You are amazing 🤩

+ why journaling is a radical act these days

Journaling is a radical act these days; some might even say revolutionary.

“What’s so radical about writing in my ‘lil journal,” you ask?

Well, for starters, journaling is an analog activity. Screens vie for (and often win) our attention, but journaling asks us to put our phones down and pick up a pen.

(Writing is such a rare occurrence these days that our hands cramp after a couple minutes. Not to mention the callouses that used to form on our middle finger from holding a pen are now replaced by little indents in our pinkies!)

But the biggest reason is that journaling is the catalyst for cultivating a positive, meaningful connection to ourselves.

This shouldn’t be radical, but it is.

Recently, a couple of the attendees at Journal, together noted that they find a couple of the journal prompts really difficult.

Surprised, I asked them to tell me more.

“They’re just so positive,” one replied. She found it difficult to write herself sticky notes of encouragement. Another person had a hard time writing about a skill or talent they’re grateful for because it’s hard to talk about themselves.

I was stunned.

Our conversation illuminated that it can be hard to see ourselves positively. To be our own biggest fans (and best friends). To see the good in ourselves.

I think this stems from being disconnected from ourselves.

And I get it — it feels hard to be connected to ourselves, especially right now.

We’re bombarded with overwhelm, scarcity, and negativity in all kinds of directions. Just look at how fast-paced our lives have become, the comparisonitis we experience when we open social media, and how uncertain the future feels.

We develop a negativity bias toward ourselves and our self-perception becomes distorted.

It’s feels easier to swim with the current right now — to doomscroll, commiserate, dissociate — while having a positive, meaningful connection to yourself feels like swimming upstream.

This isn’t the first time I’ve heard that my journaling prompts are positive

Or that what people end up writing has a tone of optimism and hope.

I’m the first to say that journaling isn’t a silver bullet, but I do believe it is a powerful antidote to the negativity bias we have against ourselves.

And that’s why I think journaling has become such a radical act.

Putting a pen in your hand is a way rewire your brain and illuminate a more positive, meaningful connection with yourself.

One where you recognize the brilliance within yourself. Where you double down on your gifts and what makes you YOU. Where you feel good about yourself.

It doesn’t happen over night. It takes practice to show up again and again for yourself.

But it’s a pretty worthy cause, don’t you think?

After all, the most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one you have with yourself.

In this week’s journal prompt you’re going to toot our own horn and recognize how amazing you are.

It’s called “And the award goes to… ME!”

DRAW a series of award badges and/or trophies in a page of your notebook. They should be big enough to write a phrase, but small enough so you can fit 5-7 on the page.

CALL TO MIND some of your favorite qualities about yourself that make you YOU. For example, maybe you’re an incredible storyteller, a Michelin star-worthy cook, or have a knack for planning memorable dinner parties.

WRITE each quality in its own badge or trophy. Take a moment to appreciate these qualities, skills, and talents.

BONUS: Journal on how you can lean into these qualities a little more. Can you do them more often? Bring them into new environments? The world needs your gifts!

The next Journal, together is on Thursday, December 5 at 9:00AM PDT / 12PM EDT.

30 minutes, 3 prompts, and a pretty much guaranteed transformation that will stay with you all week.

Side effects of journaling together (as noted by past attendees) include:

• Shifting into a positive headspace

• Feeling grounded and clear

• A sense of relaxation

• Mindfulness

• Increased joy