Journaling

For lots of years, I wrote in a journal every morning. Then, when I first started blogging, I stopped. Perhaps I thought that the writing of a blog entry could somehow take the place of journaling. Perhaps I just didn't want to spend the extra time in an already busy day.

I was wrong. Writing blog posts is not a substitute. I miss all the rewards I gained by making my daily entries in my lovely notebooks. Having pulled them out and looked at them again, I also realise that they contain all sorts of drawings and emphera from my life that I pasted in as mementoes of whatever I was doing. They bring back memories and are a treat to look at now.

 I am going to start journaling again because, for a little effort, they pay off in so many ways.

Journaling can help you to:

1. Decrease stress.

2. Increase creativity. Accesses the left-brain, keeping it occupied so that the right-brain is free to play.

3. Improve your mood.

4. Accelerate personal growth.

5. See patterns in your life.

6. Clarify your thoughts and feelings, help you to better understand yourself and problem-solve.

7. Organize your thoughts and draw up a plan of action.

8. Track progress towards a goal.

9. Make decisions.

10. Record ideas as they come to you, so you don't lose them.

11. Regain balance and harmony.

12. Increase your focus.

13. Access the unconscious and sub-conscious.

14. Gain insight.

15. Exercise your mental muscles.

16. Espress yourself.