Picture this: you’ve had a rough day, emotions are swirling like a whirlpool, and you’re desperately seeking an outlet. While therapy is a useful practice that helps people confront their traumas and heal along the way, it is expensive and usually not accessible to the common public. There are people who struggle daily yet do not find themselves struggling enough to reach out for help, people who want to seek help but can’t afford it, or people who simply do not want to deal with the hassle of opening the pandora box. Either ways, journaling is an alternative that is both personal and affordable.
When I first started journaling, I just didn’t know where to start! there was so much going on, so much I had to deal with. So the first entry of my healing journal was simply, I am writing to navigate through my complex emotions, to find answers within myself, and if not, to express myself without fear of judgment. That was the first brick, the first step towards building a strong foundation, one brick at a time.
I have put together some tips for those who want to start journaling, tips to harness your Pandora box and open it little by little.
It Doesn’t Have to Make Sense
In the realm of journaling, coherence takes a backseat. Your thoughts might resemble a jumbled mess, scattered across the pages like puzzle pieces waiting to be assembled. And you know what? That’s perfectly okay. Embrace the chaos, the nonsensical ramblings, the disjointed musings. Allow your mind to wander freely, unconstrained by the shackles of logic or reason. Sometimes, it’s in the midst of the madness that moments of clarity emerge, like diamonds in the rough.
It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
Repeat after me: perfection is overrated. Your journal is not a showcase for flawless prose or impeccable penmanship. It’s a sanctuary for authenticity, a canvas for your unfiltered self. So what if your handwriting resembles a doctor’s prescription or your grammar is a tad wonky? Imperfection is the spice of life, the hallmark of humanity. Embrace the beauty in your flaws and let your journal be a testament to the perfectly imperfect masterpiece that is y
Don’t Force It
Inspiration cannot be summoned at will, nor can creativity be coerced. If the words refuse to flow, don’t fret. Take a deep breath, sip your tea, and trust that the muse will visit in her own time. Creativity thrives in moments of serenity, in the quiet spaces between the chaos of everyday life. Allow yourself the grace to step back, to recharge, to wait for the gentle whisper of inspiration to stir within you.
Find a Quiet Time
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding a moment of tranquility can feel like a Herculean feat. But amidst the cacophony of noise, carve out a sacred space for stillness. Whether it’s the hush of dawn or the silence of midnight, find a time when the world around you is at rest. Dim the lights, silence your phone, and let the gentle rhythm of your breath guide you into the depths of introspection. In the quietude of solitude, you’ll find the fertile soil in which your thoughts can take root and flourish.
Don’t Look Back
Once the ink has dried and the thoughts have been committed to paper, resist the temptation to dwell on the past. Your journal is not a time machine, nor is it a crystal ball to predict the future. It is a snapshot of the present moment, a reflection of who you are in this fleeting instant. So resist the urge to revisit old entries, to scrutinise your past self with a critical eye. Instead, focus on the here and now, on the infinite possibilities that lie ahead. For in the blank pages of tomorrow, lies the promise of a new beginning, a fresh chapter waiting to be written.
Remember, journaling is a deeply personal practice – there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Find what works for you and make it your own. Whether you prefer to jot down bullet points, sketch doodles, or write lengthy prose, the key is consistency. Make journaling a daily habit, a ritual that you look forward to with eager anticipation.
So there you have it, folks – therapy need not break the bank. With nothing more than a pen and paper, you can embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Embrace the transformative power of journaling and watch as it breathes new life into your weary soul. Happy journaling, dear friends!
P.S. Therapy, Journaling, Art, Poetry, or traveling, we all have our ways of dealing with the monsters under our bed. Do what your heart enjoys the most.
