The Art of Journaling

I don't remember when I started keeping a journal but I do know that it has become a part of me. I can't leave without a notebook or journal. Without it I feel empty, lost, disorganized and like I don't know myself. For me, the art of journaling involves writing down my deepest thoughts, thoughts that I am not yet prepared to share with those closest to me. My journal is where I sort through my feelings, where I cross-examine everything that has happened to me on any particular day and try to make sense of it. I have fallen victim to overthinking and over-analyzing and many times, this has led me to beat myself up over my mistakes, harder than necessary. But when I write about these things, I am able to see some progress as the months go by.
My journal also contains my list of goals i.e. things I would like to accomplish. I write them down here first then I break them down into manageable sizes which I spread throughout the year (a process I shared in this post).
I also have a list of 20 things to do for myself this year. I don't remember where I got the idea for this list but it contains the basics like writing in my journal, doing my nails, drinking plenty of water, dressing up everyday, telling people exactly what I think, etc. These are things that I sometimes overlook as routine until I discover that I have started neglecting them.
I cry into my journal (not literally of course). When I have something nagging me, I pour it out there first. Whenever I have a problem with someone or something, I like to take some time to analyze it before I confront the problem. I found that this method allows me to notice when I am being too critical and when there is really a problem that needs to be solved.
My happiest moments are shared in my journal. I like to reread these to remind myself to be grateful for all the good that happens in my life.

How often do I write in my journal?
I try to write everyday mostly in the mornings, because that is when I have a bit of free time. If something major happens during the day I might jot it down later in the day.

What are the benefits of keeping a journal?
If you are a chronic thinker, like yours truly, a journal is that place where you can download all your thoughts leaving your brain free to relax. I like it mostly because at night, I tend to think instead of sleep but when I have taken a few minutes to write down my feelings and experiences for that day, I sleep better.

Where did I get my journal?
My current journal isn't anything fancy. I bought an exercise book from the supermarket, some fancy paper from Text Book Centre and proceeded to pimp it. But you can get some nicer journals in Nakumatt and TBC of course.

I found this list of things you can write about in your journal that I thought was a good way to start. It is for a 30 day challenge but you can spread them out for a longer period of time.