Where do I start?

It's a common question about journaling, and it's easier than you think.

Last week I interviewed a mover shaker and his mother for a public radio story. They’re up to something big, and it’s an honor to hear their story. I’ve crafted the piece and am in the editing stages now. I’ll share it here when it airs later this month.

As I was leaving the interview, the mom gave me a deck of gratitude cards. She’s a yoga teacher, herbalist and nutritionist and throughout the interview she weaved reverence and gratitude into the conversation. It struck me that gratitude went both ways. I was so grateful for the opportunity to hear their story, and they were so grateful for the opportunity to share it. (Read the Science of Gratitude HERE.)

The gratitude deck holds 50 cards with quotes from inspiring people as well as Anonymous. My hubby and I have been pulling a card a day. They’re good conversation starters and also good journal prompts. Today’s prompt comes right from the card deck.

I’m often asked how to start a journal as well as where to find journal prompts. To get started, simply claim five to fifteen minutes, find a quiet place, open your journal, jot down a prompt and begin writing. It really is that easy, and you’ll reap the benefits.

Studies conducted at Southern Methodist University, Ohio State University, University of Texas at Austin, and North Dakota State University show that journaling can result in both an increased sense of well-being and physical health benefits that include: pain reduction; immune function improvement, resistance to minor illnesses such as colds and flu, relief of physical stress shown by lowered blood pressure and heart rate, and generally improved physical health. 

In terms of journal prompts, honestly, they’re everywhere. Just tap into what’s going on in your life, ask a question and journal a response. You can also write from a card deck, respond to a poem or simply ask: What’s going on right now?

For today’s prompt, I pulled a card from the gratitude deck that was gifted to me:

Journal Prompt:

Simply write the phrase from the card in your journal: Gratitude turns what we have into enough. Notice what’s coming up, and keep writing. No worries about grammar, punctuation, spelling or syntax. Just get the thoughts from your head and heart onto the page.

When you’ve journaled for five to fifteen minutes, re-read what you’ve written and give yourself some feedback: As I read this, I notice…

After I record my reflections and feedback, I usually add a magazine image or washi tape to my journal pages. That’s not necessary, but it makes my pages more appealing and takes me a bit deeper into processing what I’ve written.

Want more guidance and journaling prompts? Join me for Inner Wisdom Journaling, an online class where you’ll learn how to tap into your own inner wisdom for clarity, confidence and soulful next steps. Find out more HERE.