| Consider keeping a journal, a record of self–reflective writing.” It can be a notebook, computer file or blog. “It is a place where you can reflect on yourself and on your experiences, goals, dreams and anxieties. |
| Self-Exploration This is a chance to explore your true thoughts and feelings, learn about yourself and the world around you. “It forces you to focus your thoughts, providing an opportunity to identify your opinions and values.” Therapy “After a long day or a difficult experience, your journal provides a place for reflection. It’s a private opportunity to let out feelings of frustration, anger or anxiety. Writing about your deepest thoughts and feelings, or even about everyday mundane matters, can help you to release pent-up stress, which is vital for your emotional and physical health.” Don’t censor what you write. Get Organized “Writing is an organizational tool. A journal can be a place to gather your thoughts, brainstorm ideas, and plan.” It does not have to be well written or scholarly. “With regular use, writing will become a habit and expand beyond everyday topics to include self-reflection, planning, and goal setting.” Solve Problems You can help solve problems by writing them out and then writing different choices for solutions. Writing requires a different thought process than thinking. “We think in different ways when we write.” Enhance Communication “The more often you write, the more your writing will improve. Journal writing strengthens communication skills, both oral and written.” Unleash Your Creativity “Through writing we become more creative.” You can say that writing is an art. I was always bad at art but I was great at martial arts which is a type of art form. I like writing and I think that I am good at it. Actually I was complimented on some sales letters that I wrote by a multi-millionaire who read them. He was an expert in psychology having spent 12 years in graduate school studying psychology. Then he taught psychology to the CIA. Actually I had not thought of this in a very long time and I just recalled it while writing this. This brings us right to the next benefit. Record Your Experience Doing this gives you a written record of things that happened that will be more precise than your memory. When I started fasting, I kept a journal of how I would feel each day I fasted. “A journal helps you to remember events, experiences, feelings and intentions. It offers a place to record accomplishments, hopes and dreams as well as to retain details that you would probably otherwise forget.” “The more often you write in your journal, the more you will learn about yourself. |
