Sometimes, I just have one of those days.
I receive a bad grade on a test I spent hours studying for or I open my to-do list where nine items tagged “Complete Today” are thrown at me.
What I do on these days varies. I take long naps, scroll through my phone, vent to my friends or even cry it out. But in the end, you will always find me sitting on my bed with a pen, marker and journal.
The page is titled “My Thoughts Today,” and this is my space.
“Today I ate cookie dough and I realized it’s my favorite dessert. I feel like it’s not a very common favorite dessert but that shouldn’t matter because it’s so delicious.”
“I listened to music for six hours today. I think I am more productive on the days I listen to the most music.”
“I need to stop overthinking.”
My journaling did not start as a cry for help or even as a desire for self improvement – it started as a Target trip.
I take notice of a soft leather journal, but then the $15 price tag and my mind floods with questions.
Do I really need to spend more money at Target?
What if I never use it and I feel bad for wasting money?
What if journaling doesn’t do anything for me?
But I ended up doing the thing people often do on Target trips: Buy the cool thing. Since, journaling has become one of my favorite self-care practices.
After encountering a difficult circumstance, I write all the details in my journal. Putting my thoughts on paper helps to make them tangible, and therefore manageable. Rather than my emotions being unfamiliar sensations, I am able to analyze the why behind them and can work towards solutions.
With a pen between my fingers, it acts as a buffer between my expression and thoughts. Writing something out takes time, slowing down my thoughts. This slow process makes journaling uniquely relaxing, and also gives me time to think and discover myself.
The paper accepts my feelings without any judgment. Having my experiences written somewhere helps to relieve the burden of remembering.
Not only does journaling help with working through negative emotions, it also becomes a beacon of positive storytelling.
Sure, I can capture incredible experiences through pictures or videos, but those can only go so far helping me remember how I experienced something. Documenting the details of a joyful day makes it so I can relive the experience as many times as I want, and remember how I lived it, not just that I experienced it.
For anyone wanting to journal, start with purchasing one appealing to your aesthetic. This can help you feel connected to an otherwise mundane object.
Additionally, you can also purchase visually appealing pens, markers and stickers but try not to overdo it. Going overboard on stationery can make it difficult to journal, because every time you do, you might be faced with indecision on which pen to use. Journaling is more about your intention and less about the final result.
Once you get your journal and stationary, set your intention of what you want out of journaling and make this your first page prompt.
I do not journal everyday, but only when I feel inclined to. You do not need to do it everyday for it to be an effective practice.
That being said, if you are having trouble getting your thoughts to flow, try to journal for just five minutes a day about the first thing that comes to mind.
It does not matter if what you are writing about is simplistic, such as a list of all your current favorite songs or complex or steps to stop overthinking your social interactions. As long as you are being authentic, journaling will serve its purpose.
You do not need to limit your journal to just writing. I like pasting receipts from brunches with my friends or doodling after I write. Though this might feel like using a sketchbook or scrapbook and not a notebook, it can belong in your journal as long as it is your authentic expression
After journaling for long periods of time, you will thank yourself for doing so. Looking back at your past journal entries helps you see your growth on paper and monitor your goals.
So sometimes when you just have one of those days, you could take a nap, scroll through your phone, vent to your friends or even cry it out. But I recommend trying to journal as well. Write your way through your sorrows, thoughts and joys. Let the spaces between the lines become your space.
