I had a great self improvement blog ready to just post today. I feel inspired by my response to yesterday’s daily challenge to write about a specific way I have found great self improvement; journaling. Coincidentally my new take on journaling was prompted by a daily challenge almost a year ago. It was, spend a few minutes each day writing about your emotions each day. Admittedly, I do not write every day. But I do write regularly and it is a great way to put things in perspective! Last night it helped me work through a problem I was having with a recent commitment I made that just isn’t resonating with me. My initial response was guilty and I didn’t want to address it. After writing in my journal I took a different approach and I feel much better!
I have always loved writing! I kept a journal regularly from 12 until about 21. Reintegrating the process is something I should have done sooner! Now that I’ve kept at it I find it to be a great reflection tool. I know not everyone likes to write. The important thing about journaling is that it is you time! As a busy business owner, homeschooling mom and now that I am really exploring my passion in life I am super busy! “Me time” became a fantasy in my life back before I started journaling. That was when I was experiencing the most stress. I made a conscious decision that time for myself is not optional.
I find myself reminding others that it really doesn’t matter what “me time” is, it will be different for each of us. I have built up a nice list of things I do regularly no matter what. I started with a walk. 10-20 minutes every morning. This was back when I wasn’t meditating and doing yoga routinely. Rhe walking got me away from work, and really got my brain in a open place. I started writing every morning after that. Reading is also something I’ve always loved, but the amount of time I dedicated to it waned. So I got into giving myself some me internet time, not working, but reading and researching things I’m interested in. I now have many blog subscriptions that I follow. As my passions progressed I came across some wonderful books. Recently I started using my local library to check out books virtually which means I always have a book to read and I don’t have to schedule trips or worry about due dates!
My most favorite “me” activity is a detox bath! There are tons of recipes and I know everyone is different but I always have to tell everyone just give it a try! I have some of my best ideas in the bathtub! So over time I have built a great arsenal of things I do just for me. The writing really ties everything together. Its not about how long you write but just getting a few things out. I even write myself notes like affirmations or quotes or just reminders to be forgiving to myself.
My journal is a digital journal which is as convenient as those e-books! I do most things on the go and I use paper sparingly these days. Choose what works for you! Maybe start with a list of things you like to do for yourself and find a way to slowly integrate them into your everyday routine.
Shorty's Hippie Haven 