Writing a journal is self-care. It helps us organize thoughts and understand oneself and life events. Your journal is a place to express your inner therapist. It awakens your intuition.

You can write anything down because it doesn’t judge. There are times when sharing certain things makes you feel uncomfortable. In a journal, you can express your ideas and feelings in a private, nonjudgmental setting. You don’t have to worry about what it will think of you when you write in your journal. It will be a great listener as you air your anxieties, worries, good moments, stupid thoughts and fears. It never gets in your way or outdoes you with its own experiences, it is just there to listen.

I sometimes console and give myself advice. My journal/diary is like my good friend.

I still recall receiving the Princess Diaries book as a present from one of my acquaintances. I was 12 and I fell in love with keeping a daily diary after finishing that book. I was the main character in my diary. I used to express both my feelings of joy and despair before going to sleep. I used to enumerate everything that happened to me during the day. As the days and years passed, I changed, and so did my writing style. Over time, I also began keeping a gratitude notebook, affirmations and reflections in my daily diary. That is how my journaling journey began.

In my gratitude journal I use some journal prompts that have really helped me be calm and present. I begin by listing things I am thankful for on that day. Writing a gratitude journal has become my favorite daily morning ritual. For instance, I start by writing:

“Dear Universe, I am grateful for today’s great weather and am just happy to be alive to enjoy this amazing life. I’m grateful for writing my journal while sipping coffee and taking in the lovely sunrays.”

You naturally get happier when you take the time to think about all the wonderful aspects of your life. When you are choosing to focus more on the good things in your life and less on the bad, writing down your gratitude can help you be more optimistic.
Even though these wonderful things of your life may already be present in your subconscious, writing them down gives them more substance and reality.

Reflective journaling is another diary concept. The best way to reflect on your lifelong learning is through reflective journaling. Reflective journaling is the consequence of thinking back on significant or life-changing experiences and writing it down.

We can learn from previous similar situations by self-reflecting and writing down what we discover. We can reflect on every aspect of life, and doing so will enable us to comprehend why our life is the way it is right now. You’ll learn about significant life occasions and turning points.

I often utilize the following reflection questions:
1. What did I accomplish this week?
2. Am I being honest with myself?
3. What did you enjoy most about today?
4. At what times do you feel most like yourself?
5. Is there someone whose approval you’re secretly seeking?
6. What do you see yourself doing in five years?

I create daily affirmations journal prompts as well. It could be a financial affirmation, a love affirmation, a study affirmation, or anything else. To write affirmations, write everything down in the present tense, even if it’s something you want to do in the future.

For instance, “I am intelligent, I learn quickly and grasp every knowledge, I always obtain straight A +” rather than “I will study and understand everything taught in the class.” Our minds are quite strong. It alters our beliefs about ourselves or the world and where we fit into it by reprogramming our subconscious minds.

It has inspired me to act and gives me the motivation to keep striving toward my desired goals. I am more focused on my objectives. I have learned your mind must remain consistently concentrated in the “target zone” if you want to attain your goal.

Affirmations can help you feel better about yourself and enhance your confidence. They can also help your subconscious mind access new beliefs. So instead of expecting good things to happen, journaling has prompted me to become more enthusiastic, thoughtful and present.

Edited by Simran Shrestha and LeSha’ Davis