Julia Cameron (The Artist’s Way) once described journaling as “spiritual windshield wipers”. I can personally attest to the power of journaling to calm one’s soul, to focus thoughts, and to clear the mind. Journaling gives perspective to life, allows one to reflect back upon days past and plan for the coming days ahead with greater insight. Self-awareness and self-knowledge are incredibly important skills that vigorously leverage you toward your best self more often.
Journaling is one of the “secrets” of success that lie in plain sight, free for the taking. However, like many success “secrets”, journaling’s benefits are subtle and accrue incrementally over time. Thus, even though journaling’s compounded effect is extraordinary, it is often overlooked by a culture hooked on flashy immediacy. Be ye different, choose better daily please.
Closing Quotes:
“What a comfort is this journal. I tell myself to myself and throw the burden on my book and feel relieved.” – Anne Lister, I Know My Own Heart
“Keeping a journal of what’s going on in your life is a good way to help you distill what’s important and what’s not.” – Martina Navratilova, winner of 16 tennis singles majors, 59 overall (doubles/mixed doubles), Open Era record
“I don’t journal to ‘be productive.’ I don’t do it to find great ideas or to put down prose I can later publish. The pages aren’t intended for anyone but me. It’s the most cost-effective therapy I’ve ever found.” – Tim Ferriss, Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World
As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier