I have found through personal experience that one of the best ways to peace is through journaling.
The benefits of journaling are many. A personal journal is a medium to process our feelings and thoughts as we write them on paper. The blank page is like a welcoming friend–inviting us to spill the contents of our hearts. The memories recorded allow us to remember and relive them again and again in the dark or trying times of our lives. And perhaps most importantly, our journals serve as a recorded legacy for our posterity–declaring that we lived and loved, struggled and overcame, and drop by drop acquired the wisdom of a lifetime.
Throughout the years I have more or less been a regular journal-keeper. I have entries dated back to when I was just 4 years old and volumes upon volumes of assorted books piled lovingly in my bottom dresser drawer. Even though I seldom write in a physical journal these days I have kept my family’s history on a blog since 2008.
Whenever I start to feel out of sorts, cross, overwhelmed, or frazzled, I know that updating my journal is long overdue. It takes a little effort and self-motivation, but the rewards are so worthwhile. The instant I begin writing, I feel more balanced, calm, and centered. Somehow everything in my life gets sorted on the page. I guess it’s just the miracle of journaling.
Do you have a regular journal practice? How often does it occur? What time of day is best for you to write? Do you experience peaceful benefits from recording? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Maybe today you can take a few quiet moments to write in your journal. It doesn’t have to be long or lengthy–just a few short sentences. Then notice the peace that results.
