Do you journal? Does it make a difference in your life?

I've been Journaling since I was about 11 or younger. It's my favorite thing to do and when it's not being done it's obvious.

I word vomit a lot more. I feel anxious and confused. I feel misunderstood. All because I have taken too long to tell my version of the stories and think out all angles of good/bad situations in my own life. It also feels like I'm exercising my wrist and finger tips. Re-learning things about myself by seeing my hand writing that rarely gets expressed besides signing receipts or filling out little boxes on forms and applications.

Journaling, to me, is essential. It's a safe space to hang loose, change my mind, and "jump up and down" about sensitive subjects and then it's also practice to do those things in public and with others.

The itch to journal is as strong as the restless knee that I get because I really want to workout. There's science about how good it is for you. And thanks to a few cool minds, it can be done online or off. Digitally or on paper. It's so great!

I even have journal preferences (sorry friends who gift me journals.. I do actually give them away or use em for lists). My journals have to be bound like a novel. And the cover has to be thick and wrapped in a durable material like cloth or leather. It also has to be big like a piece of paper so I can scribble and draw and highlight points with ease. Shopping for journals is fun and not as easy as one would assume.

Journaling helps one to dream. To scheme. To be free. Or maybe even buckle down and get clear on what's next. It's not for everybody and I can see why. I do suggest that people give it a try. Whether through a private blog or jotting stuff on paper and throwing it away.. give it a shot! And let me know how you feel after a few days.

Don't be surprised if it's like trying to start making up the bed every morning and don't be surprised if it becomes your new necessary morning cup of coffee.

*thanks for reading my random passion post on something I love so much and just felt moved to talk about. lol

Happy journaling! :)

Melissa