My Journalling Journey

Exactly 1 week ago (from when I'm writing this post), it was my 6th anniversary of journalling. In celebration, I read through all my past journal entries and I've been able to see how much I've grown and learned throughout the years - and how cringe I was too hehe.

Not only me, but a few of my friends have also taken up journalling and it's done so much for them so I want to share my journalling journey for anyone who wants to take up journalling or is currently journalling.

I begun my journalling journey in late October 2012 - hence why the entire front cover is filled with One Direction song titles (the oldies) and my favourite (and iconic) 2000s Disney and Nickelodeon TV shows *cringe* - and my inspiration came from a popular children's series called 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' by Jeff Kinney which I very much enjoyed (and sometimes still do). Similarly to the protagonist, Greg Heffley, I wanted to be able to look back at my younger self and reflect and reminisce. Not only did I want to look back at the bad times and see my growth, but I also wanted to be able to look at all the good times and have a few laughs. 

To be completely honest, I'm not the best at journalling. I can go months without writing then write consecutively. Overall, I write when it feels right and when I have the motivation. Generally, I recap my day and record all the laughs I had. My journal is my friend and I also share with it my worries and concerns, if something is really bothering me I know I can go to my journal and spew out all the distracting thoughts running around in my mind. 

If you're just starting out journalling, I recommend you to experiment what style of journalling works for you. I have a friend (@whitel.ines on instagram) who journals by writing poems which just goes to show that everyone is different and while her style doesn't work for me, it works for her as it's a way for her to express her emotions and thoughts.

My journalling journey has helped me so much throughout these 6 years. My journals have been my friends and have been there for me through every ball life has thrown at me; during the darkest of times where I felt so lonely and had no one, my journal was there for me to listen and support me. It's also helped relieve me of my stress and any mental and emotional baggage I might have. Journalling has been a great outlet for getting things off my chest and I definitely feel better afterwards. And as I've been saying throughout the post, I've really been able to see how strong I've grown to be and learn from past experiences so I know how to better overcome those obstacles if I face the hurdles in the future. 

Advice for aspiring to journal:

• Go at your own pace. Journalling is quite a commitment so don't be discouraged if you miss out on a few days, weeks, months or even years. It takes a while to get used to it and find the style that suits you best.
• Do what feels right. I've sometimes found myself to force writing because I felt as if I had to write an entry for that day and you can even tell from the tone of my writing. Journalling is supposed to be stress relieving and enjoyable, not a chore. So take a break if you need to and you can always pick it back up again when you're ready.

I hope my journalling journey resonated with you or helped you on your journalling journey and good luck! I would love to hear what your journalling style is and how it's helped you!