“You’re always with yourself, so you might as well enjoy the company.” – Diane von Furstenberg
One common personal self-care practice that is commonly spoken about is journaling. What better way to keep yourself company than through the practice of journaling.
If you have the tendency to keep busy, and find it difficult to just “be” with yourself, journaling may be the practice for you.
Personally, I have had a conflictive relationship with journal writing. I start and then stop… leaving in my wake several blank and unfinished journals. Many can probably relate to this.
When I was younger, my oldest sister would gift me with journals for Christmas holidays and I would eagerly write down my thoughts and feelings; in addition to many other things. But as I grew older, that practice became more sporadic.
This past year has been a little different for me. I have reconnected with my journal again. Indeed, I have befriended myself through journal writing.
As pretty much all of us have gone through quarantine to varying degrees at some point this past year, my time in quarantine was spent with a lot of personal, reflective time. Which honestly, I deeply appreciated and needed.
If you’re interested in spending more time with yourself, in keeping yourself company through self-reflection, below are some ideas for journaling that I have found helpful and ones that my clients have mentioned were helpful:
Gratitude journaling: A wonderful practice to cultivate gratitude and appreciation in one’s life. To help move out of scarcity mode of lack, and move into an abundant mode of thankfulness. Write down 3-5 things that you are grateful for. You may wish to do this right when you get up in the morning; which can help generate uplifting feelings to the start of your day. Or perhaps something you do at the end of your day; whereby, you reflect on the day, acknowledging what you appreciated, and wind down into sleep with a grateful heart.
Free flow journaling: Some people find this type of journaling difficult. Myself included. And if that is the case for you, it could be a signal that this style of journaling might be what you need most. This is the practice where you release and freely write; without filtering, without overthinking, and just write whatever comes to mind. Some find this practice helpful as it allows one to release what’s occurring internally down on paper rather than getting lost in one’s head. For others, this style of journaling can be a way to vent frustration/anger or process other emotions getting stirred up. If you still struggle with free flow journaling, you may wish to try the next one.
Reflection prompts journaling: For those struggling to come up with things to write, this may be a style of journaling you might prefer. Or for those new to the practice, this may be a helpful starting point. This style of journaling is a great way to start to reflect on various areas of your life. It can also be helpful with intention setting. A number of journals sold at bookstores provide reflection prompts that can help nudge the process of journal writing. Below are some examples of journaling prompts:
What is your intention for this month?
What are you hoping to release?
What are you creating space for?
What may be getting in your way?
Inspiration journaling: I love this kind of journaling. It could be jotting down whatever inspires you… a quote, lyrics from a song, messages you hear on your favourite podcast. Or something you visually see that inspires you… art work, nature, photography. When inspired, reflect on how it makes you feel? Why is it important to you? How does it resonate in your life? Inspiration can also arise when you come up with an idea or several ideas. Again, jot it down. Write down all the ideas that are arising in your mind and then continue with the flow of inspiration (similar to free flow journaling).
There are many more options for journaling than the ones I have just listed. These are just some that may help support your personal daily practice and a great way to spend time with yourself.
And in your own reflection; please keep in mind, to reflect with patience, compassion and steer clear from the comparison trap. Write as if no one is watching.
May this act as a gentle reminder for you to nurture and cultivate a loving relationship with yourself.
May you keep yourself company as an act of self-love.
*Please remember, if someone is dealing with a mental health concern (depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, etc) and are keeping themselves busy to cope or avoid difficult feelings, they may want to speak with a qualified therapist. Please reach out to a qualified mental health professional in your area (i.e. registered social worker, registered psychotherapist, registered psychologist) if this refers for you.*