Journaling For Personal Growth
February 25th, 2011 | 
Author: Journaling For Personal Growth
Free Online Articles Directory
Why Submit Articles?
Top Authors
Top Articles
FAQ
ABAnswers
0 && $.browser.msie ) {
var ie_version = parseInt($.browser.version);
if(ie_version Login
Register
Hello
My Home
Sign Out
Email
Password
Remember me?
Lost Password?
Home Page > Self Improvement > Self Help > Journaling For Personal Growth
Journaling For Personal Growth
Posted: Feb 10, 2007 |Comments: 0
| Views: 579 |
]]>
One of the best ways to gain clarity about your life is by journaling your thoughts and feelings. Especially if you’re feeling conflicted or confused about certain situations, writing your thoughts out can be incredibly enlightening!
You don’t have to be a “writer” to journal effectively. In fact, your writing skills don’t have to be good at all. Just the act of putting your thoughts into logical order and translating them to written form can help you to understand what you’re feeling, and why.
Here are some tips to help you use journaling for personal growth:
1) Keep it simple. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a fancy journal. In fact, unless you’re an experienced journaler, I recommend using an inexpensive, lined notebook. Then you won’t feel so much pressure to be “perfect” in what you write. You won’t be afraid to scribble and scrawl whatever happens to flow onto the paper.
2) Don’t hold back. When you journal for the purposes of personal growth, don’t try to edit yourself, or make your writing understandable to anyone else. The most freeing technique is to put your pen to paper and just write whatever comes to mind. No one else will see it unless you want them to, so let ‘er rip!
3) Focus on the feelings. If you find yourself stumped about what to write in your journal, begin with the phrase, “I feel…”. This will usually get your thoughts and feelings flowing, and you will be better able to express them in writing.
4) Guided journaling. Another helpful technique is guided journaling, which means providing a prompt for yourself. Especially if you’re struggling with something specific, you can more easily get the words flowing with a nudge in the right direction. Some example prompts would be, “Describe your perfect career and the reasons it would fulfill you.” Or, “Think about the most painful experience in your past and write about the ways it has affected who you are today.”
5) Review your entries periodically. Going back to look at your journal entries can be very illuminating and provide amazing clarity about yourself. With time and practice, you will likely begin to see patterns in your thinking, behaviors, and beliefs. The most important thing is to keep an objective mindset while you look at your entries. Don’t judge or belittle yourself. Keep the focus on personal growth and development. Instead of beating yourself up or cringing over your latest rant, ask yourself, “How can I use this knowledge to improve my circumstances now?”
If you’re not a natural writer, journaling may seem like a lot of effort at first. But it is so worth it! Because I am a writer, journaling is something I’ve always done. As a child, I kept written diaries that focused more on my day to day experiences. “Dear Diary, today a cute boy smiled at me and I melted!” In my twenties, I decided I wanted to understand myself better, so I began keeping written journals with a focus on self-discovery. That practice has paid off in amazing ways over the past decade or so.
You can also keep journals for other reasons besides personal growth. For example, you can begin a gratitude journal to jot down a few things you are thankful for each day, which will help you to feel more positive about your life. You can keep a spiritual growth journal to record prayers and meditations that were effective for you. You can keep a dream journal to learn more about the messages your dreams hold. The possibilities are endless!
If you really don’t like writing with pen and paper, you can also keep an online journal in the form of a blog. There are many providers that offer free membership accounts, with easy-to-use interfaces. Two popular choices are http://Blogger.com and http://LiveJournal.com. However, if you keep an online journal, you might want to make it private so no one else can view it. It’s amazing what search engines can find nowadays, and you don’t want your neighbor or employer coming across your private thoughts. Most blog hosts allow an option to keep your blog non-viewable to the public. Or you can simply stay anonymous with your blog, but allow others to read it. Use a pseudonym and don’t give any identifiable information about yourself.
Finally, don’t feel that you have to follow any set rules with your journaling. Do what works best for you, and enjoy the journey! 
Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/journaling-for-personal-growth-103208.html”
(ArticlesBase SC #103208)
Watch your traffic increase just by submitting articles with us, click here to get started.
Liked this article? Click here to publish it on your website or blog, it’s free and easy!
Wendy Betterini -
About the Author:
Wendy Betterini is a freelance writer specializing in self-improvement and personal development concepts. Visit her website, http://www.WingsForTheHeart.com for free articles on positive thinking, goal-setting, self-esteem, personal growth, and more.
]]>
Questions and Answers
Ask our experts your Self Help related questions here…
200 Characters left
I am the black dot in my dream, sometimes it is in a open room just me as the dot and other time is is fulled with other black dots of different shapes and sizes and feels like i cant breath
I want improve my self sex feel with my husband relationship, how can i improve my sex feel,, i want to extreme fulfilled with my husband touch,, i want to have know my husbands each and every touc
Is a person be safe with brahmi if he or she takes it for memory improvement?
Rate this Article
vote(s)
0 vote(s)
Feedback
RSS
Print
Email
Re-Publish
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/journaling-for-personal-growth-103208.html
Article Tags:
journaling, personal growth, self discovery, self improvement, inner journey
Latest Self Help Articles
More from Wendy Betterini
All great minds think on paper. Clear the mind, reclarify goals, values and your purpose in life constantly. Journal and evaluate if you’re on track. Have dialogs with yourself to solve problems. Paper helps you articulate thoughts and ideas. (01:31)
How Tom Wolfe and Merry Pranksters Shaped Journalism Career
In Chapter 4 of 11, journalist Rachel Lehmann-Haupt recounts writing influences from Tom Wolfe’s new journalism writing and literary non-fiction from to Gay Talese to Electric Kool-Aid Test’s Merry Pranksters. Lehmann-Haupt leaves post-Kenyon Collage publishing and reporting jobs to hone her new journalism interests at the University of California Berkeley’s Felker School of Journalism. (01:56)
Learn how to keep a record of your trips and travels in a very personal way by starting a nature journal. (02:39)
Why Reporting Provides a Journalist with a Sense of Fulfillment
In Chapter 1 of 9, reporter Yoav Gonen decides on the field of journalism after years of working as a writer and a book publisher. He finds fulfillment in embracing the unexpected and engaging an array of personalities. Gonen highlights one experience, reporting from the Bronx on a guy living with a tiger, as a defining moment in his career. (02:10)
Why Pitching News Stories is the Best Part of a Journalist’s Job
In Chapter 3 of 9, reporter Yoav Gonen shares how using motivation and imagination contributes to his favorite part of the job: pitching stories. Journalism provides Gonen the platform to explore, investigate and probe, then pitch the stories. For Gonen, there is nothing quite like connecting his curiosity to the proposal. (02:05)
Spiritual Scrapbooking & Journalling With The Angels-A New Adventure In Writing
Discover the exciting ways of making a boring journal more exciting. Get to make your own angel diary and create your very own private collection of angel memories and experiences. As well as learning to reveal your spiritual self.
By:
AmandaConnorsl
Spirituality>
Metaphysicsl
Jan 08, 2010
We are all creative beings. Men’s creative minds made them reach the peak of the highest mountain in the world, plant a flag on the moon, fly into outer space. Our creativity brought about inventions that have changed human history and culture such as the computer, the Internet, cell phone, TV, x-ray
By:
Nathaniel Pollardl
Healthl
Jun 08, 2010
Live Your Life Purpose: Soul Inspired Goal Setting For 2009 – ABC Action Guide
A. Where Are You Now? Let’s get started by taking a good look at your life the way it is today. Do this exercise by filling out filling out your Life Wheel. Draw a circle on a blank piece of paper, divide it into the following 8 sections; 1.Career/Business 2.Finances 3.Health…
By:
Annika Ekl
Self Improvement>
Self Helpl
Jan 05, 2009
lViews: 232
Theoretical Approaches to Learning Art
The purpose of this article is to explore the applications of eight to ten theories and use them to teach art education, while explaining how the information contained within the matrix created, could be transferred, and implemented to the art education program, while evaluating the pros and cons of each theory to the arts.
By:
Maritza M. Condel
Educationl
May 03, 2009
lViews: 350
When Was The Last Time You Googled Yourself?
I am sure you have done that pretty recently… And what did you find? No… dont tell me. But, you know that only if the results are other than Facebook, Twitter & other social networking sites then you are talking!
See how your Google search results affect your job or simply put – Your Life.
Is your CV really on a A4 sized piece of paper?
RETHINK!
By:
Nuruddin Abjanil
Self Improvement>
Self Helpl
Feb 25, 2011
The use of NLP Techniques to Support Public Speaking Abilities
List all of the emotions you want to have to your speeches, bring to mind a time when you find yourself with every particular emotion, word the body languages going with the emotion, write them down, and stay practicing them until they turn into natural.
By:
emmal
Self Improvement>
Self Helpl
Feb 25, 2011
Using NLP Reframing Techniques to Turn Failure Into Success
While confronted with failure or setbacks, it might be time so that you simply can assessment what is not working and to make the essential adjustments to transport you in opposition to success. The best insanity is to do the same thing time and again and anticipating other results.
By:
emmal
Self Improvement>
Self Helpl
Feb 25, 2011
If you really care about someone, are completely relaxed, there in the moment, and allow your kissing to find its natural rhythm and expression, you’ll find that your kisses become much more intense and enjoyable.
By:
Urskal
Self Improvement>
Self Helpl
Feb 25, 2011
How to Release Pressure from Work
Work is undeniably very stressful. You have to deal with office politics and gossip, deadlines, lazy colleagues, and demanding bosses for several hours every day. Thus, it’s not surprising to wish there’s something you can do to get the stress off your back.
By:
Nelson Berryl
Self Improvement>
Self Helpl
Feb 25, 2011
How to Live Your Life in the Now
What’s the best way to live your life? It’s actually doing so in the present moment. After all, what can you certainly do with the past? Everything is done and over with. What can you do with the future? You can never guarantee it.
By:
Nelson Berryl
Self Improvement>
Self Helpl
Feb 25, 2011
How to Handle Negative Feedback
There are two kinds of feedback: good and bad. Of course, you want to have the good, but that isn’t always the case all the time. Sometimes you also hear negative feedback, which is scary since a lot don’t know how to manage it quite well. Before you know it, they have already fallen into deep depression and a feeling of rejection
By:
Nelson Berryl
Self Improvement>
Self Helpl
Feb 25, 2011
How to Get Over Your Fear to Drive
Do you have that fear to get on behind the wheel? Do not fret. You are not the only one. There are actually millions of people out there who never apply for a driver’s license or drive an automobile because of their fears.
By:
Nelson Berryl
Self Improvement>
Self Helpl
Feb 25, 2011
The Mountain Behind The Mountain
I’m reading through a new book I bought recently, “Creating a Charmed Life” by Victoria Moran. It features a collection of 75 short essays about how to bring more joy, meaning, and simplicity into your life. One of my favorite essays from the book (so far) is called, “Give…
By:
Wendy Betterinil
Self Improvement>
Self Helpl
Feb 02, 2007
Mind Over Matter: The Power Of Thoughts
One of the greatest challenges in life is understanding just how powerful our thoughts are. Many of us learn this the hard way – myself included. After spending most of my early life caught up in negative thought patterns, it occurred to me that I had created exactly what I…
By:
Wendy Betterinil
Self Improvement>
Self Helpl
Feb 02, 2007
lViews: 1,258
New Beginnings: The Gift Of Starting Over
I recently had the pleasure of seeing the movie, “50 First Dates” starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. (Note: this article contains spoilers for the movie. If you haven’t seen it yet and don’t want me ruining the surprise, you might want to put this article aside until after you’ve…
By:
Wendy Betterinil
Self Improvement>
Self Helpl
Feb 01, 2007
lViews: 1,104
Ten Ways We Hinder The Law Of Attraction
“Why isn’t the Law of Attraction working for me?” This cry of frustration is uttered often by people who are learning to consciously create better lives using the Law of Attraction. After spending weeks trying to raise their vibration, focus their minds and bring forth a better reality, they can’t…
By:
Wendy Betterinil
Self Improvement>
Self Helpl
Jan 30, 2007
lViews: 587
Successful Decision-making Process
Decision-making seems like it should be a simple process, but sometimes we can find ourselves vacillating back and forth between one or more choices, truly unable to make a solid decision. One of the things that makes decision-making so unnerving is the fear of making a wrong move. We may…
By:
Wendy Betterinil
Self Improvement>
Self Helpl
Jan 29, 2007
lViews: 699
Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zones
Let’s face it, there will always be things we fear in life. Some of us fear the obvious “biggies” like heights, spiders, fires or flying. However, many of us develop fears around things that shouldn’t hinder us, but often do. Do you fear rejection? Taking risks? Failure? Success? All of us…
By:
Wendy Betterinil
Self Improvement>
Self Helpl
Jan 29, 2007
lViews: 447
Wording Intentions: Asking For What You Really Want
Have you ever asked the universe for something and gotten a result that wasn’t what you intended? When wording our intentions and speaking our desires, it pays to be very specific! Consider these examples: Shannon wants to be debt-free, so she states an intention: “I want to pay…
By:
Wendy Betterinil
Self Improvement>
Self Helpl
Jan 29, 2007
lViews: 543
Invite A Flood Of Prosperity With Visualization
Visualization is one great way to activate the Law of Attraction in our lives, but we often go about it in such a serious way. We meditate, we create our vision boards, we painstakingly create a picture in our minds of what we want our outer circumstances to reflect. This…
By:
Wendy Betterinil
Self Improvement>
Self Helpl
Jan 22, 2007
lViews: 238
Add new Comment
Your Name: *
Your Email:
Comment Body: *
Verification code:*
* Required fields
Submit
Your Articles Here
It’s Free and easy
Sign Up Today
Author Navigation
My Home
Publish Article
View/Edit Articles
View/Edit Q&A
Edit your Account
Manage Authors
Statistics Page
Personal RSS Builder
My Home
Edit your Account
Update Profile
View/Edit Q&A
Publish Article
Author Box
Wendy Betterini has 41 articles online
Articles Categories
All Categories
Advertising
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Beauty
Business
Careers
Computers
Education
Finance
Food and Beverage
Health
Hobbies
Home and Family
Home Improvement
Internet
Law
Marketing
News and Society
Relationships
Self Improvement
Shopping
Spirituality
Sports and Fitness
Technology
Travel
Writing
Addictions
Advice
Coaching
Goal Setting
Law of Attraction
Motivational
NLP Hypnosis
Psychology
Public Speaking
Self Help
Stress Management
Time Management
]]>
Need Help?
Contact Us
FAQ
Submit Articles
Editorial Guidelines
Blog
Site Links
Recent Articles
Top Authors
Top Articles
Find Articles
Site Map
Mobile Version
Webmasters
RSS Builder
RSS
Link to Us
Business Info
Advertising
Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2011 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved.
Wendy Betterini is a freelance writer specializing in self-improvement and personal development concepts. Visit her website, http://www.WingsForTheHeart.com for free articles on positive thinking, goal-setting, self-esteem, personal growth, and more.
Posted in 
Tags: