Remember Dear Diary?
I got my first one gifted to me when I was 8 years old. You know the kind… the pocket-sized one with its own lock & key? Mine had Holly Hobby on the front. I have been journaling my whole life and love looking back on these different times of myself. I have documented so many dreams, struggles, successes, and dilemmas. Tales of crushes, breakups, family drama, vacations, and all the boring daily details that make me smile now in that “remember when” kind of way.
Sometimes I would write and imagine if somebody else would read it, holding back on sharing it all and trying to leave clues to myself, but eventually, I felt free enough to write it all down unrestrained. Though my journal still had a good hiding place! Writing from the heart captures your experience of right now, which we know can change completely from day to day. We also share stories that seem to repeat over and over. Each page is a snapshot in time, sometimes hard to look at, and as Bridget Jones said,
“everyone knows diaries are just... full of crap.”
No, our thoughts and feelings aren’t really crap, and in fact, they are signals and information. So have compassion for yourself and remember sometimes it’s just nice to get all those ramblings, ideas, and feelings out. There are many reasons to journal - to vent, to document, to discover, to dream, or to reflect. When you read it later, you can reflect, get some distance, and gain perspective on what you write about and the themes that emerge about your wishes, struggles, and motivations. Journaling increases your self-reflective capacity and helps bring greater self-awareness. A window into yourself.
Journaling is one of three simple ways to self-analyze on your journey to balance. You can discover an even deeper understanding of yourself by adding the free-associative journaling method to help you gain access to what has been unconscious (outside of your awareness) and hidden from view no matter what journaling style you choose.
Here are 5 different ways you can practice journaling:
1. Gratitude Journaling
When we practice self-awareness, our eyes and hearts are opened to all we have to be grateful for. This type of journaling can be especially helpful if you’re feeling down, or feeling burned-out, and need reminders of the good you’re surrounded by. At the beginning or end of each day, reflect on and write down at least 3 things you’re grateful for.
2. Free-Associative Journaling™
Free association is a way to know yourself more deeply and meaningfully. Free-associative journaling is a powerful and simple self-analytic technique to help you discover your thoughts and feelings. You can deepen your understanding of your inner world and create your own unique blueprint of symbols, themes, and unfolding wisdom. The practice can be used anytime to promote self-awareness.
The best part? It’s easy! Write every thought and feeling that comes to mind revealing your inner world as well as experiences in the outer world. Let your mind flow and write it all down. No thought is too silly or unimportant. Suspend judgment and just notice while being open, curious, and honest with yourself.
3. Dream Journaling
Our dreams are Windows to our Unconscious, the part of our mind that operates outside of our awareness and holds so many powerful nuggets of wisdom. We can begin to unlock and unravel the mysteries of our minds through the stories of our dreams - including our wishes, fears, and conflicts. You may want to learn even more by observing what you daydream about as well. Remember dreams are gifts from your unconscious and open up a rich opportunity for self-discovery.
Sounds intriguing, doesn't it?! Write your dreams down with as much detail as possible. No detail is too insignificant or unimportant. Use the free-associative journaling technique with each element of your dream. What themes show up in your dreams? What messages are you discovering? Remember that important clues are often disguised. The Free Dream Interpretation Guide can help you learn more about how to interpret your dreams once you write them down or you can grab your own dream journal here.
4. Inner Wisdom Prompts
Feeling stuck? Try using journal prompts! Seek out prompts that address important areas in your life like relationships, early life, career/work, and self-awareness. If you want the ultimate guide, check out the Inner Wisdom Journal which features over 120+ journal prompts and plenty of blank space for your insights!
5. Goals and Manifestation Journaling
A manifestation journal is a space to write down your dreams, goals, life plans, and other desires – no matter how BIG or small they may seem! This type of journaling is focused on setting goals, finding meaning, and believing in yourself while mapping your journey forward. It can also help you gain more clarity about your aspirations & motivations, track your progress, and keep you accountable to yourself.
Happy journaling!
I would love to hear about your experiences with journaling. Email me at hello@windowstowisdom.com or follow me on Instagram and send me a message!
All my best,
Jamie
More Windows to Wisdom® resources to support you on your journey to find balance: