Healing and hypnotherapy Volume 4, Special Mega Annual Issue , 15 June 2020 | Page 62

… and I’m sure there are many other benefits I haven’t mentioned here. For
something so basic, this list shows a stunning array of benefits which virtually
anyone can receive! All we need to do is learn how to make journaling a daily
practice.
How to Start Journaling
My love affair with journaling started at the young age of 10. I think the first
ever journal entry I wrote was about my goldfish who had died and how sad I
was. Being a sensitive introvert, recording my thoughts just seemed to come
naturally to me as it allowed me to process what I was going through.
Journaling was also a private space to open my mind and heart and share
what I was too shy to tell others. In my teenage years, I journaled each and
every day without fail, and it was a lifesaver. Journaling was probably the
number one thing that got me through all of the depression, fear insecurity,
and confusion of growing up – particularly during my process ofspritual
awakening and the turmoil of separation from my family.
As I’ve matured, I now feel much more comfortable sharing my thoughts and
feelings publicly (through this website), but I do still record private thoughts
and feelings every few weeks or so. To me, journaling has been one of the
most powerful instruments for mental, emotional, and spiritual growth I have
ever used. Without this daily practice, I don’t think I would have ever learned
half of what I know now.
But journaling is not all sunshine and roses: it can be misused. For example,
when approached in the wrong way, journaling can lead to excessive selfabsorption
and wallowing in self pity. It’s important to take a structured and
solution-oriented approach to recording your thoughts, otherwise, you could
be doing more harm than good. I have made the mistake of using journaling
as a vehicle for blame and self-justification before, so be careful of using
journaling solely for the purpose of ranting and raving without true selfanalysis.
When approached in a healthy way, journaling can lead to decreased
emotional, reactivity more mindfulness, tolerance, understanding, and
ultimately improved relationships both with yourself and other people. In this
way, journaling helps you to let go of emotional and mental suffering and feel