Journaling is a form of self-care
Many journal as a means to vent, create, and list. It can be a positive coping mechanism or a way of self-expression; journaling is one of the most advised ways to explore thoughts and feelings you experience in your day-to-day. It’s also a way to start your morning and new year, and I personally have a knack for it! But it has to be done creatively.
If you’re a newbie to journaling and struggle to find a good approach, a great journal entry is an affirmation log!
Kudos to “Julia” on TikTok for my discovery of this.
THE STEPS
Start by listing five keywords you want to represent your day, anything and everything positive. For example, “Productive, out-going, organized, loving, peaceful.”
Second, write a message to yourself, something you think you should hear or want to hear. Personally, I do this in the third person, meaning I use “you” instead of “I.” You can compliment yourself, encourage yourself, or just a motivating sentence. Afterward, read your message out loud.
Thirdly, write a list of things you are grateful for, I typically list five. It is important for us to express our gratitude and make a habit of doing so every day. It’s easy for people to get lost anticipating the future and forget to live in the moment, the present. Even when striving for long-term goals, don’t forget to appreciate the little things in life. Live for the journey, not the destination.
Fourth, and lastly, write down three things you hope to accomplish for the day. Although you may not complete all three tasks, at all or successfully, it is still beneficial to list and get your mind motivated with the intention of executing them.
At night, reread everything you wrote and write down something that made you happy today.
Of course, if you would like to create your journal differently that is completely valid, for every journal and its entry is meant to be subjective; to be divinely you. Alter whatever you wish to! It is crucial to make your journal a fun activity instead of a dreadful task; which is why I like to decorate mine creatively.
Some ideas: cut-out magazines, printed out pictures, stickers, washi tape, colored pens, markers, flowers/leaves, etc.
I commonly visit amazon for loads of stickers for a small price and found Shein and Wish to be a good place for uncommon decorations and journaling supplies. Stores like Walmart, Michaels, and Dollar Tree are also great places for good finds!
PRESS THESE LINKS TO VIEW MY JOURNAL WISHING LIST
Here are some examples from my journal
The picture cut-outs are printed or ordered from “groovebook” which I cut out and glued.
I also do not add dates as I would feel bad realizing how long I’ve gone without making an entry. I’ve found it better to not include them so it doesn’t feel like a chore to repeatedly journal.
This is my first affirmation log, back when I use to include dates.
I also have recently started writing poetry or short verses.
Great place to plan your events too! :)
or admiring a pretty flower you couldn't throw away.
Emphasizing what I said before, live in the present, appreciate your blessings.
Write about a Hindu Goddess you discovered!
Or a scenario you envision or wish to come true.
This is a recent affirmation log (that I was willing to share and liked).
don't mind the misspelling!
© Ni'Asia Ali 12/22/21
Love the creativity and definitely great tips. I’m inspired to start back writing.