Start writing a journal

 

If you are looking to start something new this year, which makes a big difference and is not very hard, consider writing a journal.

I started in 2009 and have been doing it every year (except 2011) since then. With 12 years of experience I can say many things about the practice and benefits with conviction.

• In terms of investment all it needs is a diary and a pen. I buy my diaries from Sri Ramakrishna Math bookstores. The quality is good, price economical and it has lovely quotes and pictures. 
  

• You don't have to write daily. Write when you have something to write. For me it's mostly everyday but there are days when I don't pick up the diary to write.
  

• Write what you want to write. Here are some suggestions for what you can write and what worked for me:

Experiences, events and feelings

Letting the emotions (pleasant or unpleasant) flow through the ink gives a sense of catharsis and frees up precious mind space. Over time you may realize that the pages of a diary are a much better place to store your feelings than your mind.

Ideas and Insights

One of the greatest side effects of meditation is that you start getting insights and creative ideas. You need a place to record them till you can act on them or use them. Besides meditation the other places I get ideas and insights are the restroom and during long drives. Doesn't matter where you get them. Start writing them down in one place.

Goals, Wishes and Intentions

I believe writing is the first step for manifesting anything. Many of my intentions and wishes have come true just by writing them down and forgetting. Writing down goals keep them in existence and there is satisfaction found in ticking them off once completed.

Accomplishments and Gratitude

It feels good to write down all the big and small things I have accomplished and everything that I have been given by life. When I'm feeling low, worthless or hopeless, looking at this list gives me assurance that life is not all bad and get the motivation to keep going.

Learning

Whether it is from a book, talk, mentor, program or direct experience of life, a learning is worth preserving and referring back to when needed.

Service

Write down every act of service (big or small) because it will inspire you to do more. And when you serve, you grow and blossom. Real living starts when you start practicing giving and serving.

Activities

Places visited, books read, people met, events attended etc.

What's New

Write down the new things you have tried. Once you start writing more newness will flow. Nothing new to write means life is stagnating.

Failures, Risks and Advice

What all have you tried and failed at? What risks have you taken? What advice would you give yourself?

• Read your journal. Equally important to writing is reading what you have written. It's super interesting and energizing to read what you wrote months/years back. It shows how you have grown and connects you to your life. It puts life in perspective and helps you get grounded. My writings helped me see how my opinions of people and situations have changed over time. It also showed me that what looks liked misery in short-term ended up being a blessing over time.

• Journal can be a stepping stone for a future book.

Hope this motivates for more people to take up writing journal and reap the immense benefits at practically no cost.