journaling Archives - Daryl Watson

Tag Archive for: journaling

In a dark place?

March 9, 2023

Sometimes, we can find ourselves in some dark places in our life.

It can be debilitating.

It’s been my experience, that everyone has low mood days.

And I mean everyone.

When they come (and they will), what can you do about it?

There has been lots written in recent years about positive thinking, mindset, mindfulness, sleeping patterns etc.

Personally, for years, I have maintained a daily habit of journaling.

Unquestionably, it has helped to maintain my mental well-being.

However, one of the most frequently recommended practices by psychologists, counsellors and coaches to help those with dark moods, anxiety or stress, is to keep a 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥.

What is a gratitude journal anyway?

Simply, a gratitude journal helps you appreciate life more.

Its easy to begin.

Find a small notebook, some quiet “me” time to reflect, maybe 15 minutes at the end of the day and write down three things that you are grateful for.

Let the gratitude flow…

Here are some ideas to get you started…

• Someone you’re happy to have in your life.

• Your favourite part of the day

• Someone who gave you good advice.

• Good news or something that made you smile.

• Something beautiful you saw today.

• Someone who inspired you.

• Something you love about your work.

The outcomes?

It’ll reduce stress, lower anxiety, release tension, provides clarity, it’ll make you happier and will help you gain a better understanding of yourself.

The more practice you get, the easier it becomes, and you’ll more easily feel the sensations that come into your thoughts as you focus on gratitude.

Go on, give it a go, and start today.

The Book of Life

June 9, 2022

I was asked recently, “𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲?”

Did you know that some of the most important historical records are the diaries and other personal writings of individuals from all different walks of life?

Living in the Netherlands, I am often reminded of one the most significant diaries of our time – that of Anne Frank, the 13-year-old Jewish girl living here, who, at the age of 16, died in a German concentration camp.

Her diary, written whilst she was confined in an Amsterdam apartment house, shares her story of how she and her family went into hiding for two years to avoid Nazi persecution. Since her death, the words from her diary have inspired millions. And because of her diary the world has known all about the terrors of growing up during the Holocaust.

My journaling journey began early when I was a young 12-year-old.

It has been the first thing I’ve done every morning for as long as I can remember.

𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧?

You do not have to write every day, even though this would be good. It could be weekly. It could even be as and when there is something that is memorable or moving or meaningful.

Remembering is an important part of life and journals help us to do that. They also help me to slow down!

𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 – by Zelda Davis Howard

Life is a book made up of days

Each one of us writes one,

It’s opened when we come to earth

And closed when life is done.

No pen but ours ere touches it

In our own way we write,

Whether we fail or succeed

Turns with the page at night.

And there is no erasing it

To add or take away,

The yesterday’s account is closed,

Sealed within white or grey.

The morning gives another sheet

That’s broad and very white,

And oh, how glorious to have

Another chance to write!

No bad is there too small to show

No good that’s ever lost,

All that we do goes into Life’s book

In black and white embossed.

Every life is a tale worth telling.

Why not begin yours today?

What will I write about today?

January 2, 2022

Picking up my new journal for 2022 this morning, “What will I write about today?” I thought….

How will be different because of what we have heard, seen and felt in 2021?

I have written about the importance of daily journaling, on many, many occasions.

Since Christmas Day 1977, journaling has been a huge part of my life. It has been a constant daily habit for 16,000 days +

There are 101 reasons to write a journal – here are my top 10 favourites:

Why Write a Journal?

• It improves memory function and helps you remember things.

• It helps you to set and achieve your goals.

• It strengthens self-discipline

• It helps boost your creativity

• It allows you to self-reflect and enhances your self-awareness

• It helps to improve your writing and discover your own voice

• It keeps your thoughts organised

• It helps me to remember who I really am – a child of God.

• It helps you to become aware of what really matters most

• It is always fun to relive the many entries recorded.

Finally, I loved President Russell M. Nelson’s encouragement yesterday to write down some resolutions for the year ahead. He shared three resolution’s, “Firstly strengthen your spiritual foundation….. Second, resolve to be kind to others….. Third, resolve to be resolute. The Lord loves effort. The Lord loves consistency. The Lord loves steadfastness. While we surely will come up short from time to time, our persistent efforts to hear Him and follow the inspiration He gives us will help us to “wax strong in the Spirit” (Mosiah 18:26).”

Why not record those resolutions in your own new journal today?

Why not resolve to start today?

I promise you, that you will never regret it.

My top tips, always write first thing in the morning, be radically honest with yourself and always write with a good pen!!

Are you keeping a journal?

What benefits do you get from journaling?

#journal #journaling