Journaling: Finding Your Voice!

by Shaelene Grace Moler

Here at America =’s, we encourage others to share (and wear!) their voices, as we believe it is the best and fastest way to progress as a society. But, as I have experienced at times in my life, it can be difficult to share opinions when you haven’t had the chance to fully develop them, are experiencing anxieties or other mental struggles, or simply can’t find the confidence to do so. When I had first entered college, this is the situation I found myself in as I was trying and learning to take part in literary and political discussions in class, and this is when I had first turned to journaling.

 

In 2018, The New York Times released an article titled “What’s All This About Journaling?” By Hayley Phelan, which briefly discussed the newfound popularity in self-care journaling practices. In this article, Phelan describes journaling as a panacea for life; deeming it a remedy for difficulties, and backing it with claims from scientific studies which said journaling often leads to a boost in mindfulness, memory, and communication skills, as well as a number of other benefits including an increase in self-confidence, emotional intelligence, creativity, and reduction of anxieties according to contentmentquesting.com.

 

So, if you were to decide to start journalling, you may ask what style would work best for you? Lucky for you, there are plenty of options for all kinds of people:

 

  1. Bullet Journaling: one of the most popular journaling methods in recent years, bullet journaling typically opens with an index, allows you to organize and plan your schedule, as well as create goals, and express gratitude. It is a flexible form that is suitable for most lifestyles. Dotted journals work best for this method.
  2. Free Writing Journaling: also known as a diary, this journalling style is primarily based on reflection and recollection, and is also a very flexible, diverse style. You can draw, write, or incorporate photographs and plants into your pages; whatever you choose! Lined or blank page journals work best.
  3. Planner Journaling: this journaling style is more rigid than the previous two, but has many benefits of its own. Like the bullet journal, planner journals allow you to plan and organize, but without the responsibility of creating an index or organizing your pages on your own. This type of journal is popular among students and working people alike. You can buy pre-made planner journals from most major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
  4. Gratitude Journal: keeping a gratitude journal requires daily reflection and expression, but is often beneficial to improving one’s confidence and mental health. It requires you to reflect on what you are grateful for with every entry, as often as you prefer or see fit. You can use nearly any kind of journal for this with exception to a planner. Guided journals are also a great option in this category.
  5. Specialized Journals: these are journals you keep specifically for writing down dreams, creating art, documenting writing ideas, writing prayers, etc. These journals can be anything you desire, and I would personally recommend a blank or lined journal for them.

 

In conclusion, journaling is a quickly rising act of self-care, and for good reason considering all the health benefits that may come with its practice. Although you may not expect journaling to be for you, journaling may have something for everyone with all its possibilities. So please, give it a try, and find your voice!

 

Have you tried journaling before? Tell us below!

 

NY Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/25/style/journaling-benefits.html

Contentment Questing: https://contentmentquesting.com/perfect-type-of-journaling/

America =’s: https://americaequals.com

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