Journaling: Opening the Window to Your Soul

Hey everyone! Today, I am going to bring to you the benefits of journaling. Not everyone can find it in them to journal, but there are different ways to do it. Journaling can be beneficial for both anxiety and depression, as well as general overall mental health like those who have PTSD as well. Today, I'm going to get a bit personal with this so bear with me. I have always been a writer. When I was younger, I wrote stories; as I became a teenager and discovered role-playing and fanfiction, I got into that as well. At the age of 30, I started writing my first novel. I have yet to finish it, but I'm in the final editing stages now. While writing may have always been a passion for myself, it is not always that case for others. So, let's discuss the different types of journaling. Journaling is a very diverse and flexible practice, which is why I always encourage people to try it again and again; because sometimes it's the type of journaling that you are trying that isn't a right fit. There are different ways to practice journaling, each with its own method or medium. You can choose the method that best suits your preferences and needs.

Let's take a look at a brief overview of different journaling methods. You can use a basic word document, or even Google Docs, and type everything out. There are also some great online journals out there too; once upon a time there was one called Xanga, which I loved and used. LiveJournal is another one that has been around for a while too, as well as WordPress, Blogger, or DayOne. Blogging sites are great to use for journaling! I use Blogger for my fanfics that I write, as it's also great for not having a maximum storage space. I still play the online websites like Gaia and Neopets which also have their own journal features. There is also a site called 750 Words, which encourages you to write at least 750 words a day.

Traditional journaling using a notebook is always a great option as well. You can even find specialized journals too; some can include writing prompts, there are also gratitude journals, travel journals, and artistic journals too. You can find them in bookstores like Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. Sometimes even Target and Walmart will have them. Some of the nontraditional journals that I mentioned above, include some of the different styles of journaling outside the traditional form. Those styles include:

1. Gratitude Journaling: This type of journaling involves writing down things you're grateful for. It's a way to focus on the positive aspects of your life and can improve your overall mood and outlook.

2. Bullet Journaling: Bullet journaling is a system that uses bullet points, symbols, and a flexible structure to help you organize and plan various aspects of your life, from tasks and appointments to personal goals and reflections.

3. Dream Journaling: Keep a journal by your bedside and record your dreams upon waking. This can help you understand your subconscious thoughts and experiences. This is a common form of journaling for those who are more into witchy things, as this can help when they read Tarot cards and such for others.

4. Art Journaling: For those who prefer visual expression, art journaling involves combining drawings, paintings, and other visual elements with written reflections. It's a creative way to explore your thoughts and emotions.

5. Travel Journaling: Capture your travel experiences, from the places you've visited to the people you've met and the foods you've tried. Include sketches, photographs, or mementos from your journeys.

6. Song Lyric Journaling: This is a unique form of journaling where you record song lyrics that resonate with you. You can also write about why a particular song or lyrics are meaningful to you.

7. Reflective Journaling: Use your journal for self-reflection and personal growth. Write about your goals, accomplishments, challenges, and what you've learned from your experiences.

8. Stream-of-Consciousness Journaling: Set a timer for a specific duration (e.g., 10 minutes) and write whatever comes to mind without filtering your thoughts. This can help you clear your mind and uncover hidden thoughts and emotions.

9. Letter Journaling: This can be any type of letter. Some people have written letters in a journal to their future spouse, or to their children; even to their future self. You don't even have to write "Dear so-and-so" with a name, you can just journal in a letter format.

10. Emotional Journaling: Write specifically about your emotions and feelings. This can help you gain a better understanding of your emotional states and how they change over time.

11. Project or Goal Journaling: Use your journal to plan, track, and reflect on specific projects or goals in your life, whether they're related to your career, personal development, or hobbies.

Personally, I have three journals that are just filled with dates and song lyrics. When I get really emotional, and I can't find the words but there is a song I will write down the song lyrics. There are some days I will write two or three songs down, even! I, also, once upon a time, had a journal that I had written to my future husband. I gave it to him after we were married, and it had a lot of personal things in there; some that he knew, and some that he didn't. Sometimes it's hard to talk about the really deep things with your partner, and doing a journal for your future spouse can help bring up ways to start the deep discussions that you may want to take place.

Journaling can be very therapeutic, and it's so versatile that there really is no wrong way to journal. I hope this has given you some great insight to different types of journaling, and different places that you can journal. So, until next time friends: stay safe, stay healthy, stay hydrated, and there is no wrong way to express your feelings when you write things down!