The Art of Journaling

“Journal writing is a voyage to the interior.” Christina Baldwin

Since high school, I found a haven within the pages of my journals. I love writing my thoughts, prayers, and memories, clearing my mind of its clutter, expressing myself completely, and releasing the stress I subconsciously hold onto. Journaling is a special practice that has positively changed my life.

The Health Behind Writing

“Writing is medicine. It is an appropriate antidote to injury. It is an appropriate companion

for any difficult change.” ~ Julia Cameron

Writing regularly can improve your mental and emotional health. Benefits of journaling include:

Emotional relief
Improved cognitive processing
Encouraged self-esteem
Support with stress-management

When you make time to write, you allow yourself to pinpoint a certain circumstance or emotion and then express it, evaluate it, and release it. The more we let go of what’s burdening us, the better we feel.

I appreciate the privacy of journaling. It's something only me, myself, and I have permission to read. Having a safe place where I can express myself without judgment or commentary alleviates my worries. We all go through hard things, whether internal or circumstantial, and we need to communicate what we're thinking and how we're feeling. Journaling has bridged that gap for me, giving me an outlet to say what needs to be said and release my fears and concerns.

Journaling also helps me express happiness and gratitude. I love documenting memories, writing about unexpected blessings, and rereading entries to see how things in my life have changed. Journaling is a special way to preserve the good that happens in our lives.

There are multiple ways to journal. My favorite types are:

Expressive journaling
Gratitude journaling
To-do lists

Other types of journaling include:

Dream journaling
Sketch journaling
Idea journaling

No matter your preferences, you can find a style of journaling that works for you! Writing is important, if not for the communication aspect, especially for the emotional release. Journaling is a cathartic art that helps us connect with ourselves and each other.

My Prayer Journal

“He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our LORD!”

~ Psalm 111:4

One of the reasons I love journaling is because it deepens my faith. Sometimes when I sit in prayer, I don’t have the words to speak my heartfelt thoughts, and I get distracted. When I journal my prayers, I stay focused on the moment, concentrating on expressing exactly what I want to say to the Lord.

Here are four reasons why I value journaling my prayers:

1. While I write, the Holy Spirit comforts me. “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

2. Writing my prayers gives me confidence in God’s provision. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

3. Expressing thanks for life’s blessings restores my mindset. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm100:4

4. Reflecting on past entries reminds me of God’s faithfulness. “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:11-12

* To learn more about prayer and quiet time, read my previous post linked below:

Qualities of Quiet Time

Rereading old entries is probably my favorite thing about keeping a prayer journal. I can see God answer prayers, change my circumstances, and bring my life full circle. Remembering past experiences and seeing how God moved in those circumstances is incredible. As I reminisce, I see God’s loving care throughout every prayer.

Just recently, I journaled about this concept, saying:

“God really does care SO much about us, enough to strategically take us on the journey of our lives...in order to show His faithful love. Journaling is a powerful tool to reminisce of our past, learn [from it], and grow into a more developed and healed person, and tangibly see the goodness and intention of God.”

I never realized it until now, but journaling has been such a therapeutic process. It has always been a priority in my life, but learning about its benefits and observing its positive influence makes it even more important. Journaling has helped me become a better, healed person.

Your Starting Point

“I can recapture everything when I write, my thoughts, my ideals and my fantasies.” ~ Anne Frank

Even if writing isn’t your “thing”, I encourage you to try journaling! You never know the art of something until you experience it for yourself.

Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

Choose a format that works best for you (pen and paper, phone note, voice-to-text, typing on an iPad).
Set a regular time to write.
Limit distractions during this time; allow yourself to focus
Select a particular journal style to try and start writing! *See the types of journaling above.
Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or punctuation; let yourself freely express your thoughts!
Allow yourself to feel through whatever emotions or thoughts arise. Sit with them, then release.

Journaling doesn’t have to be done every day or even every week. It should be a habit you have because it’s beneficial for you. Whatever outlet is best to express yourself and connect with God—do it! Your life and your health will be better for it.

*To learn more about the importance of writing, read my previous post linked below:

Writing is a Superpower

"Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me." ~ Psalm 103:2