I love journals. I’ve been writing in a journal since I was in the ninth grade. My very first journal started out like all young teenage girls’ journals start out: a prayer for my future husband. Eventually, my journals evolved into an outpouring of my heart in prayer, truths I’ve learned from reading the Bible, and sometimes, just a recap of my day. Although I haven’t counted recently, I’m pretty sure I have over 100 journals tucked away in a box in storage, including my very first one from ninth grade.
I’ve become very picky about my journals over the years. I’ve tried every type of journal– from a composition notebook, to cloth and leather bound, to oversized notebooks. My favorite journal is a brand called Greenroom from Target. The pages contain just the right line width for my huge cursive handwriting and the perfect thickness so that my pen doesn’t bleed through.
My journal is different from my planner. My journal is my heart on paper. It’s the place where I sort through the day’s events, discern distractions from opportunities, ask for and receive forgiveness, and most of all, mark the milestones of my life as they surface from the pen strokes on the page.
If we are going to lead where we are, the habit of journaling is a great way to get closure on the past, wisdom for the present, and clarity for the future.
Do you use a journal? If so, in what ways has journaling helped you? I would love to expand the ways that I use my journal, so post your ideas below.
