Unveiling the Power of Journaling
Ep. 9 The Untamed Mind: What to Do With Journals
Welcome to another insightful episode of The Untamed Mind podcast, where host Bree Johnson delves into the world of journaling—a practice often mentioned but rarely dissected in its full depth. Journaling, a gateway to self-awareness and emotional clarity, is a simple yet profound wellness practice that can help you reconnect with your authentic self.
Discovering the Untamed Path
Journaling is more than just penning down thoughts. It's a journey back to yourself, a way to untangle the web of emotions swirling within and lay them out in front of you. As we navigate through life's complexities, journaling becomes a tool for managing anxiety, reducing stress, and even coping with depression. Whether you prefer prompts, free-form writing, or jotting down gratitude lists, the journal is a personal sanctuary where your inner voice finds its freedom.
But what happens to these personal reflections? This question, prompted by a listener, opens up a discussion on the fate of our journals. Our finite time on Earth raises significant considerations: Do you cherish them as sacred keepsakes, or find liberation in burning them once their purpose has been fulfilled? It's a personal choice, guided by your relationship with those raw and honest entries.
The crux lies in how journaling can impact our legacy and emotional connections with loved ones. If your journal falls into the hands of family after you're gone, would it be a bridge to deeper understanding or a source of unresolved questions? This dilemma underscores the intricate layers of journaling that extend beyond the act of writing.
Embracing Journaling as a Wellness Practice
As Bree reflects on her own journaling journey, she encourages you to explore diverse practices that resonate with your spirit. Whether you choose to document meticulously or dip into journaling sporadically, there is no right or wrong way. For her, journaling flows with lunar cycles, brimming with intentions during new moons and releasing during full moons.
At times, candidly writing about present emotions serves as a healing ritual, aiding emotional processing and promoting presence. In professional spaces, journaling transcends traditional methods, offering a medium for tackling workplace frustrations silently. Crafting unsent emails as a journaling form is a cathartic way to manage professional dissatisfaction, thereby averting impulsive actions.
Navigating the future of your journals can shape your legacy. Handing down such personal artifacts might afford your descendants a raw glimpse into your world. However, the choice to preserve or destroy remains deeply personal, depending on your comfort with leaving this intimate aspect of you behind. Imagine the future, where those you leave behind might find in your words a source of insight and empathy, a lens through which they can view their own challenges. Journaling thus transforms into a legacy tool, a powerful testament to your emotional odyssey.
Journaling as a Path to Self-Discovery
In essence, whatever your journaling path may be—be it to free your emotions, to harness self-awareness, or to leave an emotional legacy—it is valid. What's paramount is how it serves you in untaming your mind and paving your quest for authenticity. Journaling is not just an activity; it is a transformative practice that invites you to embrace your inner world and choose your narrative with intention. What a gift to be able to explore the untamed paths of personal growth and leadership, one word at a time.
Let your untamed mind find its space, thrive in authenticity, and remember—the journey to your true self begins today.
