Since I was in elementary school, I've always had a habit of journaling. My mom has always encouraged me to write down what I've experienced so that I can reflect on it later. At first, journaling started out as a bit of an embarrassment; at the time, keeping a diary was considered girly and "cringe", (perhaps this is because it was the time period when Rachel Renee Russell's Dork Diaries became so popular).
However, now that I'm 16, I've found that my views on journaling have changed completely.
1. It allows me to meditate on my feelings
Often, when we're very frustrated or something isn't going our way, we tend to get caught up in the moment, leading to impulsive and negative decisions. I've found that journaling helps me focus on getting my thoughts out onto paper and helps me pinpoint the root cause of my emotions. Determining the problem then allows me to set an action plan for how I want to address similar issues in the future. This way, journaling not only helps me cool down if I'm emotional but also sets me up for success in the long run. It's a win-win, right?
2. It allows me to reflect on past experiences and memories
From elementary school to now, I currently hold three completed journals bursting with my school experiences, tales of frustrating or successful performances, and recounts of my feelings. I also enjoy taping in little things that remind me of special events, like birthday cards from friends, movie tickets, and Homecoming photos. Sometimes, I find myself flipping through my journals and recalling my first time winning the school spelling bee, the unfamiliar stagnant atmosphere during the pandemic, or going to watch the Barbie movie with my friends. I'd like to imagine that when I'm old and out of books to read, I can pore over my own journals with fresh eyes as if I am reading a coming of age novel of growth and maturity.
3. It provides a platform for self-discovery and evaluation
Only recently, I've started using my journal to evaluate where I am and how I want to proceed in the future. As a busy high schooler, I don't have much time during the day to reflect on my goals for the future or who I want to grow up to be. Journaling has proven to be a sacred place for me to be honest with myself.
I've found that asking myself questions is the best starting point for self reflection.
In case you're interested, I've left a few questions for you to consider:
- What are you looking forward to this year?
-What's the worst thing that will happen if I do the thing that I fear doing?
-What does my life look like 5 years from now if I continue down the same path?
Throughout the years, my relationship with journaling has at times struggled, strengthened, and is now on its path to blossoming. There are days when I can't find time to write out how I feel, or times when I simply feel too tired to think through my thoughts. However, through journaling, I've learned to accept my feelings, think through my emotions calmly and composedly, and have embarked on my journey of self-discovery and improvement.
Now that you've seen how journaling has changed my life, I'd like to ask you: How will journaling change yours?
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