Journal Challenge Week 2: Journaling Techniques

I often get asked questions like “How do I journal?”  and “What do I write about?”  Let’s break these down here.

How to Journal: There is no right or wrong way.  You don’t even have to write.  You can draw or create art that captures you in that moment or expresses things on your mind or heart.  I will reference writing throughout the challenge but know any format is fine. 

I think it’s important to take a moment to remember that you are writing for yourself and yourself only, in a private space where no one will read it.  In the era of social media, we do so much public sharing and emoting and that is inherently wrought with editing, anticipating judgment or others’ reactions, comparing our own processes with those of others, and focusing on an outward presentation.  All these factors alter how and what we actually share. Journaling is meant to be private, honest, raw, and imperfect.  As you’re writing, be aware of the presence of your public or social media self and notice if it’s different than what you express privately; notice if it’s hard to even inch away from the other mindset.  Try not to judge yourself for what you feel, what you’ve done, or thoughts you have.  I’ll say it again: journaling is meant to be honest.

What to Write About: We covered this a bit in the first week of the challenge, but it’s worth reiterating here.  You can write about anything on your mind.  Is there a situation that’s bothering you this week?  Are you thinking of someone in your life?  How and what are you feeling today and in this moment?  What happened today? 

Another approach is to write about specific journaling prompts, provided here each week.  These are meant to offer opportunities to think, feel, and reflect.  Your writing in response may not even stay on the topic provided and that’s totally okay.  Think of the prompts as springboards to get you to something meaningful.  Try to respond to it sometime over the week and just be open to seeing where, if anywhere, it goes.  And some of the prompts have follow up questions or ideas but don’t feel you have to respond to all of them, just grab on to whatever works for you.

Week 2 Journal Prompt- Trust:  Who do you trust?  How do you know?  Where do you feel this?  Was there a time you felt your trust was really broken?  What happened and what came of it?