Why Journaling Could Be Your Most Important Journey Yet
Looking back, it’s almost surreal to think that my five-year journaling journey began with such simplicity—just one paragraph, no expectations, no pressure. It was September 28th, 2019, and life, as it often does, was moving fast. I had tried journaling many times before, only to start and stop again. Sound familiar?
Consistency felt like a dream that was always out of reach, buried under the weight of “more important things.” But that day was different. I wasn’t journaling to become someone new. I simply wanted to find a moment of stillness amidst the chaos. I had no grand plans—just an urge to show up for myself.
Then, as the world turned upside down in early 2020, the global pandemic handed us something rare: time. Suddenly, there was space to breathe, reflect, and listen to what truly mattered. I leaned into journaling, more consistently than I ever had before. Without knowing it, I had embarked on a journey that would change me forever.
Space and Consistency: Your Hidden Superpower
Journaling has taught me that we don’t need to have all the answers before we start, I certainly didn’t. I wasn’t aiming for some life-altering transformation; I was simply making space for reflection. Each day, I showed up. Some days I wrote a paragraph, other days maybe two. But the magic? The magic was in the consistency, not in the volume.
Journaling became my sanctuary. It wasn’t just about recording thoughts or emotions; it was about creating an inner space—a refuge where I could let go of external noise and tune into my own voice. That, I realized, was the true power of journaling. It doesn’t demand perfection or pages of deep insights. It just asks for you to show up.
The Journey Within: Letting Go to Find Yourself
As my journaling practice deepened, something incredible began to unfold. Each entry wasn’t just about reflection; it was about release. Slowly, I began to unbecome. I was peeling back the layers of expectations, roles, and stories that no longer served me. Every word on the page was a small step towards shedding what I was not and embracing who I truly am.
Journaling wasn’t a tool to create a “new me.” It was a gentle process of letting go—of unbecoming. I let go of the need to have everything figured out. I let go of the pressure to perform or live by someone else’s rules. And with every release, I made room for new possibilities to emerge.
Transformation, I learned, isn’t about adding more to our lives. It’s about making space by letting go of what no longer serves us.
There’s Science Behind It Too
It’s not just personal experience that proves the power of journaling—science backs it up, too.
Studies show that expressive writing can reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and boost self-awareness. When we write, we activate the prefrontal cortex, the part of our brain responsible for problem-solving and processing emotions.
Journaling helps us shift from emotional reactivity to thoughtful reflection, allowing us to make sense of our thoughts and feelings. It frees up mental space, making room for creativity, insight, and growth.
Studies have even shown that journaling can improve mental health, reduce anxiety, and strengthen the immune system.
So, while journaling may feel like a simple act, it’s actually a powerful tool for both emotional and physical well-being.
An Adventure Back to Self
Journaling isn’t just a practice, it’s an adventure. But this adventure doesn’t require a plane ticket or a backpack. It’s an inward journey, a dive into the depths of who you are and the process of unbecoming. With every word, you’re shedding the layers of expectations and beliefs that no longer serve you, courageously uncovering the truth of who you really are.
For me, journaling became the space where I found my voice. Where I embraced my messiness, explored my fears, and listened to my deepest desires. I realized that authenticity wasn’t something I had to chase—it was already within me. Journaling simply gave me the courage to uncover it.
And here’s the truth: authenticity is your superpower, too. It’s already within you, waiting to be uncovered. Journaling is simply your map to finding it.
3 Myths About Journaling (And Why They’re Not True)
Starting (or restarting) a journaling practice can feel daunting, especially if you’ve tried and stopped before. But let’s debunk a few myths that might be holding you back:
Time: You don’t need hours of free time to journal. Start small—five minutes, a few sentences. The power is in the act of showing up, not in the length of your entries.
Perfectionism: Your journal doesn’t need to be perfect. Let it be raw, messy, and real. Perfection is overrated—authenticity is what matters.
Consistency: It’s not about journaling every day. It’s about creating a practice that feels right for you. Some days you’ll write more, some days less. Give yourself grace on the days you don’t write, and celebrate the days you do..
The Invitation
So, what will your journaling journey look like? It doesn’t have to start with grand expectations. It can begin with just one paragraph—just like mine did. It’s not about becoming someone new—it’s about letting go of the things that aren’t you. It’s about releasing what’s been holding you back and embracing the freedom that comes with it.
Whether you’re looking to process emotions, explore your inner world, or build a consistent habit, journaling can unlock transformation—if you’re open to it.
Need a little help getting started? I’ve put together a free journaling guide filled with tips and inspiration to help you on your way. Just send me an email with the subject “Journaling Guide,” and I’ll send it right over!
