New Year’s resolutions aren’t for everybody. Some find the thought of committing a whole year’s worth of “I promise to do this” and “I will stop doing that” completely self-defeating. Others find that making a list of plans for the future is like drafting a blueprint, or a sketch. A rough draft, so to speak, of goals that we have for ourselves, lest we get too comfortable in old habits that don’t stretch us into new ways of thinking or doing things.
Whether you’ve made any resolutions for 2012 or not, one thing that everyone can benefit from in the New Year is journaling. People keep journals for many different reasons. A journal is like a trusted friend. A therapist, if you will. If you’re dealing with a troublesome situation or a difficult decision, penning down your worries, thoughts, and questions will often lead you to the solution that you are looking for. Just getting them down on paper, and going through the process of physically working out what is going on in your head, is extremely healing. It helps to clear the mind for new thoughts to enter.
Journals are a beautiful place to keep inspiring affirmations and uplifting quotes. Try writing down a daily expression of gratitude, such as “Today I am grateful for…” (fill in the blank) or a personal declaration of truth like “I am…” (You pick. Are you beautiful today, courageous, loving, joyful, etc. You get the point). Use your journal like your own personal vision board. Jot down everything that you want for yourself for the new day, new month, or New Year. Write down all of the things that you don’t want to serve as a personal reminder that you need to remain true to yourself, your desires, and your heart.
People who keep journals have a constant companion with them. Someone to talk to, receive guidance from, celebrate with, and be a better person for. You’ll find that your journal is an extension of you. It is you. And you’ll want to choose it wisely. Pick one that resonates with your spirit. The colors. The paper. The binding. It will be keeper of all of your dearest feelings. And at the end of the year, how wonderful it will be to look back at the beauty of what was and is now you.
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