Pages of Possibility

Journaling for Productivity, Connection and Emotional Well-being

I started journaling one day while I was reading the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. There was a line from a conversation between Liz and another character that had me burst out into laughter. I just had to write it down. Pen to paper and I had soon filled several pages with my thoughts and emotions that flowed from my fingers and onto the pages like raging waters rushing downstream. I hadn’t realized how much I had stored up and what a release journaling could be in my busy and chaotic existence. But it felt amazing and I was hooked.

“The best time to begin keeping a journal is whenever you decide to. — Hannah Hinchman

Since that day, some 16-plus years ago, my journaling journey has ebbed and flowed with various life circumstances and demands. At times I have written daily and at other times weeks and even months would pass before I would engage with and entertain my papel friend. Yet, I have learned that when I prioritize my journaling time and make it part of my routine, I tend to be and feel more balanced and mindful of my thoughts and actions. Journaling makes for a healthier me and this seems to positively impact everyone and everything around me.

“The deeper benefit of keeping a journal is that it offers a way to be consistently aware or mindful.” — Alexandra Johnson

Over the years, through both my personal and professional journaling experiences and pursuits, I have discovered that journaling comes in many forms, with various purposes and a wide range of goals. If I had all the time in the world, I would intertwine every one of them into my days as I know their benefits and have seen how they reflect positively in my productivity, connection, and emotional well-being.

“Journaling is like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time.” — Mina Murray

I imagine that there are many others like me, always doing something and on the go. My life is filled with all sorts of activities, from work commitments to self-improvement regimes to traveling the globe to getting lost in an amazing novel.  I am always actively tackling challenges, pursuing goals, and finding ways to grow and develop into the person I want to be. Journaling techniques for productivity have allowed me to organize, schedule, track, and record information that assists in the flow of my daily routines and ongoing goals. I have used a few of these techniques over the years and will share the ones that I found to be particularly useful. 

• Book Journaling - summaries, reviews, logs of books read. 

• Fitness Journaling - reflection, logs of workouts, growth tracking, weight loss/grain, goals, challenges. 

• Pregnancy Journaling - thoughts & feelings, weight, cravings, countdown, milestones. 

• Bullet journaling - calendar, logs, to-do lists, charts, graphs, gratitude lists, travel records, books read, and so much more! 

For individuals like me who thrive on lists and organization techniques, journaling techniques for productivity are extremely appealing. I have found that disciplining myself to maintain these techniques can be challenging, yet the information I gain is beneficial and behavior-modifying. 

“Journaling leads people to life changes, leaps of faith, new insights, and meaningful decisions.” — Lynda Monk

At times, my busy lifestyle takes me down roads that are riddled with unexpected obstacles and speed bumps and I find myself teetering on the brink of uncontrollable screaming or the verge of breaking down in tears. It is at moments like these that I embrace journaling techniques for emotional well-being. Here are a few that I have found to meet and support me when I am at my wit's end. 

• Stress Release Journaling - a combination of breathing, meditation, response to provocative questions, refocus, and grounding. 

• Reflective Journaling - reflection on thoughts, experiences, values, goals, etc.

• Unsent Letter or Message Journaling - letters and messages written to a family member, friend, perpetrator, foe, or person you cannot or do not want to confront to address issues, abuse, wrongdoing, etc. 

• Prayer & Praise Journaling - prayers & praises.

Different than other journaling techniques, when I engage in any of the journaling for emotional well-being techniques, I have certain guidelines I follow. To start, I seek out and find a quiet place that is free from distractions and will allow me to embrace and release my emotions without worry. I make sure that I am comfortable, and have my writing tools with me, as well as tissues and calming music or bell sounds to play. When time is an issue, I make sure I set an alarm with a gentle tone to avoid startling myself when it sounds. For me, journaling for emotional well-being techniques serve not as a replacement for professional therapy, but as a way to support and maintain my overall emotional balance and well-being.

“Your journal will stand as a chronicle of your growth, your hopes, your fears, your dreams, your ambitions, your sorrows, your serendipities.” — Kathleen Adams

By far the type of journaling I spend the most time in is what I call journaling for connection. This isn’t a connection with others but rather a connection with self through thoughts, experiences, observations, and imagination. The list below is just a sampling of the many to try out and select from. They are also my favorites. 

• Daily Journaling - reflection, documenting, expression. 

• Travel Journaling - details, stories, photos, memorabilia, etc. 

• Nature Journaling - date, time, location, weather, senses observation, artistic element. 

• Stream of Consciousness/Morning Pages - whatever pops into your head. 

• Dream Journaling - recording dreams upon waking. 

• Creative Writing - poetry, stories, memoirs, brainstorming, response, etc. 

Journaling for connection techniques are my happy place. It is here that my journaling journey began at the most unexpected time and in the most unexpected. Way. It is from here that I have created a space, Write On! Creative Writing Center, for writers to thrive and find opportunities to develop a love, or at least appreciation, for writing. It is from here that I have pursued higher education with the vision to make a difference in how writing is taught and valued. It is here that I have found a connection. 

“I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see,

                                                and what it means. What I want and what I fear.” — Joan Didion

With journaling techniques to help with productivity, emotional well-being, and connection, there are options for just about everyone. Yet, when it comes to writing, it is getting started that can be one of the biggest changes for so many. I have found that quotes serve as an avenue of inspiration for me. My journaling journey began with a quote and I use one to begin my daily journal entries. 

If you are seeking inspiration, opportunity, and a place to grow as a writer, check out Write On! Creative Writing Center. With weekly writing opportunities, courses, 1:1 sessions, and FREE writing times, that are in person and online, there is something for everyone!  Write On!

“Journal writing gives us insights into who we are, who we were, and who we can become.” – Sandra Marinella

Additional quotes you might like and find inspiration from: 

The starting point of discovering who you are, your gifts, your talents, your dreams, is being comfortable with yourself. Spend time alone. Write in a journal. - Robin Sharma

“We do not write in order to be understood; we write in order to understand.” — Cecil Day-Lewis
“Journaling leads people to life changes, leaps of faith, new insights, and meaningful decisions.” — Lynda Monk

The more you write, the better writer you will become. So write and write often. - Write On!