Joys of Journaling

Elle Orchard
Apr 23
2 min read

I’m going to be honest...

When I first started to journal, I found it quite hard work, I’d end up sat down with an open journal in front of me with quite literally no idea what to write. I would find myself getting caught up on things ‘making sense’ and wanting to write in order which ultimately defeated the object! It took me multiple attempts of coming back to it before I really started to realise how good it could feel to put the contents of my brain onto paper! I started by grabbing my journal when I felt super stressed, trying to see it as a way to literally empty my mind but then I realised I found an equal amount of joy in journaling when I was happy and feeling good, noticing how much that could enhance and embrace all of my positive feelings.

I found it became a space where I never had to feel judgement, I didn’t have to edit my feelings and I could be totally free and honest in my expression. It allowed me a more private way to filter through my emotions, I didn’t have to make anything make sense I could just allow it all to spill out onto the paper and I didn’t need an ‘answer’, it just acted as an outlet and a space where I could truly reconnect to myself.

As my journalling practice became more regular I noticed it naturally developed into a little Self Care routine, I would often get super cosy, light a candle, leave my phone to one side and have 15 minutes to be completely focused. It accidentally became a time I could solely spend connecting to myself and found no matter what I was writing I would often come away feeling lighter, refreshed and a little less jumbled.

If you’re keen to start journaling but unsure where to start I’ve left a few prompts below for you..

‘What’s something small that made you happy today?’
‘How do you unwind after a stressful day?
’‘What’s something you’re looking forward to?’
‘Write about a time you truly felt at peace…’

Remember creating good habits takes time, we can’t always expect to feel the benefits from things straight away but if you’re consistent you will find the reward! Good luck with your journaling and I hope you manage to connect with the joy of freedom and expression. Let me know how you got on with the prompts and if you managed to come away feeling lighter too <3