Self-care: Take Note and Journal
When I get up in the morning, the first thing I do is journal. It’s become a habit. A ritual that’s necessary to starting my day on the right foot.
Journaling focuses my thoughts. It prepares me for what I want to accomplish, and it centers me so I’m able to face any unexpected challenges of the day with the calm certitude that I have everything I need to face them. I usually spend 20 to 30 minutes writing. It puts me in touch with what’s good in my life. And that good energy multiples exponentially, propelling me through whatever the day may bring.
Journaling is easy to do, once you get the hang of it. Don’t know what to write about? Here are five questions to answer:
- What is one good thing that happened to me yesterday?
- What is one challenge I faced yesterday?
- What is one good thing I accomplished yesterday?
- What is one goal for today?
- What is one good thought for the day?
The answers to these questions don’t have to be deep and heavy. They can often refer back to something as simple as a wonderful meal you enjoyed at a favorite restaurant or a good conversation you shared with a friend.
Writing, I’ve discovered, helps us dig up our buried emotions. And in the process, it helps us bring balance to our lives.
I like to journal every morning, but I also journal during down time. Airplane travel time, for example, is a perfect excuse for bringing out my journal and jotting down my thoughts. While you’re securely belted in your seat, you can close off the outside world and focus your thoughts on your own sanctuary space. I never travel without my journal in my carry-on or handbag.
Make journaling a habit, like brushing your teeth. It doesn’t work as well in spurts. Consistency brings clarity. It’s the magic that makes journaling such an important part of self-care.
What do you do to start your day on the right foot?
With gratitude,
Lisa
For my last self-care post, visit https://archive.findingsanctuary.com/self-care-an-ode-to-salt/