Pen to Paper: The Power of a Journal

I used to scoff at the idea of journaling. In my mind, I was picturing people who had the time to sit with a hot cup of coffee, in cozy pajamas blissfully scribbling their thoughts away while sitting in a Pinterest perfect corner of their home. Trust me when I tell you I had no buy-in.

However, my studies in trauma-informed behavior management/therapy, journaling kept coming up over and over again. I couldn’t figure it out. Were kids really able to reflect on themselves that deeply? How could answering a few questions help untangle the complicated thoughts in their heads? There is no way I’ll be able to get my students on board with it, I thought to myself.

Boy, was I wrong.

Not only do they participate, they look forward to it. They start each day with reflection and a sense of release, and it’s more than I ever could have hoped for. And better yet- it only takes about 10 minutes of our day!

Here’s why it works:

Journaling is a powerful and transformative practice that offers numerous benefits for one's mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. At its core, journaling provides a safe and private space for self-expression, allowing individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. In a sense, it’s an opportunity to have therapy- with yourself.

One of the key advantages of journaling is its reflective nature, which can be extremely therapeutic. You know when something major happens, and you just can’t wait to tell someone? Or when you’re feeling lost and need to talk it out with someone? Journaling. Putting pen to paper can be a cathartic process, helping to release pent-up emotions and gain clarity on complex issues. It serves as a trusted confidant, allowing individuals to unload their burdens and reflect on their innermost thoughts.

Essentially, you get to become a professional YOU-oligist. Yes, you’re studying you! Your thoughts, your awareness, your reactions. By regularly documenting your experiences, goals, and challenges, you gain insight into your own patterns of behavior and thought. This self-reflection can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself that you didn’t think was possible.

And goals? Pshh.. considered them crushed. Journaling gives you the confidence to bet on yourself. Did you know, when you articulate your aspirations and dreams on paper, you are more likely to commit to them and work towards their realization? The act of writing down goals helps clarify priorities and create a roadmap for the future.

In a world filled with distractions, taking the time to write allows you to be present and focused on your own inner world. This mindfulness can reduce stress, increase gratitude, and foster a positive mindset.

On a practical level, journaling can also improve communication skills. The process of articulating thoughts on paper helps refine one's ability to express ideas clearly and coherently. This skill can extend to verbal communication, enhancing relationships and interactions with others. In this digital world, that a skill we all need.

In essence, journaling is a gift you give to yourself—a practice that nurtures your mind, heart, and soul. Whether you use it as a tool for self-discovery, stress relief, or goal achievement, the benefits of journaling are far-reaching and contribute to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Now…

Imagine we teach kids to practice this every day. Imagine the emotional intelligence they’ll gain long before they become adults trying to navigate the world.

I have created journals for adults and children through my Clarity journal collection. The Clarity Closet allows adults to be honest and reflective with themselves about topics they want to focus on for their own growth. They are 30 day journals that you can print directly, and put into your own binder. Each day includes a prompt, a word of the day, a goal tracker, and emotional reflection.

The Clarity for Kids offers a more simple, yet very conscious way to be mindful of their own strengths and weaknesses. They are 10 day journals that offer an emotion tracker, a doodle zone, “morpheme magic” (vocabulary building), and a character based journal prompt.

I hope you’ll invest in yourself for at least a few minutes a day. You’ll be amazed at how much you’ll learn and come to love your own beautiful self.