How can we journal to make the most of the practice?

The way I do journaling is by creating a dialogue between my immediate, reactive self and a more observant self that I call ‘higher self’. It’s similar to having a wise, unbiased friend within, offering you new perspectives and insights. Journaling is my safe space for expressing myself without any judgment. It helps me to organise my thoughts, track behaviour patterns and identify what triggers me.

What are the benefits of this kind of self-dialogue?

Journaling is all about developing mindfulness, emotional intelligence and grounding yourself in the now. It helps in recognising the fleeting nature of our emotions and thoughts, understanding that we are not defined by them. Being able to write down what’s happening within feels like I am literally emptying my head. Reflecting on these writings puts me as an observer of my own thoughts, helping me gain better clarity and finding clear solutions to both my personal and professional challenges.

Are there any ways we can go wrong?

The challenge with journaling is in starting and maintaining the habit. Trust me, it can often feel laborious, and at times boring or even unproductive. My solution is to set a regular schedule, even for just a few minutes a day, to help me build a powerful routine. When I feel like I have nothing to say, I’ll still show up and write just that because this is my feeling of the moment. And like with any habit, consistency is always the key.

One Good Thing: practise ‘self-dialogue’ through journaling to clear your mind