Positive Journaling

Do you keep a journal?  What style do you use: bullet, creative, art, prayer? 

My daily journaling is usually stream of consciousness.  A mental regurgitation of whatever is on my mind.  I might write about things that are currently causing me discomfort, stress, or anxiety.  Things that are bringing me joy.  Ideas, inspirations.  Or just random things that are rolling around in my head.  

As I learn more about neural connections in the brain and how they grow, become stronger, and even change depending on where we focus our thoughts regularly, I have started to wonder...

Can writing my complaints, annoyances, etc. have the same or a similiar effect?  

If so, would focusing on more positive journal entries for say - 30 days - have a positive effect?  Could it lead to more positive thinking?  And perhaps a more joyful outlook in general? 

It's worth a try!  AmIright??

Here are a few prompts to get you started:

• One thing I really like about myself is...
• My favorite way to spend the day is...
• Name 5 things you did right today.  (no matter how small they seem)
• Write about a time you were able to brighten someone else's spirits
• Make a list of 10 (or 20, or 50) things that make you smile
• Write a thank you letter to your body
• Describe yourself using 10 positive words
• Write about something that makes you feel energized
• Write about your favorite vacation or day trip
• Write about something you would like to learn more about
• Write about a hobby or activity that brings you joy
• What has made you smile in the last 24 hours?
• What is your favorite holiday and what do you love about it?
• Do you prefer a shower or bath?  Why?
• Write about your favorite food.

Happy journaling!  

I'm Not Writing

Seriously... I'm not writing.

Nothing.

My blog posts have gone down hill.  My journal sits blank for days at a time.  And my "creative" writing journal?  Ha!!

credit - publicdomainpictures.net

I'm trying.  Really.  I'm making something that resembles an effort. I open up a fresh blog post and look at it.  I open my journal...and am lucky to get a line or two before I just feel blank.  Or my focus wanders off in another direction.

 I don't know what's wrong with me.  My writing just feels - off.

Now, to be fair to myself - I've been quite off since the time change took place.  Or maybe turning another year older that weekend hit me harder than I realize.  But I've been tired pretty early in the evenings, but still find it difficult to drag myself out of bed in the early mornings.

And I've been feeling a bit sick off and on since late last week.  Especially over this past weekend when I was fighting off a yucky cold.

But, c'mon.

And yes - I know it's normal to go through ups and downs when it comes to writing.  But this time it's not even a lack of inspiration or ideas.  I've got those.  Plenty of them! I just can't seem to make them go anywhere.

I just keep waiting for the flood gates to open and the words to come pouring out!
 

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups