Oh, so many journals!
Not only do I journal quite often, but I have created various categories of journaling using various journal notebooks.
I have been journaling since I was 13, and I can't begin to describe the immense benefits I have gained from it, from self-awareness to memory preservation to thinking clearly to therapy and healing.
I have already written a post about all the insights I gained when I reread my first journal on a trip to Jordan, my home country.
And it’s not only me pontificating here, but scientific research has demonstrated that the simple act of journaling can offer many benefits, ranging from reduced stress and anxiety to improved immune function and cognitive abilities.
The many journals
These days, though, I have taken journaling to a new level.
Not only do I journal quite often, but I have created various categories of journaling using various journal notebooks:
Personal journal: To dissect my personal life. I’m currently using the Leuchtturm1917 Journal.
Dream journal: To understand my subconscious mind and unleash my creativity. In fact, my first novel, They Called Me Wyatt, was inspired by a very vivid dream.
Daily planner: To help me accomplish daily tasks and prime my day for success. I use Michael Hayatt’s Full Focus Planner.
Business Journal: To help me solve problems in my business and gain income.
Gratitude journal: To remind me to count my blessings. I love the Five-Minute Journal.
As cheesy as this might sound, the combination of these journals helps me lead a happy, fulfilled life.
I know, I know. I am overdoing it with journaling, and as my six-year-old son says,
" You have too many journals."
But you know what, whatever works.
If you are wondering what to journal about, you can always use prompts like the following:
Gratitude: What are three things you're thankful for today?
Challenge: What's your biggest hurdle right now, and how are you tackling it?
Goals: What are your top priorities for this week?
Growth: What are you learning about yourself lately?
Emotions: What are you feeling, and what might have triggered it?
I also recommend this video by creator Ali Abdaal, which lists some journaling prompts.
Do you journal? What's your process? How many journals do you have?
Dear Natasha, thank you for this story, I didn't even realize how much I needed to read this. :)
I admire your persistence in journaling; I had also been journaling since about the age of 13, but I have discontinued it more than 10 years ago. From the time I got kids, I have mostly been keeping the little notebooks with to-dos and lists of everything and anything, but I wasn't writing down my dreams or thoughts. (Actually, when I come to think about it now, I seem to have lived my life more 'externally' in a way during that period. A note to self to work this through and write it down. :D)
Anyway, when I read that you are keeping six journals, my first thought was "wow, how is that even possible"; but then I turned around to look at the shelf behind my back and counted something like four or five active notebooks. Aside from the little one for everything and anything that I carry with me in a bag, there's one for my main job, another for my not-for-profit entity, and as of lately, I have started journaling my dreams again. So, I realized that I am kind of on track, but I have been doing it unsystematically. What a precious insight! Thank you again; I think it's time for me to get myself some new notebooks.
Cheers!