When I started journaling in 2017, I didn’t know what I was doing. I had no idea about the benefits of writing my feelings, thoughts and experiences. What I knew is that I was willing to try anything to feel better because I was tired of feeling like crap.

To my surprise, my hand just flowed easily and I couldn’t write what was coming to my head fast enough. It’s like my higher self had been waiting for me to finally let it come through via writing.

Why You Should Start a Journal

Why do I feel so heavy, like I am stuck and can’t move? I started by asking myself that question.

What came out on the paper is that self doubt and low self worth were literally holding me down. I told myself to believe that I was worthy of receiving what was already mine; that everything I had been praying for was already granted and to have faith as it made its way toward me.

As depressed and angry as I’d been feeling back then, there is no way that I would have logically said those things. That’s how I know a higher power came forth to encourage me. From that point on, my life has burst wide open with healing and freedom.

It was not immediate, though. The process of peeling back layers of trauma and self-loathing was slow and painful. It would be another year and a half before I was truly free from the dark cloud over my head. In addition to journaling, other tools I employed to help me heal were things like breathing and meditation.

Processing Personal Trauma By Journaling

According to Dr. James W. Pennebaker, a writing therapy pioneer, journaling helps us organize an event in our mind and make sense of trauma. This frees the brain from processing the experience, helping us to sleep better and relax. It allows us to leave our destructive thoughts on the paper instead of in our heads and hearts.

Plus, journaling enhances your sense of well-being and improves your ability to make decisions. It boosts your memory and your emotional health because it helps you connect with your inner needs and desires.

Start Journaling Your Thoughts & Feelings

There’s no right or wrong way to journal. It’s only for you to read, get shit off your chest, and have quiet time with yourself. It’s the place to leave your anger and other difficult emotions without judgment. It’s the place to jot down what you’re grateful for, what makes you smile, and dream.

Who cares how you do it, just do it. Start with one line, a question, something that happened that day, something you learned recently, how you’re feeling at the moment. Once you start, your soul will take over and start pouring itself onto the paper.When I look back through my journal, I can see the progression of my healing. I can see myself going from depressed victim to powerful healer; from lack to abundance; from angry to joy-filled; from dissatisfied to living my best life.