Learning The Art Of Journaling

Journaling is one of the most self-empowering things you can do for yourself.

As a concept, journaling has been proven to be an effective self-help tool that can help improve both your emotional and physical health. As well as helping you to gain ideas, insights and solutions using your conscious and subsconscious mind, journaling can also help you realise your life goals and ambitions.

There are numerous techniques on how to journal write. These include 'Reflective', 'Clustering', 'Unsent Letter' and 'Cathartic'.You might even find that you have your own personal style already. Either way, finding the right journaling technique that suits you is all that matters.

Here is a brief overview of two of these techniques:


Journal Writing The 'Reflective' Way

Using this style of journal writing, aim to record from an 'observer' perspective, by replacing 'I' with 'she'. For example, instead of starting an entry with, 'I decided this wasn't a good move for me to make', write it as if you are commmenting on an observervation you have made - e.g. 'she decided that this wasn't a good move for her'. Continue your personal journaling with a detailed account of events.
For example, include details such as 'her' recollection of scents, sounds, sights, emotions, feelings, etc., By taking the 'I' (yourself) out of the loop, you become more objective and effective in your journal writing.



Journal Writing The 'clustering' Way

Journaling using the 'Clustering' approach is very effective when you experience writing blocks or you find that your thoughts don't flow for you to record them. Start by writing the subject of your recording in the middle of the page. Circle it to make it stand out and immediately proceed in making associations with the subject. As each idea emerge, draw a circle around it and link it with a line to the main subject. This is a simple yet effective journaling method, that will present you with a wide array of ideas. You can later develop each circle into a new expanded version or simply leave them as they are.


Another good journaling technique for when you encounter 'writer's block', is to record how you're presently feeling, or simply describe an event or even a conversation you've had. Once you start, you'll find your writing begins to flow.

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Journaling and journal writing tools for self empowerment