When You Keep a Journal, the Insights are Relentless
I have journals that date back to my teenage years, and I have been keeping a journal ever since. The journals, both paper, as well as the digital notes, are my go-to resources for reflection and growth. They also inspire and motivate me to continue writing about my lived experience. My shelf of journals reminds me that growth and change are still happening in my life, no matter my age.
Through journaling, we are the keeper of our own stories, our perspective on life, and how we engage with the world. To keep a journal is to keep a memory, a library of our growth journey. It is also a tool to reflect and glean the ongoing insights from our lived experience.
There are many ways, and no right or wrong way, as well as various methods and tools to keep a journal. The easiest is a notebook and a writing instrument, a pen or pencil. Even if you don’t like writing, you can still keep a journal through video and photographs. Find what works for you, that helps you document and remember your life stories.
How I Got Started with Journaling
I began journaling when I was in high school. I attended a private, all-girls Catholic high school. During my senior year, I had the opportunity to participate in a four-day retreat with a group of classmates. A notebook and pen were on the packing list of items to bring for the retreat.
During the retreat, we listened to several talks from teachers and former students on simple topics: God’s friendship and putting God’s love in action. “Write this down” was the common phrase we heard when a presenter mentioned a quote or a meaningful point to remember. The leaders also shared impactful song lyrics and music of our time – rock-n-roll and folk music that helped us connect our spirituality with our teenage hopes, fears, dreams, questions, and wonder. God became real in sneakers, hormones, college applications, and the whiplash of trying to figure it all out before heading into young adulthood.
I got hooked on spirituality in high school. The journaling, the “write-downs,” launched me on a path of a lifelong adventure of keeping a notebook, of seeking meaning in ordinary life, and discovering the insights along the way.
Keeping a journal also motivates me to continue reflecting on where I’ve been and where I want to go in life. It is one gateway to evolving insights and perspectives.
Journaling helps you to remember how strong you truly are within yourself.
– Asad Meah
How I Keep a Journal Today
I began writing a journal with college-ruled filler paper and then placed the pages in 3-ring binders. I still do that today and also use a Bullet journal. Moleskine journals are my favorite.
In my purse and backpack, I carry a small Field Notes memo book to take notes wherever I am throughout the day. I have index cards and pens in my truck, on my nightstand, and in nearly every desk drawer so I can grab them wherever I am in the house or in transit to write down thoughts that come to mind (I learned that from Anne Lamott).
In the morning, my meditation this year is from The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, along with the companion journal. At night, I write a reflective journal of highlights from the day (inspired by Austin Kleon) as well as the five-year One Line a Day to summarize each day with a phrase or sentence – one highlight each day.
Paper and pen are not my only tool for writing. I also write in digital mode on my laptop throughout the day.
You may be thinking, “that’s a lot of writing!” Yes, it is. I have a passion for writing things down. The point is to create as many opportunities as possible to document thoughts and ideas. Keeping a journal helps me remember and ideate on further possibilities.
I store all the journals I have kept in my closet. What makes the journals useful is taking the time to review them periodically. When my current journals become full, and before I store them, I go back and read through them, reflecting on any new wisdom that emerges. The observations are a source of inspiration for other creative expressions. This cycle of relentless ideas from journaling is another tool for connection and growth in living a meaningful life.
Journaling is paying attention to the inside for the purpose of living well from the inside out.
– Lee Wise
Your Turn
Keeping a journal is your arena to write what matters to you and you alone. There are a plethora of options today for journaling either in analog or digital form. You can do this through writing, dictation, photography, or video. Some friends of mine use a visual diary with a 1 Second Everyday app. Whatever tool or method you use, make journaling work for you.
Keep a journal to remember the stories, to garner insights into who you are and who you want to become. Tell your story for safe-keeping or to eventually share your legacy with others.
Journaling is one of the ways you are creating a roadmap toward your future self and becoming your best self. You are walking this journey in your way, unique and particular only to you. Keep writing, documenting your path to living a reflective life.
Key Takeaways
- Explore the many options to keep a journal, both in analog and digital forms. (Writing is not the only method.)
- Add periodic reflective time to review your journal to discover further wisdom, questions, or understanding.
- Find what works for you and commit to the process with consistency.
How do you remember your stories? Your adventures? What do you use to keep a journal?
What helps you glean insights and propel you forward to live the life you desire?
I welcome your perspective.
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