A Look into Reflective Journaling
As a counsellor part of my training was to keep a reflective journal, which I managed for 3 years. My father had kept a diary for over 40 years and I would often raise my eyebrows at him when he used to recall what we were all doing this time last year.
Why bother?
People use journals or diaries for many reasons, and I like a simple definition that it’s “something written by you, for you”.
In today’s fast-paced world, where we are constantly juggling tasks and responsibilities, it can be easy to forget to pause, reflect, and take a deeper look at our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. We can start to build into our consciousness a point of observation of ourselves, a very special vantage point.
The Benefits of Reflective Journaling
- Improving Self-Awareness
Writing about your experiences encourages you to take a step back and evaluate them from a distance. Being in tune with your inner world, can help you understand your strengths, weaknesses, and values. It leads to what we call “insight”.
- Problem-Solving Skills
Reflective journaling can act as a mental detox, helping you clarify your thoughts and gain perspective. You might uncover solutions to problems you’re facing or discover new ways to approach challenges.
- Stress Relief and Emotional Healing
Writing about a stressful day, a difficult relationship, or a painful experience can help alleviate the emotional burden. Over time, reflective journaling can also aid with healing by helping you process grief, trauma, or disappointment.
- Tracking Personal Growth
One of the most rewarding aspects of journaling is looking back at past entries and realising how far you’ve come.
How do I start?
Try to overcome any feelings of “I’m no good at writing” or “it feels awkward writing about myself”. It’s Ok, explore that more and write about what you are feeling and why that might be.
Here are some more tips:
- Set a regular time - The key to making journaling a habit, it requires consistency
- Create a comfortable space - find a comfortable spot where you won’t be easily distracted
- Write freely - The beauty of journaling is that there are no rules
- Ask yourself questions - What went well today, and why?
- How did I handle a challenging situation?
- What am I grateful for right now?
- How do I feel about my relationships?
- What are my goals for the next week/month?
Be Kind to Yourself
Reflective journaling is not meant to be a tool for self-criticism. Instead, it’s about learning, growing, and understanding yourself better. Be patient with yourself and allow your reflections to evolve naturally over time.
“Every day we are creating more life. If you have the time, interest and energy write it down! “ - Christina Baldwin, Author of One to One
References
Rogers, C. (1961). On becoming a Person. London: Constable.
Baldwin, C. (1991). One to One - Self-understanding through journal writing. New York: Evans & Company, Inc:
