Journaling as a Tool for Self-Discovery  

Connect to the Inner You 

Before you get overwhelmed by the what and how of the journaling process, I must tell you: You don’t have to have it figured out.

Keeping a journal is like having a conversation with yourself. It helps you reconnect with your inner voice and be friends with yourself. When time feels like sand slipping through your hands, writing it down in your little diary can slow down the momentum around you and help you regain a sense of control in the world. Here’s how to get started:

Select a Journal. 

I have a ‘Hello Kitty’ journal (because who doesn’t love Hello Kitty?), but you can choose any journal of your preference. The idea is that it should motivate you to pick it up and write in it. Selecting a journal is a part of the process. In fact, you don’t have to buy a “writing” journal necessarily; you can select an art journal, scrapbook journal, or a blank page journal that you doodle in and sticker-ify yourself.

If you are completely clueless, just go and peruse the diary/journal section at Target or Miniso and choose one that speaks to you. You don’t have to invest in a new diary for your journal—you can use whatever you already have, as long as you use it well!

Select a technique. 

Often, when we think about journaling, the question “What should I write?” comes hanging off its arm.

While you can always switch up your styles, it helps to choose a technique at the start to maintain consistency.

1. The “Rant about my day” Method—Just write whatever comes to your mind. Don’t care about the grammar or the syntax. Use slang words if you are feeling lazy about it. This is about freeing up space in your brain. This method helps when you have a lot going on in your mind. Once you write it down, you don’t have to think about it anymore.
2. Bullet Journaling—Anything that can be done in a regular journal—but in bullet points! For the ‘Monica’ in you, you can make your journaling organized—use it as a daily diary, calendar, or to-do list.
3. Gratitude Journaling—If you’re someone who battles with negative thoughts regularly, keeping a gratitude journal can not only help uplift your mood but also your physical well-being. Keep it simple; just write 5 things you’re grateful for. It’s also a no-pressure zone; if you can only think of one, write that down.
4. Art journaling—The purpose of the blank pages of a journal is unique to each person. If you haven’t been able to revive your artist self, this is your time and space. Create a visual experience that speaks to your state of mind. You’re free to choose any medium and any page.
5. Journaling prompts—If nothing gets your pen flowing, having prompts like, “What’s the best thing that happened today? What would people say are my best qualities? What have I accomplished recently that I am proud of?” can get you going.

Select a time and place.

Do I have to do it in the morning? No. Do I have to make coffee? No. It’s not about what you “have to” do. It’s about what you want to do. You can journal anywhere and anytime, if that works for you. However, as a newbie, it helps to choose a time and a safe corner to get you started. Personally, I journal at night to write about the happenings of my day.

WHAT CTRL+Z SUGGESTS

Every entry doesn’t have to be deep and soul-baring; often the act of writing about even mundane stuff is therapeutic in itself. Even if you think it’s not your cup of tea, I suggest you give it a try. Uncle Kafka journaled on his worst days, so you have no excuse. Most importantly, whether you’re an avid journaler or a newbie, remember to give yourself grace! It’s not a race; it’s a journey you take with yourself.