Topic: Journaling Benefits
Have you ever journaled about your actions, reactions, or emotions and had an “Ah Ha” moment about others?
Just a few days ago, I was journaling about my disappointment in plans with friends falling through. We had planned to meet for lunch, and one by one, they cancelled out. I was the only one available. I know there will be other opportunities, but that didn’t keep me from being disappointed.
Then, I did the same to my friends. I missed a monthly dinner. My friend texted to tell me she missed me. It was a simple “Ah Ha” moment.
I might not have noticed if the two events hadn’t happened so close together. Both were recorded in my journal. Moments like these show us how much we are alike.
Our journals are filled with these little “Ah Ha” moments. Some are simple, like my example. others are more complex. In having “Ah Ha” moments about ourselves, we can begin to understand the same thing about others. Understanding and clarifying our actions, reactions, and emotions sheds light on the same for other people. We don’t even have to know them.
Journaling reveals our deepest thoughts. It only makes sense that other people are similar to us. We have our life circumstances and conditions to deal with, they have theirs.
If I am vulnerable, others are vulnerable.
Journaling has helped me understand myself in many ways. It has also helped me understand how others could feel the same way.
We will not always be able to apply the same lessons we learn about ourselves to others, but it increases our awareness of the possibilities that some people can be just like we are.
Not all is obvious to the eye. Journaling provides a lens to view others through when writing about ourselves.
Takeaways:
Journaling reveals “Ah Ha” moments about ourselves, clarifying our actions, reactions, and emotions,
Understanding ourselves leads to understanding others.
Journaling provides a lens to view human behavior.
If you journal, try this prompt:
Who in my life do I criticsize the most or think the least of? What does this person have in common with me? Are my thoughts of this person justified?
Have you ever given someone a little more slack after journaling? Leave a comment and let me know.
Thank you for reading. Keep on writing!
Until next time,
✍️ Susan
Do you know a journaler who would enjoy this newsletter? Or maybe you know someone who should start journaling. Please share my newsletter. I would love to see my audience grow.
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.
📸I love adding 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, Take 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.