Getting Started with Journaling

Think about this: How clear are you on your biggest convictions in life? Do you know exactly what you believe and why you believe it? Do you know what your preferences are and what your boundaries are? If you’re anything like me, it takes time to think through questions such as these. But thinking through them for just 10-15 minutes a day often proves very helpful. It’ll take time (weeks, months, and maybe even years), but a little bit of intentional journaling/thinking every day will help you track your growth in ways you may never expect. If you’re not used to journaling on a regular basis, consider trying it for two to three weeks and see what happens.

Below are some steps / questions you can walk through to ensure you’re thinking through life’s challenges in a healthy way. There are other methods as well, but consider this a starting point:

Journaling Recommendation #1: 

• • Begin with 3 positives from the day
  • After writing out 3 positives of the day, write about anything else on your mind. 
  • Oftentimes, the four questions (1) What am I sad about? (2) What am I mad about? (3) What am I anxious about? (4) What am I glad about? Are good questions to consider. 

Journaling Recommendation #2: 

• • Begin with 3 positives from the day, then focus on one or two of the following questions: 
    • • Where do my thoughts on self-worth come from? If they’re negative thoughts, what Scripture verses speak against these lies?
      • Why do I feel like I’m not good enough? What Scripture verses speak against these lies?
      • What, specifically, do I love about my spouse, kids, others – emotionally? spiritually? physically? etc.? 
      • What healthy / unhealthy thoughts did I have today? How can I replace the unhealthy ones with healthy ones tomorrow? 
      • What healthy / unhealthy behaviors did I have today? How can I replace the unhealthy ones with healthy ones tomorrow?

Journaling Recommendation #3: 

• • Begin with 3 positives from the day and then focus on one or two of the following questions: 
    • • What are the 2-3 things most getting in the way of me growing in my relationship with God? 
      • What are the 2-3 things most getting in the way of me growing in my relationship with my spouse (or kids, others)? 
      • What are the 2-3 things most getting in the way of me knowing who God has made me to be? 
      • What steps can I begin to take to overcome these barriers? And who can help keep me accountable to ensure I take these steps? 

Journaling Recommendation #4: 

• • Read Scripture and answer (1) What am I learning about the nature and character of God? (2) What have I learned over the past week (or month) about myself? 
  • Note: In my own life, I’ve written out 3-5 Biblical principles and/or Scripture verses that I regularly repeat to myself as I wrestle with my own unhealthy fears. You may likely find it helpful to do something similar.