How to Start Journaling for Self Discovery
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Embarking on a journey of self discovery is one of the most empowering things we can do for ourselves.
After all, without knowing our true selves – our values, our beliefs, our gifts and the purest aspects of our identity – how can we actually live as our true selves?
A few years ago, I – just like millions of others –found myself in the middle of a global pandemic and an identity crisis to go along with it. I had lost myself. And the most unsettling thing about it was I didn’t know for sure whether the pandemic caused it, or exposed what had already been there, shoved under the rug, for a long, long time.
One of the single most important things I did to help myself get clarity on all this was to journal. Repeatedly. Every single day, until the answers to my questions just cracked wide open.
In this post, I’m sharing:
The benefits of journaling for self discovery
Tips for an impactful journaling session
5 powerful prompts
Tips to get started journaling
My favorite journal reco!
The Benefits of Journaling for Self Discovery
Journaling has been the most powerful tool in my self discovery journey. Just like it did during the pandemic, it has since been able to bring me back to my truth, time and again, and force me to look at what’s driving the way I feel.
Sometimes things we don’t allow ourselves to say out loud are easier to keep inside as thoughts. Other times, things we don’t even want to think about need to be pulled out into the light.
Journaling can help us:
Become more intimately aware of our thoughts and feelings, which is why it’s such a powerful tool for self discovery
Process emotions that are otherwise unhealthy when bottled up or stuffed down
Organize thoughts on paper that are taking up mental space and energy
Put our thoughts and experiences into sequential order, which ultimately helps us see the cause and effect (1)
Tips for Impactful Journaling
Hopefully by now you’re convinced journaling can be an incredible tool for self discovery. But just like most things with personal development, you only get out what you put in.
Using prompts are a great way to get started — they give you something to react to so you’re not just staring at a blank page, wondering where to start.
Here are a few best practices to help make sure your journaling practice is effective and enlightening.
Be as honest and forthcoming as possible.
The more honest you are in what you write, the more fruitful learnings you’ll uncover. When using prompts, write whatever pops into your mind after reading the prompt.
If multiple answers pop into your mind, go ahead and write all of them down. There is no wrong answer and no wrong way to do this (other than not following the three best practices we’re going through right now!)
Do not censor your journal responses in any way.
Do not edit what you write. Do not judge yourself for what lands on the page. And absolutely under no conditions should you write as though anyone else will read your words except you.
The power in using journal prompts is the purity of your responses - what’s truly in your heart and soul, and seeing it in black and white as your truth.
Think of this as a private gift to yourself. Self discovery is all about just that - the self. It’s nobody else’s business what you discover unless you want it to be. But for now, put anyone else’s voice, opinions or influences completely out of your mind. They do not belong here. They are not invited.
Be open and patient with the journaling process.
It may take a few days, weeks or even months to crack open what’s been lying dormant and buried deep within you. Be patient and gentle with yourself and know that your truth will pour onto the page one way or another if you stick with it.
5 Powerful Prompts
After years of trying different methods in my journaling practice, I’ve found there are almost limitless prompts that can help with self awareness and self discovery. These are the ones I’ve found to be most powerful.
What did you enjoy doing when you were a child?
If you were given one year to live, what would you do and why?
What are 3 things you would start doing if you were guaranteed success?
If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing about your life, what would it be and why? Ask yourself “why” three more times.
What’s something about yourself you wish more people knew?
How to Get Started
Journaling is a gentle but powerful pathway to self discovery and personal growth. The prompts above are a good starting point if you’re genuinely interested in learning more about yourself and what motivates your behavior, emotions and thoughts.
Pick just one or try them all. Just get started to see what comes up and to get into the practice of being open, honest and reflecting on what comes up through your writing.
By setting aside time for introspection and using these prompts as a guide, you can gain a better understanding of yourself and cultivate a greater sense of clarity and purpose in your life.
My Favorite Journal
*These are affiliate links. My Starbucks fund kindly thanks you. :)
I’ve bought tons of different journals and notepads over the years. But ever since I came across Fringe Studio’s* Classic Large Paperback journals, they’re all I’ve been using for years now — going through at least 5-6 copies at this point.
First off, the cover designs are beautiful and the gold edging on the pages makes it feel just a little more magical and special each time I flip it open. When a journal’s completely full, I get legitimately excited to pick out the next one.
They’re also the perfect size and great quality – you know when a good journal just feels good in your hands? That’s how this journal is for me.
The journal covers are constantly being refreshed with new beautiful designs and colors. Here are a few of my current favorites!
Watercolor Design,* “This Season” – This is what I’m currently using and it features a lovely, calming watercolor design from the beautiful Morgan Harper Nichols.
Indigo Leaf* – This is the last journal I finished up before purchasing Watercolor Design. I’m all about the bold and vibrant blues!
Jacob,* Memento Collection – Either this or the next one are probably going to be my next picks. Both are on my wishlist!
Iris,* Juliana Tipton Collection
Sources: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_journaling_can_help_you_in_hard_times
