Put it in Writing

"The act of putting pen to paper encourages pause for thought, this in turn makes us think more deeply about life, which helps us regain our equilibrium." ~Norbet Platt

Do you journal?  If so, do you do it regularly? If not, I’d like to challenge you to begin it.

Whether it’s penning the blessings that you see each day, writing about the dreams you have for your future, or reflecting on the past; journaling is powerful.  You can work through problems, get stuff off your chest, discover new ideas, talk to God, tell the truth…it can be magical, inspirational, therapeutic and freeing.

In her book, The Artist's Way, Julia Cameron insists on the power of what she calls 'morning pages', three pages of longhand writing, strictly stream-of-consciousness.  It's a way of meditating, sifting out the junk, getting angry, getting real, or winning back your creative child.  It's a place to go if you want to be whiny, petty, or self-pitying. Writing your pages each and every day is the path to creativity and freedom. Cameron writes, 'Morning pages get us to the other side: the other side of our fear, of our negativity, of our moods.  Beyond the reach of the Censor babble (our negative self talk) we find our own quiet center, the place where we hear the still, small voice that is at once our creator's and our own."

Two researchers, Laura King and James Pennebaker, known for some of the earliest and most profound research on the power of journaling found the following interesting outcomes about journaling: "Self-disclosure through writing appears to regulate our moods by giving us a safe emotional outlet, a way to put life into perspective, and a fresh way to ignite hopefulness about the future." 

With summer at hand, it's a great time to begin a new healthy habit (and if you've been keeping up with my blog, you certainly know all about creating healthy habits). Begin journaling today; whether is a minimum of 20 minutes each morning or 3 pages; get a routine going and do it.  Promise yourself you'll make time each day...just try it.  I think you'll find this small step can bring you great results.  Put it in writing...every day...

I'd love to hear from you.   Post on the blog or Email me at: smallsteps4bigresults@yahoo.com