A life worth living is worth recording: keep a journal

Change your life by developing a daily habit of journaling. It's simple....

(Yep... affiliate links are included which means, if you buy through me, I get some coffee money ... though not enough for the raisin toast as well. Full disclosure listed below.)

​When my girls were young, we bought both of them a personal diary. You know the sort... soft velvet covers with elegant beading with a lock and key. That was most important! They didn't want anyone, especially their brother, reading the daily entries in their personal journals. (Mind you, it didn't stop Ben from trying to sneak a look at those secret little locked books.)

But, journaling isn’t just for teenage girls. Powerful and successful people regularly keep journals. Influential businessmen and professionals who want to improve their careers, renowned writers, people seeking personal growth and development, keep a journal. Some people are grieving a loss. Others are going through a life transition... but nearly all those who maintain a personal journal are trying to improve their lives. 

A journal can record your life and serve as an emotional release. Studies show that a personal journal improves your mood, stress levels and any depressive symptoms. It can remove mental blocks and improve your creativity. Struggling with your memory? Keeping a journal has been found to develop a better memory as well as improve your self-esteem.

 A journal can serve as a record for your children, too. It’s a great way to back up your ageing memory and keep track of those important family memories- those moments that matter. If you’ve never considered keeping a journal, reconsider today.

Change your life by developing a daily habit of journaling. It's simple..

* Decide on a format. Nearly any form of journal can be effective. A notebook, word processor, or dedicated journal can serve you well. You can even record your journal online. It’s entirely up to you. A blog can serve as a journal.
* Stick to a schedule. Try to write something at least a few times each week. Ideally, you’ll be able to record your thoughts daily. You’ll find that the journaling habit is easier to create if you write each day.
* Keep it casual. You’re not writing a novel. You’re writing for yourself. You don’t even have to use complete sentences! Use a style that suits your wants and needs. Some days you’ll write more than others. There will be days without much to write about.
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Anyone can enjoy the benefits of a journal. Choose a format that you enjoy and start writing. Keep a regular schedule. You’ll be amazed by how much you write over the years if you just write a little each day.

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Action: Choose a format that you feel comfortable with for your journal. Thinking about an digital version? Try Journey, Day One, Penzu or Momento. If you prefer to write in hardcopy, then you might like to consider downloading Journal your Life kits or aprinted journal.

A journal serves many purposes:

1. A journal serves as a both a record of your life and your progress.

​Failures are difficult to forget, but successes can be difficult to remember. When you’re frustrated with your progress, it’s easy to pull out your journal and remember all the successes you’ve had in the past.
As we get older, the details of the past become fuzzy. There are times when my children have reminded me of family details and events that I've forgotten over time.

A journal is a nice way to record your life and keep the details available. Your children might enjoy reading it someday, too.

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Action: Plan time each day to journal. It doesn't need to be a big block of time- 10 or 15 minutes will be fine, although you may find that time is happily extended as you grow accustomed to documenting your day. You may prefer to journal a little in the morning plus the evening as you reflect on the day's activities.

2. A journal can reveal the truth.

Things seem a little different on paper than they do in your head. Putting your thoughts to paper can reveal things you never considered. A journal can provide more insight than your thoughts alone.

​Some mothers like to include things they have learned about their own kids, too- their developing characters, their strengths and weaknesses. Over time, it's wonderful to re-read these entries and note their progress.

3. A journal can hold you accountable.

​Fleeting thoughts and ideas are easy to ignore, but a written record is more compelling. You’ll find that you’re more conscientious and hold yourself more accountable when you keep a journal. ​If you seek to memorise Bible verses or inspirational quotes, it can be helpful to include this in your journaling, too.

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Action: Download the Journaling Action Guide below to assist you in your first entry into the world of journaling. :) You'll soon discover the advantages and see real changes in your life and outlook.

4. A journal is the perfect place to record and track your goals.

Goals require regular attention. The biggest challenge with achieving goals is forgetting about them after the initial excitement has worn off. Make a short entry in your journal each day regarding your goals. 

5. A journal is great for your health.

Numerous studies have shown that 15-20 minutes of writing, done for a few times each week, reduces stress. Write about your thoughts and concerns. Take time to reflect on those things that have brightened your day, the unexpected highlights and blessings, and the small but important 'moments that matter' for your family and children. You’ll feel better and enjoy your life more.

​6. Keeping a journal puts you in good company.

​Many of the most successful people in history -Albert Einstein, George Lucas, Jennifer Aniston, C.S.Lewis and so many other influential people - have all kept a journal. A journal can encourage you to live a life worth recording.

So... are you convinced? Want more out of life? Journaling is the best way to discover the gift of the present.

Download your 'Keeping a Journal' Action Guide here..

action_guide-_keeping_a_journal.pdf
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​Disclosure: At Grandma's Place is committed to high standards of integrity and quality. I do not promote any brand I do not believe meets these standards, and I only promote brands I would purchase myself. If I don't love it, and don't think you'll love it, it won't appear on my blog.

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