My Daily Journaling Practice
I journaled here and there in my teens, but didn’t develop a habit of talking to myself through the written word until 2007 at the ripe age of 21.
I had always kept a notebook though, even before embarking on the journaling journey, as one of my many identities is that of a “writer”, whatever that means. I communicate best in writing. Whether passing notes in class, or writing an essay about something I didn’t know anything about, or writing a letter to a judge to please excuse my stupid 18-year-old-self for making a stupid decision, writing was and is where I feel most comfortable and was and is where and how I am best able to express myself and figure things out.
Since 2007 I have filled countless notebooks ranging in all shapes and
sizes. Some hardcover some soft. Some ruled, some blank, some dot grid,
some grid. I don’t discriminate when it comes to how the paper looks or
how it is bound. I just need a blank page, a pen or pencil, and some
time to think and write. Sometimes a napkin will do just fine.
My usual routine is to write each morning after a walk outside. Before that, after waking up, I’ve probably already written out a few passing thoughts in the small notebook I carry with me wherever I go (usually a Field Notes). Sleeping typically provides my brain with the time and space it needs to do what it needs to do, and some mornings it has things for me to record. I record those, make coffee, go for a walk, pour another cup of coffee, then sit down to write.
The second (and usually a third) cup of coffee is for journaling. Reflecting on the previous day, writing out what I hope for the day ahead, or writing through a challenge I am currently facing. Sometimes it is pages upon pages of writing, other times just a few lines. I don’t have a goal page or word count, but I do write until there is nothing left to say.
Journaling has seen me through some pretty crazy times. Lots of highs and lots of very low lows. Turning the page is always refreshing though, the blank page has a way of telling me that everything is going to be alright.
In addition to getting a solid night of rest as often as possible, I think the one other thing I can safely recommend to every human being out there is to keep a journal. Don’t complicate the process, just have somewhere that you can talk to yourself. Results may vary, but I think you’ll find that it is eventually life changing.
More to write about this, but that’s for later. Now, it is time to move into the day ahead!
Have a good one!
~ Aaron
Grateful log for Wed, 20 Mar 2024
- Remembering who the heck I am
- My daily journaling practice
- The sun is shining today!