10-Week Journal Challenge: Week 1
I recently came across some of my journals from when I was in my 20’s, usually when I was traveling somewhere abroad and had lots of time in transit to reflect and record my life and my adventures at those times. Journaling was my way to both document my life and help me figure stuff out whether it was life decisions, love decisions, or even hopes and plans for the future. Reading through them brought back emotions of the time, plenty of cringes, and forgotten memories that I’m so grateful I recorded. My oldest diary dates back to when I turned seven years old and I remember savoring the privacy I had as I shared my life as a kid and then adolescent. I started by telling my diary all about my friends, then went through a phase best described as “I hate my sister,” and finally a prolonged angsty/lovesick phase that we will just call “Middle School.”
When and how did this meaningful and cathartic ritual get lost for me? I’ve written a handful of times over recent years mostly dictated by annual holidays and birthdays as well as some significant moments. I think my time has been limited due to parenthood and life demands, and I also think the quick access to photography on my phone has replaced my documentation of my life. Snapping a photo that I don’t even have to wait to develop is so much faster than writing.
So, in my own desire to reconnect with journaling, I’m starting a 10-week Journal Challenge for myself and I’m inviting anyone to join in and start at any time. How does this work? It’s simple (but not necessarily easy): start the program at any time and just do the weeks in order. Plan to sit down and write at least four days/week if not daily. You can write about whatever is on your mind or even just the events of the day. In a rush? Just jot down a few bullet points about what happened that day or things on your mind. Have more time? See where your mind wanders, what emotions you are feeling, really anything. Next week I’ll discuss how to actually journal and will begin offering weekly journal prompts which are topics you may wish to explore in your writing.
Week 1 assignment: Go buy a blank journal if you don’t already have one, or check out some online journal options and apps if you prefer that option. Start creating your habit of regular journaling by designating some time in your day to sit down and do it. Write!
Check back here next Monday for the first formal prompt. Happy writing!
Dr. Jessica Bloomfield is a licensed psychologist in Denver, Colorado.