Why NOW is a great time to journal

These are interesting times in which we are living and should be captured.  With a global pandemic invading our lives, the day-to-day "normal" is so different.  For example, a typical day now finds many at home.  At our house, my husband works downstairs on video conference calls, my daughter sits at the main floor computer logged into her school account doing school work online, and I'm  in my office working on my computer.

Today, I needed to drop off some packages at the post office, so while out I decided to run a couple of errands.  I went to two stores.  In order to limit the number of people in the stores, both had workers outside wearing masks and holding clickers to keep track of how many people were in the store at a time.  A line of customers were outside spaced 6 feet apart and were allowed in to the store one-by-one as customers in the store made their purchases and left. 

Inside, drinking fountains were covered in plastic, and instead of the usual bustle of people, there was an eerie quiet in the nearly empty stores.

These are unique times, and there has never been a better time to journal.  Writing about the historic events of the day and changes to your daily routines is fascinating stuff.  You and your posterity may be interested in looking back and reading about it someday.

The lifestyle changes being put upon you right now creates some challenges.  Being cooped up in your house all day can make you a bit stir crazy, and maybe even depressed.  It's normal to feel lonely not seeing coworkers or friends like you used to.  Regular routines may be more difficult if not impossible to maintain as facilities like gyms close, events are cancelled, and other activities are limited. You or your loved ones may be experiencing sickness, loss, or fear surrounding the pandemic.  It is important during these difficult times that you keep things in perspective and maintain a healthy sense of self-worth. Journaling can help.

Having more time to yourself often leads to contemplation.  Take advantage of these introspective moments and journal.  Keep track of your moods and write about your feelings.  This is a great time to reflect on what is most important to you, potential changes you want to make, areas you want to grow in, and skills you want to develop.

I absolutely love writing in my Success Choice Choosing Joy in the Journey journal.  The paper feels so great and is fun to write on.  I like the facing page being blank so I can draw, write additional notes, quotes, or just pull out highlights.  My ink doesn't bleed, and the pages are numbered with an index in the back so I can organize my thoughts.  I have the option of a dotted journal (Choosing Joy in the Journey Journal- Create), or lined journals (All the Classic Choosing Joy in the Journey Journals, and the Discover, Power, and Be journals).

I personally like to spend a few minutes in meditation and reflection in the morning, then a few minutes journaling.   The journaling prompts at the front of each planner make great starting points when I need ideas.  This practice has been life changing for me.

Consider adding journaling to your routine today.

Posted in Journaling.