific topic, the practice of actually sitting down with pen and paper (or at a computer) will give you the space to download your own thoughts and feelings without judgment.
The more you write the clearer your mind will get, which then helps in sharing your thoughts with your friends, family, and the rest of the world.
Journaling Helps Stop The Hamster Wheel
“Write what disturbs you, what you fear, what you have not been willing to speak about. Be willing to be split open.” Natalie Goldberg
I’m not sure if everyone is like this, but I know that there are certain thoughts that can get stuck in my head and I will go over and over them until I find some sort of outlet to get them out. A lot of times for me that will be writing them down. There are even times where I have considered (I haven’t yet done it) getting up in the middle of the night to journal because a thought just won’t stop spinning in my head. But the moment I write it down, the moment I’m able to articulate it and get it out of my head it’s an instant moment of release. I give it to the page and then let it go.
I don’t know the exact science behind this, but I have experienced it enough to know it works. So if you find yourself dwelling on a certain thought, write it down. In a journal, on a piece of paper, on a napkin, whatever, just write it so that you can start the process of releasing it.
Journaling Helps Release Negative Emotions
“I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.” Anne Frank
Similar to the point above, writing about negative emotions can help release them. The page is a safe place to accept and disclose whatever may be bothering you and will help you avoid suppressing those feelings inside your body. This can be a very powerful healing technique and is one that many therapists and coaches recommend.
I find that full sentences aren’t even necessary. Journaling can help you understand what you are feeling just by jotting words down - Discouraged. Sad. Confused. Whatever you are feeling, write that down. Then more words may come. You may want to describe how this feeling came to you, what happened, or perhaps describe where in your body you are feeling it. The words don’t actually matter, what matters is getting whatever you can out of your head and onto the paper.
Journaling Gives You A Space To Explore Difficult Topics
“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” William Wordsworth
By creating a writing practice you give yourself space to explore topics you might otherwise not revisit. This is a space where your deepest, most intimate feelings (or secrets) can come out. Sometimes talking with another person about our thoughts and feelings can be difficult. The journal can either give you a space where you can record these thoughts and leave them there, or it could be a space where you can gain that clarity on what you need or want to communicate to another person.
That said, be sure that you take care of this space. If you are worried about someone reading your journal then make sure you have a plan for keeping your journal safe. I personally use a physical journal, but there are more digital or app-based journals becoming available that require passwords to access.
Journaling Connects You To Your Higher Self
“Journaling is like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time.” Mina Murray
The practice of journaling in and of itself gives you space to be still and contemplate the inner whispers of your mind and heart. With writing you create a practice of quiet reflection with yourself and because of this you open the door to your higher self to come in and offer you guidance.
Not all journaling has to go there, but there are specific prompts that you can use to access your higher self, such as:
Dear Love, what would you have me know today? (this is the prompt from Elizabeth Gilbert’s Letters From Love)
Dear Spirit, what is standing in the way of expressing my authentic self?
Dear Self, what do I most need to attend to today?
Dear Higher Self, can I get guidance on….?
Journaling can create such a beautiful bridge between yourself and your Self. Ask questions and then wait to see what comes. You’ll be amazed at the wisdom that can be downloaded through your pen.
Conclusion - Write Your Story
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” Maya Angelou
We all have a story inside of us. We all have thoughts, feelings, emotions, fears, regrets, shame, joy, awe, and curiosity. Journaling and writing is such a beautiful way to get these stories out. To share them with whoever we want, even if it’s just ourselves.
As you embark on your own journaling journey, remember this: you hold within you the power to unlock the depths of your soul, to navigate the busyness of your thoughts, and to discover the beauty that lies within. May your journal be a sanctuary, a companion, and a mirror reflecting the truth of who you are.
Happy journaling, dear reader, and may your story be as magnificent as the journey that inspired it!
Feature Photo by Jan Kahánek on Unsplash
