Self-Care Journal: 5 reasons I enjoy journaling

When I started jounaling, It started off with me just answering prompts and writing down prayers. There was a battle in my head that "I had to do this to be a good christian". It all just felt forced and I wasnt enjoying it like I do now. self-care is not only crucial for our mental health, but it also keeps us self-aware. Its so important for you to connect with you.

1. Freedom:

   You ever wish the world would just pause for a moment and let you breathe? I have always felt that and although it cannot stop time, it is like a pause for a breath of fresh air for me. Journaling is a tool to free you from everyones expectactions of you and the obligations of the world. To "stop and smell the roses", or my favorite, to "stop and look at the stars".

2. Unscramble Thoughts:

   If you are like me, you have trouble explaining things and words just don't come out like you want them to. Sometimes as I'm writing down something im feeling or thinking, I get this clarity about things in a way I can actually process the thought or feeling.

3. Self-reflection:

   This is me connecting with me. Sometimes you might feel things your brain doesnt follow, or think things your heart isnt feeling. This writting down those two things on one note has a way of connecting the two. This can be very healing esspecially for abuse victims who have a hard time synching the two. Theres no one else in this world who can tell you who you are and when you start writing its just you and God.

4. Intimacy with Jesus:

   If you know me, you know I was deep into religion. I was tied to religion so tightly because I thought it was how he would build me up to become this perfect Christian, wife and mother. So I would force write, bible study, and prayers in journaling to "improve me" in those areas. Religion brought me down a path that was far from Jesus' heart. When I was finally free from it all, I came to find that the journals needed to be for me, and that in fact made Jesus happy. For me to be free to be me. When Im free to have my own thoughts and feelings without outside pressure, I start to write and sometimes as I'm writing I can listen for Jesus more clearly.

5. Sharing:

   Not everything needs to be shared. Actually none of this needs to be shared. But sometimes the things you learn on your journey can be helpful to others struggling on that path. My very sweet friend, Ginger, once said, "My journey is my journey and I have that to share."

   
   

   Life is hard, no matter where you are at, what age, whatever your story is, your life does have meaning and so much value. if you are reading this It isnt over. So take your moment to "pause time" and breathe. Whatever that may look like to you. You are worth it.