Journaling | Organizing Vomit
According to Cambridge University Press, there are many health and emotional benefits to expressive writing. I started journaling during the start of COVID after asking some friends how they cope with the lockdown. They suggested journaling and gave me some tips on how to start.
Journaling helped me cure my creative blocks while also helping me work on processing my emotions and thoughts. It was sort of my own silent therapist. If I think I’m missing something or if I’m struggling to find a reason, journaling helped me figure out the 'why'.
Before journaling, I used to run away from any uncertain thoughts I was having or act like they don't exist. Many productivity gurus like Tim Ferriss taught me how to use my journaling habit to sort of 'offload the shit', i.e., focusing on what matters and evaluating yourself cognitively from a bird's-eye view.
I personally keep 2 journals with me: one for my personal life, in which I can vomit my thoughts. This helps me unclog my brain and keep thoughts flowing instead of locking it up. The other journal is strictly for professional/work life, in which I chart my progress/growth. If I want to aim for something much higher in the next 5 years, I need to create a contingency checklist for myself for how I can get there.
How to get started:
There are millions of methods online that tell you how to start. However, I've realized that you need not be a perfectionist about it. The more requirements you have for having "the best journaling lifestyle," the more you'll hinder yourself from journaling. So, you'll have to lower the bar. Don't make it feel like a chore. Here's a suggestion: Write 2 paragraphs a day about anything. Once you start writing, you'll automatically start justifying each action you write about and how you feel about it. And thus, you'll have a clearer view of your thought process.
Also, whatever you write is not going to be perfect or very articulate. As a creative, your thoughts are meant to be messy. Journaling is supposed to organize your thoughts.
Here are some helpful prompts to ask yourself if you don't know how to start:
How am I feeling at this very moment? Why am I feeling that way?
How will my life look in 5 years? Am I satisfied with where it's going?
In conclusion, journaling has been my trusty sidekick during these wild times. It's like having a personal therapist without the awkward silences or the hefty bills.
