“Who writes journals? Women who live deeply and reflectively, who regard lives as modern mythic quests and spiritual journeys, women who want to find their own voices and write their own lives.”
Marlene Schiwy, A Voice of Her Own
Many people think that a journal is a diary. This is what I thought many years ago.
But a journal is so much more than keeping track of your daily events.
A journal is a conversation with yourself… your true self.
Journaling is a time to focus on what you love, what you hate, what you fear, what you long for.
It’s a way of knowing yourself on a deep level.
With everything that’s happening in this unpredictable and scary world, now is the best time to keep a journal to help you deal with your emotions and thoughts.
For many, you are on a sort of ‘pause’ with many activities cancelled or on hiatus during the quarantine.
What better way to use this extra time journaling and bring calm back into your life?
For as long as I can remember, my journals have been like my best friends.
They’ve helped me in dark times to pull myself together. They’ve been my go-to places for capturing the precious moments of my life.
My journals have helped me figure out what my next steps are.
Writing in my journals has put me in touch with my highest self, that part that just knows what I need and want.
On days when you are feeling lost, writing in your journal as part of a morning routine will help set you up for your day and motivate you.
Write out these statements and answer them for yourself:
My goals for today are _ __
Today I am grateful for___
Today I light a candle for___
Studies have shown that when you write and acknowledge how you actually feel, you can start to let go of those feelings.
You can use your journal to confront fears you have right now related to the pandemic.
Maybe it's about your family’s health, or money, or your or someone else's career, or maybe it's about the state of the world right now and the unknown we find ourselves in.
You can simply start by answering this question:
What are the things I'm worried about today?
There's no right or wrong, just write down what comes to you.
Maybe you’ve had to delay projects, trips, or special events, or maybe you’re angry that you’re not getting what you want right now.
Write out this statement in your journal and fill in the gap:
The negative things that have happened to me during this quarantine are __
Be honest so that you can start to overcome these feelings.
Getting really clear on what matters to you as a first step, will mean you can then find ways to have more of that in your life.
What do I long for now?
Answering this question in your journal will help you get in touch with the things that are most important to you.
Write these sentences in your journal and answer them:
My values are__ _
My highest dream is __
The legacy I want to leave [the world, my grandchildren, something else] is __
Having a sense of intention is important for our future and when our lives resume to a ‘new normal’ post Covid-19.
Going back to your purpose will help you stay centered and adapt to change.
Use your journal to become clearer about your needs and wants with your relationship and iron out any issues.
Write these sentences out in your journal and answer them:
My relationship right now is __ _
The kind of relationship I’d like to be in is __ _
What I want my spouse to know about me is_ __
Another effect of journaling is that you start to trust your inner wisdom and intuition.
This means you'll find problem-solving easier and less stressful.
You'll find that you become calmer and more patient having spent more time with yourself.
If you are a primary caregiver, have responsibility in your life with work or friends, there will most likely be extra pressure on you right now.
You want to be able to treat the people who need you with kindness and patience.
Then my next online retreat is for you. It starts soon, Monday 18 May, and goes for four weeks.
Because it's online there are no bags to pack, you do it at home and in the time that suits you.
Don't miss out, find out more and sign up today!
Fall is a time for us to slow down, to ground ourselves and to nourish our bodies. This retreat is designed to help you stop and listen to what it is you need right now. It's a fun and restorative weekend with mindfulness exercises, morning yoga, an online cooking class with the fabulous Chef Bai, healthy recipes to try at home, meditations and group calls to connect you with other women.