Topic: Challenges of Journaling
Journaling did not come naturally to me.
Don’t all teenagers keep a diary or journal? No. Not me.
As an adult, I had an on-again, off-again relationship with journaling for 20 years; I started a consistent habit three years ago. At that time, I literally challenged myself to write gratitude for thirty days. When that stuck, I challenged myself to write morning pages for three months. As you know from last week’s post, that stuck, too.
Meeting the challenge of journaling consistently helped me become a daily journaler.
I continued journaling after my initial challenges because I felt the benefits each time. The trick was to stick with it long enough.
When I read my friend Alexandra’s post on X/Twitter, I immediately thought, “That’s journaling!”
We expect instant gratification in so much of what we do. But journaling isn’t for those looking for immediate gains. We must to give the process time.
Journaling is a process—a self-discovery exercise. Noticing and acknowledging each small step in the process, helps you grow in the practice.
The first small step of the process I needed to achieve was to consistently journal gratitude. Consistency in itself was something to be proud of and celebrate. When I saw the benefits of gratitude and writing my thoughts, I fell in love with journaling.
The more I journal, the better I understand “falling in love with the process.” Each aspect of journaling can be considered a step. Each step will yield different benefits.
My approach to journaling has changed from determined and wary to accepting and appreciative. I’ve grown to love it because I know it will not fail me.
In the journal, I am at ease. - Anais Nin
I look back at where I was three years ago and wonder why I thought it would be so hard.
If you journal, try this prompt:
What is the journaling process like for you? Have your feelings about it changed over the course of your experience?
I would love to hear from you. How did you first start journaling? Leave a comment, and let’s start a conversation.
Thank you for reading.
Until next time,
✍️ Susan
Special thanks to my friend and fellow journaler/writer, Ruben Garcia, for creating a list of notable quotes about journaling.
Do you know a journaler who would enjoy this newsletter? Please share it.
If you are new to From The Pen’s Nib or you want this to arrive automatically in your inbox, subscribe. You can subscribe for free to my newsletter to receive new posts and support my work. I do not use affiliate links.
Items of interest:
📸I love adding a visual interest to my journal. The same is true for my newsletters. Each week will feature a picture I have taken corresponding with the month the edition is published unless otherwise noted. I’ve taken daily pictures since 2020. I have many to share!
📰From The Pen’s Nib is my second newsletter. My first, Pen to Paper, is about gratitude and the good in life. If you haven’t seen it, check it out. It may be for you.