From Chaos to Clarity: How Journaling Saved Me!

Last year was really challenging for me. I was going through a difficult time and felt unsure of how to handle it. It felt like the weight of the world was suffocating me, and unfortunately, I ended up taking out my frustrations on various people in my life, including my boyfriend, family, friends, and even myself.

I was stuck in a cycle of negative self-talk, engaging in destructive behaviors, and most importantly, bottling up my emotions. I was aware that I was lashing out at others, but I couldn't explain why I was doing it.

I felt loss. I didn't know what to do but then like divine timing, I stumbled upon journaling. I can't quite recall how I discovered it, but I know that I purchased my first journal earlier last year, and it has become an essential part of my life ever since.

For me, journaling is like taking off a tight bra when I get home. In the morning, when you first put it on (if you wear one,lol), it's not that bad. But as the day progresses, you find yourself readjusting too often, and by the time you're on your way back home, you can't wait to rip it off. You might even find yourself trying to avoid the urge to tear the bra off right then and there in the middle of a crowded train. That's how I feel about my emotions.

My day starts off fine, but then I encounter little annoyances that leave me feeling irritated. By the end of the day, I'm just over it and some days I feel defeated.

Journaling provides me with an outlet to express how those daily frustrations make me feel. After I'm done writing, I can go to sleep with peace of mind. It allows me to leave my emotions on the paper and start each day with a clean slate. Journaling has brought me a sense of peace and enables me to leave my emotional baggage at the front door.

It is also teaching me how to allow myself grace without feeling selfish and how to convey how I am feeling to those I love (including myself) better.

And remember, journaling isn't limited to pen and paper. You can explore digital journaling, such as recording a video of yourself talking through your feelings, or voice journaling by recording voice memos. The world is your oyster! Pinterest is also a great place to find prompts if you're lost on where to start.

Currently, my two favorite journals are Positive You: A Personal Growth Journal for Women by Shelah Marie and The Stuff I Hate Journal by Emily Rose.

Positive You has definitely helped me work towards becoming a more positive person, while The Stuff I Hate allows me to vent when I need to. I use both journals on a daily basis and switch between them depending on my mood.

So, whether you choose to journal on paper, in your notes app, through video, or with voice memos, remember that journaling is a highly beneficial tool that can help you lead a better life. You deserve peace of mind, and I hope you find it through journaling.

Until next time, xo. - Jaelyn <3