Dear Diary ...... I began writing in my journals since I was 8 years of age. I can remember my first “diary” and where I wrote in it. I was travelling in a rental car in California, my father driving, as we were ending a family Spring Break holiday; heading back to John Wayne Airport, the windows were down and a warm breeze was passing through, as I was writing through the swaying and stops. I believe I remember this moment so vividly because I wrote it down.
Important dates have never been missed. Good and bad moments have never been missed. Travels to new places have never been missed. Delicious meals and celebrations with family and friends have never been missed. New friendships, old friendships, first love, heartaches, my first vehicle, awards, failures, meeting my soul mate, our Wedding Day, welcoming our babies into the world, all has been written. As life continued on I would often look back at my journals and reflect where I was, in my state of present self “then”, compared to who I am “today“.
It became a very mindful practice that I will forever continue with. I used to begin with “Dear Diary” and I slowly evolved to the date and some mindful thoughts. In the good moments, the feelings are left on paper to remember, reflect on, savour and enjoy. Through the hard times, journaling has helped me internally accept what is, where my strengths are, where I can improve on and who I want to continue to be. It has heightened my memory, senses, awareness, compassion and empathy. Journaling has allowed me to be a mindful teacher to myself.
Some ideas on what to journal:
🖊Start with simply writing down some thoughts for the day, the weather, your mood, what’s happening with life as is today.
🖊Write what inspires you.
🖊Write a list of your favourite songs/artists that give you a response internally good or bad.
🖊Write when a delicious meal/recipe was made that your taste buds don’t want to forget.
🖊Write about a fascinating experience when travelling that you would replicate in your own book.
🖊Write what you are grateful for.
🖊Ask yourself questions using dominant hand. Answer those questions with subdominant hand.
🖊Write about the important loved ones in your life and your relationship.
🖊Write about the smells and sounds you remember after going for a hike in the forest, walking in the sand on a warm beach or snowshoeing through crisp knee deep snow, or walking through a city.
🖊Write when a newborn is welcomed to your family.
🖊Write when a loved one passes.
Write your life story and close each page of yesterday accepting that today starts another blank page in the present. XO
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