Writing as Self-Care - Journaling
Writing as Self-Care - Journaling by Swell Made Co. Photo by Hannah Olinger.
In this third post for the Writing as Self-Care series, I’m talking about the act of journaling. With the pandemic requiring many of us to stay home bringing with it a perpetual state of anxiety, fear, worry and sadness, journaling can be a powerful coping tool.
Unlike card and letter writing, journals are just for YOU. A place where your ideas, thoughts and words can flow bringing with them a bit of peace (or release) in difficult times. Keep reading to learn about the history of journaling and different types of journaling. You can also visit this past post to learn about 5 Tips To Make Journaling a Part of Your Healthy Lifestyle.
Writing for Wellness: The Rise of Journaling
“In the journal, I do not just express myself more openly than I could to any person; I create myself.” - Susan Sontag
People have kept journals and diaries throughout history. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that psychologist Dr. Ira Progoff formally started using journaling therapeutically. Progoff’s technique involved providing his patients with journal prompts and exercises to foster increased self-awareness, promote change and growth, and improve overall mental health, among other things.
Since the ‘60s, journaling as a tool used by therapists evolved into a tool for self-care.
The journal has become popular with everyone and their mother! (Seriously, I bet your mom has a journal. Go on, ask her.) It’s no wonder journaling has become so popular. The act of writing down your thoughts, feelings, and conflicts gives you a chance to process emotions, relieves tension, and can bring a lot of clarity to the issues at hand.
Famous Journals Throughout History
You may wonder why you should bother recording life’s little moments in a journal. For so many throughout history, keeping a journal was a personal practice. Little did they know that the notes they took and events they recorded would change the face of history.
Charles Darwin | A Little Diary
Charles Darwin is one of the most widely known scientific figures in history. Throughout his life, he kept a “little diary” to record thoughts, observations, and personal moments. It is through his journals that we can look back and see the first clues that would later form the foundation of his theory of evolution.
Anne Frank | Daily Thoughts and Observations
In the spring of 1944, Anne wrote “Will I ever be able to write something great, will I ever become a journalist or a writer? I hope so, oh, I hope so very much because writing allows me to record everything, all my thoughts, ideals and fantasies.” Anne had no way of knowing that her diary would become possibly the most famous and widely read journal of all time. She didn’t have the chance to become a journalist, however, her notes and writing have forever changed the way the world understood the way the Jewish people experienced life under a Nazi regime.
Frida Kahlo | Struggles of a Creative Mind Revealed
One of the most important artists of the 20th century and an inspiration to people around the world, Frida Kahlo’s life was as bold and wild as her paintings. In one journal she wrote: "You are all the combinations of numbers. Life. My wish is to understand lines, form, shades, movement. You fulfill and I receive. Your word travels the entirety of space and reaches my cells which are my stars then goes to yours which are my light.” Unsurprisingly, Kahlo kept journals full of words and images. These journals. Many of which were published as “The Diary of Frida Kahlo: An Intimate Self-Portrait” in 2005, offer a look behind the scenes at the painter’s personal life and creative process.
Writing as Self-Care - Journaling by Swell Made Co. Photo by Hannah Olinger.
Putting Pen To Paper: Types of Journaling
In an increasingly digital world, it sure is swell to know that there is so much love for a handwritten journal! Why is journaling so popular? Aside from the amazing emotional benefits I already mentioned, journaling also provides an opportunity for intentional self-care and creativity. Whatever the reason, be it the human love words or the simple esthetic of pen on paper, journaling is a trend that isn’t going away anytime soon.
Do you keep a journal? Want to start or up your journaling game? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular trends in journaling to get you inspired.
Gratitude Journaling
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – Anonymous
A gratitude journal can be as simple as writing down lists of the things in your life for which you are grateful. Daily, weekly, whatever works for you! There are no rules when it comes to keeping a gratitude journal.
A gratitude journal might be the right fit for you if you…
Have a tendency to dwell on the bad stuff
Struggle to find those silver linings
Are ready to look on the bright side
Want to feel better about yourself and your life
People have a natural tendency to dwell on the bad stuff in our lives. We want to analyze events and solve problems. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing - it is part of what makes humans so adaptable and inventive. But, you can get bogged down by all the troubles in the world. Sometimes you have to say to yourself This Calls for Gratitude (which just happens to be the name of one of the journals you can find in the Swell Made Co. shop).
Keeping a Moon Phase Journal
“Every day the moon is a different version of itself. Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light. The moon understands what it means to be human. Uncertain. Alone. Cratered by imperfections.” - Tahereh Mafi, Shatter Me
The moon affects more than the tides, friends. The moon affects our emotional selves in a big way, too. There has been a huge wave of lunar love recently inspired by the rising tides of feminism and witchery. (Too punny? Nah!) Keeping a moon journal is a really unique way of checking in with yourself throughout the month.
The Phases of the Moon: Energy and Intention
The moon goes through eight phases every month (give or take) and each phase corresponds to different energy. If you begin to pay attention to your mood and energy levels in correlation to the phases of the moon, you may be surprised at the ebb and flow of lunar energy in your own life.
New Moon: When the moon is dark the energy is right for planting the seeds of intention
Waxing Crescent: As the first sliver if light appears, it is time to build focus and resolve
First Quarter: The energy of the moon is building. make plans to achieve your goals.
Waxing Gibbous: The energy of the moon is tangible; dig deep and manifest your intentions.
Full Moon: The moon’s energy is at its peak. The night of the full moon is the perfect time for celebrating yourself, your power, and your achievements.
Waning Gibbous: Now is the time to let go of what no longer serves you.
Last Quarter: Reflect on what you have accomplished and what you have released.
Waning Crescent: Rest and nourish yourself; your work is done for now.
A moon journal might be just right for you if you…
Have a secret (or not so secret) love of magick and astrology
Are looking for a different way to connect with your body, mind, and spirit
Are a lover of the moon and want to get to know her better
Want to get in touch with something bigger than yourself
If you want to learn more about the moon, lunar energy, and why so many people are trying their hand at Moon Journaling, check out Yasmin Boland’s Moonology. It has everything you will need to know to get started except for a journal. Lucky for you, I’ve got you covered with the sweetest little moon journal you ever did see!
Bullet Journaling: An All-in-One Diary, Notebook, and To-Do List Method
“Turns out, it's super easy to do, but incredibly difficult to explain to people!” - Rachel Wilkerson Miller and Ellie Sunakawa (Buzzfeed)
Bullet Journaling is a system that lets you get organized, record important life events, track your To-Dos, and use all the colours of pen your heart could possibly desire! Whereas most journals are about using words to record and work through emotions and events, the Bullet Journal is less about feeling and more about function. It is the ultimate busy person’s journal.
Bullet Journaling might be right for you if you…
Have a less-is-more attitude about writing
Like to be highly organized but also want to create a record of personal events
Love using symbols, coloured pens, and crossing things off of lists
Are over being stressed and overwhelmed
Like the quote above says, bullet journaling is one of those things that is tough to describe but that, once you get started, could change the way you organize your life! If a more utilitarian journalling style has got your attention, you can learn all about it at www.bulletjournal.com
Whether you are looking to create connections with long-lost friends or with yourself, writing can be a beautiful part of your self-care practice. Create a little ritual for yourself. Fill your mug of coffee or glass of wine, sit in your favourite chair, and grab your very best pen. It’s time to build bridges and be well.