Journaling Allows Us to Express Ourselves Without Judgment

Journaling provides a forum where we can express ourselves fully and completely. If we approach this honestly, a journal can become a best friend and confidant. It won’t give needless advice, is never too busy to listen, and is always there for you when needed. Acceptance is a quality we all seek , we have a deep drive to find it. The truth is, majority of us seek in others what we cannot give ourselves. Journaling opens up doors to a process of self-acceptance, without which true healing cannot occur.

Journaling Gets Us Organized By keeping a day planner type journal with notes, it is easier to keep track of “to do” lists, as well as record notes each day of our thoughts, feelings, experiences. Mixing “practical” with art of journaling allows us to keep track of everything in one convenient place. Our grocery lists and goal lists, records, and sudden inspirations can be stored electronically in many instances, allowing us instant access with touch of a button. (Just don’t forget to backup ! )

Journaling Enhances Conscious Living

Writing in a journal can have similar effects to meditation, in that it allows us to bring our attention to full and present awareness. This state of awareness shifts our perspective, and allows us to tap into reserves of creative energy. Many find themselves stuck in routines where creative spark can become lost in shuffle of daily grind. When we run on “auto-pilot” we desensitize to other stimuli. Opening up to daily journaling allows us to reflect on unique beauty of present moment, and allows us to experience life more fully.

Journaling Shows Progress At A Glance

The key to staying motivated is usually being able to see progress being made. Journals can provide much-needed encouragement for those working towards life-changing goals. When in doldrums, it’s easy to flip back to beginning to view path of progress, providing momentum and motivation necessary to ensure success. Journaling can be a great tool for instant-gratification junkie in all of us.

All of these are examples of many ways that journaling can provide necessary tools for personal empowerment. Journaling is a wonderful journey in self-discovery. I hope this inspires others to take this self-healing challenge, pick up that pen or sit at keyboard, and make a commitment to enrich life through healing power of words.

In remainder of this series, I will cover keys to successful journaling as well as different journaling techniques. I will show how anyone can use journaling as a tool for transformation.

We sometimes become so accustomed to allowing our environment to "rain down" on us that every time we try to move forward, we stop and wait for "other shoe to drop." This is not an uncommon feeling as many people remain so set in their situations that they fear what might occur if they move on with their lives.

In other cases, we occasionally enter into a situation that "looks good", but we feel that something better is just around corner. With that, we put our current plans on hold to see what happens next. However, over time, we've accumulated so many unfinished projects that we don't know where to begin. Is it fear of commitment? Perhaps, fear of success? Or, perhaps once we finally make it through to end of these plans, we don't know what will happen next? Many times, it's not so much that we're waiting for something better, but we're afraid of not having something to dream of or aim for once our current plans conclude.

--- What's next? ---

In all cases, life stagnates because we allow it to do so. During change, you must find something to replace loss imposed by trauma or success so that you can continue life's journey, albeit, on a new path. However, only way to re-motivate yourself and stop waiting is to have a Vision or a "dream of meaning". Defining a Vision can make all difference between stagnation and a fulfilling life.

Instead of waiting or worrying that there will be nothing at "end of rainbow", start making plans for your next dream so that you can achieve life you desire. Don't just hang around in hopes that something better will come along, go out and find that something better, and take it!

--- About Author ---

Edward B. Toupin is an author, life-strategy coach, counselor, Reiki Master, technical writer, and PhD Candidate living in Las Vegas, NV. Among other things, he authors books, articles, and screenplays on topics ranging from career success through life organization and fulfillment. Check out some of his recent print and electronic books as well as his articles covering various life-changing topics!

For more information, e-mail Edward at etoupin@toupin.com or visit his site at http://www.make-life-great.com or http://www.toupin.com!